The selection panel of the Václav Havel Human Rights Prize, which rewards outstanding civil society action in defence of human rights in Europe and beyond, has today announced the shortlist for the 2026 award.
Meeting in Prague, the panel - made up of independent figures from the world of human rights and chaired by Petra Bayr, the President of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) - decided to shortlist, in alphabetical order, the following three nominees:
Masih Alinejad is an Iranian‑American journalist, author and women's rights activist who has become one of the most prominent voices of the Iranian opposition in exile. She launched the "My stealthy freedom" campaign against compulsory hijab laws, which grew into a global movement supporting the "Women, life, freedom" protests. She co‑founded the World Liberty Congress and United against gender apartheid and has been recognised with multiple international awards. Her work has helped draw global attention to the repression of women and journalists in Iran, highlighting the crucial role of independent voices in defending human rights and democratic freedoms.
Márta Pardavi is a Hungarian human rights lawyer and co‑chair of the Hungarian Helsinki Committee, a leading organisation defending the rights of asylum‑seekers, refugees and other foreigners in need of international protection. She has long monitored the human rights performance of law enforcement and the judiciary and spoken out against laws which shrink the space for civil society and restrict NGO funding in Hungary. Through decades of advocacy and legal action, she has helped protect vulnerable people at Europe's borders and uphold the rule of law in the face of growing pressures.
Nasrin Sotoudeh is a leading human rights lawyer in Iran who has represented activists, journalists, minorities and children facing execution, while campaigning against compulsory hijab laws and the death penalty, despite repeated arrests, lengthy imprisonment and severe personal risk. She was again arrested in April 2026 and released on bail in May 2026, amid ongoing concerns about her safety and the broader crackdown on independent lawyers and human rights defenders. Her steadfast commitment to justice, even under harsh state repression, has made her a symbol of courage and resilience for human rights defenders and pro‑democracy movements in Iran and beyond.
Steadfastness and courage
Announcing the panel's choice, the Parliamentary Assembly President paid tribute to all human-rights defenders who, sometimes at the cost of their lives, stand firm to protect and promote fundamental freedoms and human rights. "For this 14th edition of the Václav Havel Human Rights Prize, it was especially relevant to pay tribute to the courage of people who, through their steadfast struggle to defend human rights, are living examples of the embodiment of the principles defended by President Václav Havel. In doing so, they are an inspiration for us all."
She added, "The choice this year underscores the essential role played by women human rights defenders, as well as their incredible bravery. This is all the more symbolic since 2026 marks the 90th anniversary of Václav Havel's birth. I am therefore happy that all three nominees personify the values and legacy that the prize was created to honour: principled courage, moral integrity and an exceptional commitment to defending human dignity and fundamental freedoms in the face of political pressure."
The overall winner of the 2026 Prize is due to be announced at the opening of the Parliamentrary Assembly's Autumn plenary session in Strasbourg on 28 September. The Václav Havel Human Rights Prize is awarded each year by PACE, in partnership with the Charta 77 Foundation. It consists of a sum of 60,000 euros, a trophy and a diploma.
Since its creation previous notable winners of the prize have included: Maksym Butkevych (2025), María Corina Machado (2024), Vladimir Kara-Murza (2022), and Ludmilla Alexeeva (2015).
Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe
