Call for Nominations: Human Rights Recognition Awards 2026
Recognizing courage, resilience and action in times of crisis
The Geneva Centre for Human Rights Advancement and Global Dialogue is pleased to announce the opening of nominations for the Human Rights Recognition Awards (HRRA) 2026.
This year’s awards will recognize individuals, institutions, organizations, communities and networks working to protect human rights and human dignity in situations of armed conflict.
Across many regions, affected populations face violence, displacement and the loss of access to health care, education, livelihoods and other fundamental rights. At the same time, individuals and institutions continue to defend human rights, document violations, support victims and strengthen conflict-affected communities, often under difficult and dangerous conditions.
The HRRA 2026 includes four award categories:
1.Award for the Protection of Human Rights in Armed Conflict
For individuals, non-governmental organizations, other organizations or networks whose work protects and defends the human rights, dignity and safety of people affected by armed conflict, occupation or insecurity.
Relevant work may include advocacy, community-based initiatives, monitoring, prevention and direct support to people at risk.
2. Award for Documentation, Justice and Accountability
For individuals or institutions documenting human rights violations, promoting accountability mechanisms or supporting transitional justice processes.
Relevant work may include evidence collection, legal advocacy, victim representation, truth-seeking and efforts to combat impunity.
3. Award for Human Dignity and Resilience in Conflict-Affected Communities
For individuals or groups promoting the resilience and dignity of communities affected by armed conflict, occupation or displacement.
Relevant work may include psychosocial support, education, livelihood recovery, community reconciliation, cultural identity and social cohesion.
4. Humanitarian Response Award, Honorary Category
For an individual, entity or coordinated national or humanitarian effort that has demonstrated outstanding leadership and effectiveness in delivering large-scale emergency relief during a humanitarian crisis.
This category recognises sustained life-saving action in areas such as health care, food security, water and sanitation, shelter and logistical coordination, carried out in cooperation with local or international actors.
The first three categories carry a prize of CHF 1,000 each. The Humanitarian Response Award is an honorary, non-monetary category.
Who can submit a nomination?
Any individual or organization may submit a nomination, including a self-nomination. There are no geographic limitations to nominations.
Each submission should include:
- A statement describing the nominee’s achievements of no more than two pages.
- Supporting evidence.
- At least two references.
The Geneva Centre will assess eligible nominations according to:
- The clarity and quality of the submission.
- The nominee’s demonstrated impact.
- Courage and resilience in difficult circumstances.
- Relevance to the selected award category.
Award recipients will be recognized during an online ceremony on 10 December 2026, marking Human Rights Day.
Download the Concept Note here.
Nomination deadline: 23 November 2026
Submit a nomination: Human Rights Recognition Awards 2026 - Nomination Form – Fill out form
The Geneva Centre invites civil society organizations, human rights practitioners, humanitarian actors, academic institutions, community groups and members of the public to nominate individuals and institutions whose work merits international recognition.