Václav Havel Human Rights Prize 2026

🌍 About PACE Václav Havel Human Rights Prize

The Václav Havel Human Rights Prize, established in 2013, aims to reward outstanding civil society action in defending human rights in Europe and beyond. Candidates should meet one or more of the following criteria:

• Made a real difference to the human rights situation of a given group.
• Been instrumental in uncovering large-scale systemic violations.
• Successfully mobilized public opinion or the international community for a particular cause.

🎁 Benefits of the Prize

• Award Amount: €60,000
• Additional Recognition: A trophy and a diploma
• Award Ceremony: October 2026 in Strasbourg

✅ Eligibility Criteria

• Who Can Be Nominated:
  • Individuals or non-governmental institutions active in the defense of human rights.
• Who Cannot Be Nominated:
  • Current members of the Parliamentary Assembly.
  • Deceased individuals.

📅 Application Date and Process

• Submission Requirements:
  • Nominations must be signed by at least five sponsors.
  • Submissions should be made in English or French.
  • Use the official nomination form available here.
• Submission Method:
  • Send nominations via email to hrprize.pace@coe.int.

🗓️ Application Deadline

• Deadline: 30 April, 2026

🔗 Additional Information

• View detailed information about the prize here.
• Apply using the nomination form here.

For further inquiries, contact hrprize.pace@coe.int.

• The Prize, which will be awarded in October 2026 in Strasbourg, consists of a sum of €60,000, a trophy and a diploma.