The European Parliament has recently announced the finalists for the prestigious 2024 Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought, an award dedicated to acknowledging exceptional contributions to human rights and fundamental freedoms. This year, the finalists were selected through a secret ballot by members of the Parliament’s Foreign Affairs and Development committees, highlighting three remarkable entities.
Firstly, Dr. Gubad Ibadoghlu, an esteemed academic and anti-corruption advocate from Azerbaijan, has been recognized for his tireless efforts in promoting transparency and combating corruption within his country. His work has consistently underscored the importance of accountability and ethical governance in Azerbaijan.
Next, María Corina Machado, a prominent leader in Venezuela’s democratic movement, is also among the finalists. As a leading figure in the democratic forces and representing the interests of Venezuelans both inside and outside the country, Machado embodies resilience and dedication in the ongoing battle to restore democracy and freedom in Venezuela.
The third finalist is a collective nomination of Women Wage Peace and “Women of the Sun,” two groups from Israel and Palestine. These organizations have played a crucial role in fostering dialogue and advocating for peace across borders, demonstrating the power of grassroots movements in promoting conflict resolution and peace-building.
The selection process will advance to the next stage on October 24th, when the European Parliament’s Conference of Presidents, including President Roberta Metsola and leaders of political groups, will choose the 2024 laureate. The winner will be announced immediately following this decision during a plenary session in Strasbourg. The award ceremony, scheduled for December, includes an endowment of €50,000 for the winner.
The Sakharov Prize, named after Soviet physicist and political dissident Andrei Sakharov, is the EU’s foremost human rights award. Since its inception in 1988, it has been awarded annually to individuals or organizations that have made significant contributions to the defense of human rights and fundamental freedoms. Over the years, the prize has honored a diverse array of laureates, including Nelson Mandela, Malala Yousafzai, and the 2023 recipients, Jina Mahsa Amini and the ‘Woman, Life, Freedom’ movement in Iran.
This year’s finalists continue the tradition of recognizing those who courageously champion the causes of freedom, democracy, and human dignity, inspiring others to join the global fight for human rights.
