Sakharov Prize facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Sakharov Prize for Freedom and Thought
The 2023 Sakharov Prize diploma awarded to Mahsa Jina Amini and the Woman, Life, Freedom movement in Iran.
Presented by	European Parliament
Reward	A diploma and a monetary award of €50,000
First awarded	December 1988; 36 years ago (1988-12)
Currently held by Andrzej Poczobut Mzia Amaglobeli and Georgia's pro-democracy protest movement

The Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought, often called the Sakharov Prize, is a special award. It honors people or groups who have bravely worked to protect human rights and the idea of freedom of thought. This means they stand up for everyone's right to think, believe, and express themselves freely. The prize is named after Andrei Sakharov, a famous Russian scientist and activist. The European Parliament started this award in December 1988.

Each year, the European Parliament chooses nominees for the prize. Members of Parliament from committees focused on foreign affairs and development help select a smaller list. Then, the Parliament's leaders make the final decision. The winner is announced in late October. A ceremony takes place in December in Strasbourg, where the winner receives a diploma and €50,000.

The first Sakharov Prize was given in 1988 to Nelson Mandela from South Africa and Anatoly Marchenko from Russia. In 1990, Aung San Suu Kyi won, but she could not receive her award until 2013 because of political challenges in her country. The prize also recognizes organizations, like the Argentine Mothers of the Plaza de Mayo in 1992. Many Sakharov laureates have also won the Nobel Peace Prize, including Aung San Suu Kyi, Nelson Mandela, Malala Yousafzai, Denis Mukwege, Nadia Murad, Memorial, and María Corina Machado.

Some winners have faced difficult situations because of their work. For example, Razan Zaitouneh (2011) went missing in 2013. Nasrin Sotoudeh (2012) and Jafar Panahi (2012) have faced restrictions on their freedom in Iran. As of 2025, the prize has been awarded to 53 recipients, including individuals and organizations.

What is the Sakharov Prize?

The Sakharov Prize is the highest honor given by the European Parliament. It celebrates people who fight for human rights and freedom of thought around the world. These brave individuals and groups work to make sure everyone can speak their mind and live freely. The prize helps shine a light on their important efforts.

How are Winners Chosen?

Every year, members of the European Parliament suggest people or groups for the prize. These nominees are usually activists, journalists, or lawyers. They are people who have shown great courage in defending human rights. A special committee then creates a shorter list of candidates. Finally, the leaders of the European Parliament choose the winner. The award ceremony is a big event held in December.

Who are Some Famous Winners?

Over the years, many inspiring people and groups have received the Sakharov Prize. They come from all corners of the globe. Each winner has a unique story of standing up for what is right.

Early Heroes of Freedom

In 1988, the very first prize went to two remarkable individuals. Nelson Mandela from South Africa was honored for his long fight against unfair treatment. Anatoly Marchenko from Russia was recognized for speaking out against injustice. In 1990, Aung San Suu Kyi from Myanmar won for her peaceful efforts for democracy. She received her award much later due to her situation. The Mothers of the Plaza de Mayo from Argentina, a group of mothers searching for their missing children, won in 1992. Their courage showed the power of collective action.

Recent Champions of Rights

More recently, the prize has continued to honor those making a difference. In 2013, Malala Yousafzai from Pakistan received the award for her brave work for girls' education. She later also won the Nobel Peace Prize. In 2016, Nadia Murad and Lamiya Haji Bashar from Iraq were honored for speaking out against terrible violence. In 2021, Alexei Navalny from Russia was recognized for his fight against corruption. In 2022, the prize went to the Ukrainian people for their resilience and defense of their country. In 2023, Mahsa Jina Amini and the Woman, Life, Freedom movement in Iran were honored for their fight for women's rights. The 2024 prize recognized María Corina Machado and Edmundo González from Venezuela for their work for democracy. For 2025, the laureates are Andrzej Poczobut from Belarus and Mzia Amaglobeli and Georgia's pro-democracy protest movement for their efforts in promoting freedom.

See also

In Spanish: Premio Sájarov para niños

• Nobel Peace Prize
• Gandhi Peace Prize