The campaign for the annual human rights awards “Person of the Year” 2026 begins. The “Workshop for Civil Organizations” Foundation is again among the organizations that support the campaign.
Anyone can nominate individuals, organizations and initiatives who defend human rights and democratic principles with courage, perseverance and solidarity.
For the 19th consecutive year, the Bulgarian Helsinki Committee (BHC) is collecting nominations for the annual human rights awards “Person of the Year”. The initiative distinguishes citizens, activists, organizations and informal groups who, through their actions, contribute to the promotion of human rights, the rule of law and democratic values in Bulgaria.
In 2026, the campaign places a special emphasis on efforts to preserve democracy and fundamental rights and freedoms in an increasingly unfavorable environment in Bulgaria and around the world. In Bulgaria, as in many other countries, civil society is facing increasing pressure, discrediting human rights work, spreading hate speech and attempts to limit the tools by which citizens monitor, control and participate in governance. The independence of institutions, freedom of expression and the rights of vulnerable communities are increasingly being the subject of political attacks or an instrument of populist rhetoric.
In this environment, the protection of human rights requires not only consistency but also courage. Behind every freedom defended, behind every injustice prevented and behind every positive societal change are people who have chosen to act instead of remain indifferent.
It is their efforts that wants to make the Person of the Year 2026 campaign visible. Tell their stories!
Anyone can submit a proposal. Nominate the people and organizations that over the past year have defended the rights of others, opposed discrimination, abuse of power and injustice, worked for the independence of institutions, for freedom of speech, for the rights of vulnerable communities, for the protection of animals and for nature conservation.
This year, the special award “Defender of the Rights of the Child”, which was established last year, will be supported by UNICEF – Bulgaria.
Nominations are accepted through the online form of the https://humanoftheyear.org/nominiraite/ or by mail at the address: Sofia 1504, ul. “Varbitsa” No 7, for the BHC.
The awardees will be selected by an independent jury including human rights defenders, civil society activists and public figures. The awards will be presented on International Human Rights Day, 10 December.
The awards have no financial value. Their purpose is to give public recognition to civic courage, solidarity and perseverance, as well as to encourage people and organizations that work for a fairer and more democratic society. The eligibility criteria for nominations and the rules for awarding the awards are published on the official website of the campaign.
Since its establishment in 2008, the “Person of the Year” has established itself as a platform for public recognition of human rights activities. Over the years, the initiative has given visibility to hundreds of civic causes and has distinguished individuals and organizations whose work changes public attitudes, legislation and the lives of people in Bulgaria.
All nominees and winners in previous years can be found on humanoftheyear.org. Galleries with photos from the ceremonies and additional information are also available on the initiative’s Facebook page.