Honoring a Diplomat of the People: Tucson Bids Farewell to Consul Rafael Barceló Durazo

After five years of distinguished service, Tucson bids a heartfelt farewell to Rafael Barceló Durazo, Consul of Mexico in Tucson, whose tenure since August 2020 has left an enduring mark on the binational community. As he prepares to embark on the next chapter of his diplomatic career, we reflect not only on his achievements but also on the deep connections he fostered between Tucson and Mexico.

 

It is fitting that, in recognition of his extraordinary service, the Tucson-Mexico Sister Cities Association presented Consul Barceló with the inaugural 2025 Citizen Diplomacy Award—a new honor created to celebrate outstanding individuals whose leadership and vision embody the organization’s mission of promoting international solidarity, cultural appreciation, and people-to-people diplomacy.

 

The Citizen Diplomacy Award was established to recognize those who, through sustained commitment, advance the cultural, educational, social, and economic development of Tucson and its sister cities in Guadalajara, Mazatlán, Ciudad Obregón, and Puerto Peñasco. Recipients are leaders who build lasting channels of cross-border communication, create opportunities for citizen exchange, collaborate with civic and nonprofit partners, and champion goodwill through initiatives that improve quality of life in both nations.

 

Consul Barceló’s career as a diplomat and advocate for human rights is distinguished and far-reaching. Before his arrival in Tucson, he served as Deputy Director General for International Policy on Human Rights at Mexico’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, representing the nation in multilateral migration and refugee forums and at both the Universal and Inter-American Human Rights systems. His previous postings in Brazil and Costa Rica—where he worked closely with the Inter-American Court of Human Rights—further honed his reputation as a principled and effective diplomat.

 

In Tucson, that same dedication flourished at the local level. Consul Barceló became a steadfast ally in advancing cultural celebration, educational exchange, and civic engagement between our communities. His leadership during challenging times, his advocacy for the Mexican community, and his commitment to inclusive diplomacy exemplify the very ideals the Citizen Diplomacy Award seeks to honor. As the award’s dedication notes, he has “elevated the spirit of citizen diplomacy and strengthened the ties that unite our communities across borders”.

 

By inaugurating this award with Consul Barceló as its first recipient, Tucson-Mexico Sister Cities has set a high standard for future honorees. It is a symbolic and practical reminder that diplomacy is not confined to formal negotiations—it lives in the shared projects, cultural exchanges, and human connections that bridge nations.

As Tucson says goodbye to Consul Rafael Barceló Durazo, we do so with deep gratitude for his vision, service, and friendship. His legacy will remain woven into the fabric of our binational community, and his example will continue to inspire those who believe, as he does, that the most enduring diplomacy begins with the people.