On a rainy day in Badajoz, Spain, more than a thousand individuals participated in a silent march to commemorate Belén Cortés, a 35-year-old social educator murdered on March 9 under circumstances involving three minors aged 14 to 17. The march began at Plaza de España, organized by a coalition of professional associations and trade unions from Extremadura, with the slogan "Belén somos todos.

¡Basta ya!" ("Belén is all of us.

Enough already!").

Participants expressed their condemnation of Cortés’s murder and called for solutions to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Demands from marchers included enhanced security within the juvenile reform system and recognition of the violence that social educators may face in their line of work.

Organizers emphasized the need for social educators to be supported by their peers rather than being left to operate in isolation, especially given previous knowledge of prior violent incidents involving the minors in question.

Inés María Solomando, Secretary General of the Professional Association of Social Educators of Extremadura, stated that the silent nature of the march was intended to emphasize their message of respect for Cortés. She highlighted the essential need for improved security measures and a serious acknowledgment from higher authorities regarding the risks faced by professionals in the social sector.

Solomando noted that the lack of oversight in facilities housing juveniles under judicial measures represents a significant concern.

Following a meeting with the health and social services counselor of the Extremadura regional government, plans were announced to establish a technical committee to address the identified shortcomings in the support and protection of professionals in the field.

María Victoria Rodríguez, President of the Professional Association of Social Educators of Extremadura, remarked that Cortés’s death is indicative of broader systemic issues in the region and beyond, stating that warnings about conditions have been raised not only in Extremadura but also across other regions.

Rodríguez called for a comprehensive national assessment of the situation faced by social professionals, advocating for solutions that address the diverse characteristics and challenges present in different territories.

She noted that timely conversation with the Extremadura government had begun, although she acknowledged the need for such discussions to have occurred much earlier.

Among the participants were fellow professionals from the social work sector, including Jesús Díaz, who advocated for greater recognition of social intervention as an authority figure.

He emphasized that many in the field experience vulnerability, burnout, and the pressures associated with high-risk situations.

Other participants echoed similar sentiments, highlighting a persistent climate of insecurity and the need for political commitment toward better working conditions in the sector.

The march concluded with a return to Plaza de España, where a manifesto was read, and a minute of silence was observed in honor of Cortés. Organizers stressed that the demonstration was intended to be peaceful, devoid of flags or logos, focusing solely on the day’s message of remembrance and advocacy for change.

The event was supported by a wide array of organizations, including various professional colleges and unions dedicated to social support and family care.