The Václav Havel Human Rights Prize 2026 is an international award recognizing exceptional civil society efforts in the defense of human rights globally. Established in 2013 by the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) in partnership with the Václav Havel Library and the Charta 77 Foundation, the prize rewards individuals or non-governmental institutions that have achieved significant impact in uncovering systemic violations or mobilizing international support. The award package includes €60,000, a trophy, and a diploma, to be presented in Strasbourg in October 2026. Candidates must be nominated by at least five sponsors using the official PACE form by the deadline of April 30, 2026.
PACE Václav Havel Human Rights Prize 2026 Summary Table
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Host Country | France (Award Ceremony) |
| Study Abroad | International Engagement (Global Opportunity) |
| Category | Human Rights Prizes & Grants |
| Eligible Countries | Global Eligibility (All Countries) |
| Reward | €60,000, Trophy, and Diploma |
| Key Criteria | Outstanding civil society action in human rights |
| Application Deadline | April 30th, 2026 |
Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) Václav Havel Human Rights Prize 2026
The Václav Havel Human Rights Prize represents a major international commitment to honoring the legacy of Václav Havel and his dedication to human rights and civil society. This annual award serves as a beacon of support for those who risk their safety to defend the fundamental freedoms of others across Europe and the wider world.
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Through this funding and recognition, the Council of Europe aims to empower activists and non-governmental organizations to continue their vital work. The prize highlights the essential role that individuals and civil society play in uncovering systemic violations and holding institutions accountable to the highest standards of international law.
Scholarship Details
The Václav Havel Prize is open to nominations for individuals and non-governmental institutions worldwide. Its core philosophy is to reward actions that have made a “real difference” to the human rights situation of a given group or successfully mobilized the international community. The program is specifically designed to recognize those who are instrumental in uncovering large-scale systemic violations.
The prize is administered by the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) in partnership with the Václav Havel Library and the Charta 77 Foundation. It is a prestigious global recognition that does not require the nominee to be a resident of Europe, emphasizing its global scope and universal commitment to human dignity.
Benefits of the PACE Václav Havel Human Rights Prize 2026
The recognition provided by the Václav Havel Prize follows a tiered system of rewards and visibility for the winners and finalists.
Tier 1: The Main Human Rights Prize (Up to €60,000)
- The primary winner receives a cash award of €60,000. This prestigious award is presented alongside a commemorative trophy and an official diploma during a formal ceremony at the Council of Europe in Strasbourg.
Tier 2: International Mobilization & Advocacy Recognition
- Shortlisted candidates receive secondary recognition that serves to mobilize public opinion for their specific cause. This tier offers winners and finalists a significant international platform to address the international community.
Tier 3: Institutional Validation & Network Support
- This award tier provides the recipient with the formal backing of PACE, the Václav Havel Library, and the Charta 77 Foundation. This validation is granted based on the successful demonstration of outstanding academic and practical civil society action.
Eligibility Requirements for the PACE Václav Havel Human Rights Prize 2026
- Academic/Leadership: Nominees must demonstrate outstanding leadership in civil society action and a record of defending human rights through practical engagement or systematic research.
- Study Status: This is open to both individual human rights defenders and organized non-governmental institutions (NGOs) active in the field of human rights.
- Visa/Status: While the award is global, winners must be able to engage with the international community. Current members of the Parliamentary Assembly are ineligible.
- Program Admission: Deceased individuals are not eligible for nomination. All nominations must be supported and signed by at least five independent sponsors.
How to Apply for the PACE Václav Havel Human Rights Prize 2026 (Step by Step)
- Apply for Program: Download and complete the official nomination form from the PACE website, ensuring the candidate’s achievements are clearly documented.
- Automatic Evaluation: All submitted nominations are reviewed for technical compliance, ensuring they are submitted in either English or French.
- Eligibility Assessment: A selection panel, comprising experts in human rights, assesses the impact of the nominee’s work on systemic violations and group situations.
- Notification of Award: The winner is announced and notified ahead of the official award ceremony held in Strasbourg in October 2026.
Application Deadline: April 30th, 2026
CLICK HERE TO APPLY
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the value of the Václav Havel Human Rights Prize?
The prize consists of a sum of €60,000, an official trophy, and a diploma.
2. Who is eligible to be nominated for the prize?
Individuals or non-governmental institutions active in the defense of human rights can be nominated.
3. Can I nominate myself for this prize?
While the text requires at least five sponsors, usually, nominations are submitted on behalf of a candidate by external parties.
4. Is this award limited to European citizens?
No, the prize is a global opportunity rewarding action in Europe and beyond.
5. What are the language requirements for the application?
Nominations must be submitted in either English or French.
6. When will the 2026 award be presented?
The prize will be awarded in October 2026 during a ceremony in Strasbourg, France.
7. Who are the partners of the Council of Europe for this prize?
The prize is organized in partnership with the Václav Havel Library and the Charta 77 Foundation.
8. Are deceased individuals eligible for the prize?
No, deceased individuals are specifically excluded from eligibility.
9. How many sponsors are required for a valid nomination?
A nomination must be signed and supported by at least five different sponsors.
10. Where should the nomination form be sent?
Nominations should be sent by e-mail to the address: hrprize.pace@coe.int.
