Deadline: April 30, 2026
The Václav Havel Human Rights Prize 2026 is a prestigious international award that recognises exceptional civil society action in the defence and promotion of human rights. Established in honour of Václav Havel — renowned playwright, political dissident and former President of the Czech Republic — the Prize celebrates individuals and organisations who have shown outstanding courage, innovation and impact in advancing human dignity.
The Václav Havel Human Rights Prize 2026 continues this legacy by spotlighting human rights defenders whose work brings meaningful change, often in the face of serious personal risk.
Overview of the Prize
The Prize is awarded annually by the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE), in partnership with the Václav Havel Library and the Charta 77 Foundation. Since its establishment in 2013, the award has honoured human rights champions from Europe and around the world whose work strengthens democracy, justice and fundamental freedoms.
Prize Value and Benefits
Recipients of the Václav Havel Human Rights Prize receive:
- €60,000 monetary award
- An official trophy
- A diploma recognising their contribution to human rights
The Prize is formally presented during a high-level ceremony held as part of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe’s Autumn Session in Strasbourg, France.
Important Dates
- Call for nominations opens: 15 January 2026
- Application deadline: 30 April 2026
- Award ceremony: October 2026 (Strasbourg, France)
Applicants and nominators are strongly encouraged to submit well ahead of the deadline.
Who Is Eligible?
The Prize is open to:
- Individuals actively engaged in the defence of human rights, or
- Non‑governmental organisations and institutions with a proven record of impactful human rights work.
Eligible nominees must demonstrate significant achievements such as:
- Improving human rights conditions
- Exposing systemic or large-scale human rights violations
- Mobilising national or international public opinion in support of human rights causes
Ineligibility
- Current members of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe
- Deceased persons
Nomination Requirements
- Each nomination must be supported and signed by at least five sponsors.
- Applications must be completed using the official nomination form.
- Submissions are accepted only in English or French.
- Completed applications must be submitted via email to the official Prize secretariat.
Incomplete or late submissions may not be considered.
Why the Václav Havel Human Rights Prize Matters
The Prize honours Václav Havel’s enduring belief in the power of truth, civic responsibility and moral leadership. It recognises human rights defenders who challenge injustice, hold power to account and inspire global solidarity — often under extremely difficult circumstances.
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