Sakharov Prize facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Sakharov Prizefor Freedom and Thought |
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The 2025 Sakharov Prize diploma awarded to Andrzej Poczobut from Belarus and Mzia Amaglobeli representing the Georgian pro-democracy protest movement.
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| Presented by | European Parliament | |||
| Reward | A diploma and a monetary award of €50,000 | |||
| First awarded | December 1988 | |||
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The Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought, often called the Sakharov Prize, is an important international honor. It celebrates brave people and groups who stand up for human rights. It also honors those who protect freedom of thought.
The prize was created in December 1988 by the European Parliament. It is named after Andrei Sakharov, a famous scientist and peace campaigner from the Soviet Union. Winners receive a special certificate called a diploma. They also get a prize of 50,000 euros to support their helpful work.
Contents
How Does the Sakharov Prize Work?
Every year, leaders in Europe look for inspiring heroes from all around the globe. Many people speak up for others even when facing great danger.
Choosing the Winners
The process begins when members of the Committee on Foreign Affairs and the Committee on Development write a list of nominees. Next, these lawmakers choose three top finalists in September. Finally, the top leaders of the parliament pick the winners in October.
The Big Award Ceremony
The award is presented each year in December. It takes place in a grand curved room called a hemicycle in Strasbourg, France. Lawmakers gather there to cheer for the winners and listen to their speeches.
Famous Winners of the Prize
Many famous leaders and brave citizens have won this special honor over the decades. The prize can go to a single person, a partnership, or even an entire team.
The Very First Laureates
The first award in 1988 was shared by two men. One winner was Nelson Mandela, who spent many years fighting for fairness and equality in South Africa. The other was Anatoly Marchenko, a courageous writer from the Soviet Union.
Courageous Women Leaders
Many remarkable women have received this award for their bravery. In 1990, Aung San Suu Kyi won the award for supporting democracy. Schoolgirl Malala Yousafzai won in 2013 after speaking up for girls who wanted to go to school. In 2016, Nadia Murad and Lamiya Haji Bashar from Iraq were honored for helping their communities survive hard times. In 2024, María Corina Machado from Venezuela earned the prize for leading peaceful efforts for fair elections.
Double Award Champions
Several heroes who earned the Sakharov Prize later received the worldwide Nobel Peace Prize. These celebrated heroes include Nelson Mandela, Aung San Suu Kyi, and Malala Yousafzai. Other champions who won both honors include doctor Denis Mukwege, campaigner Nadia Murad, and the human rights group Memorial.
Standing Up for Human Rights
Sometimes, whole communities receive the award for standing together peacefully.
Groups Working Together
Entire organizations can win the prize too. In 1992, a brave group of mothers called the Mothers of the Plaza de Mayo won for seeking truth in Argentina. In 2004, the Belarusian Association of Journalists won for sharing news honestly. In 2022, the award honored The Ukrainian people, represented by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and community leaders.
Protecting Freedom Everywhere
Winners come from countries all around the world, including China, Cuba, Iran, Sudan, and Georgia. In 2026, the prize was awarded to the International Criminal Court, based in the Netherlands, for its international legal work. Today, the prize continues to shine a bright light on heroes everywhere.
See also
In Spanish: Premio Sájarov para niños
- Nobel Peace Prize
- Gandhi Peace Prize
