French Republic Human Rights Prize 2026

Applications are now open for the French Republic Human Rights Prize 2026, an international award that recognises and supports individuals and organisations working to promote and protect human rights. Established in 1988, the prize is administered by the French National Consultative Commission on Human Rights, known by its French abbreviation CNCDH.

The 2026 edition focuses specifically on protecting the right to asylum and the fundamental rights of refugees, asylum seekers and displaced persons. Applicants from any nationality can apply, and proposed projects may be implemented in France or in another country.

Five winning projects will share a total financial award of €70,000 to support implementation of their proposed initiatives. The five laureates will also receive medals and be invited to France for the official award ceremony around Human Rights Day on 10 December 2026.

About the French Republic Human Rights Prize

The French Republic Human Rights Prize was created in 1988 under the initiative of the CNCDH. It recognises actions and projects that contribute to the effective promotion and protection of human rights around the world.

The prize does not impose nationality restrictions. Individuals and organisations can submit projects carried out in France or internationally.

Every year, the CNCDH announces one or two specific themes for the prize. For 2026, the single theme concerns the protection of asylum rights and the fundamental rights of people affected by forced displacement.

The CNCDH states that the prize aims to recognise the important role of civil society in advancing human rights. A jury made up of CNCDH members selects five laureates and five additional candidates for special mentions.

2026 Prize Theme

The theme for the 2026 edition is:

Protecting the right to asylum and the fundamental rights of refugees, asylum seekers and displaced persons.

Projects should address the protection of fundamental rights for people experiencing forced displacement. This may include refugees recognised under international refugee law, people seeking asylum and people displaced within their own countries.

The 2026 call highlights the importance of effective legal protection, access to rights and the implementation of international human rights and refugee law.

Eligible Project Areas

Projects can address a range of activities connected to the 2026 theme, including:

• Public awareness and advocacy concerning asylum and refugee rights

• Legal and administrative assistance for refugees and asylum seekers

• Access to justice and protection of civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights

• Training for professionals and institutions involved in asylum and displacement

• Support for the effective integration of refugees and displaced persons

• Resettlement initiatives and restoration of rights

• Advocacy aimed at improving laws, policies or practices affecting displaced people

• Initiatives that actively involve people directly affected by displacement

Particular attention may be given to projects providing comprehensive support, using transformative or restorative approaches and ensuring meaningful participation of the people concerned.

Prize Benefits

• Five winning projects share a total grant of €70,000

• Financial support is provided for implementation of the winning projects

• Five laureates receive a medal and diploma

• Winners are invited to France for the official award ceremony

• Laureates can benefit from French diplomatic protection

• Five additional candidates receive Special Mention medals

• Special Mention recipients receive recognition but no financial award

The CNCDH states that the five laureates share the €70,000 financial allocation, while special mentions are not financially endowed.

Eligibility Criteria

• Applications may be submitted by individuals

• Non governmental organisations may apply

• Applicants can be of any nationality

• Projects may be implemented in France or another country

• The proposed initiative must address the 2026 theme

• Projects should promote or protect the fundamental rights of refugees, asylum seekers or displaced persons

• The proposed activities should follow a human rights based approach

• Applicants should demonstrate relevant actions already carried out and the project they intend to develop

• The application must include an evaluation of the project budget

Required Application Materials

Applicants should prepare a complete application file containing:

• A signed letter of application

• The completed official 2026 application form

• A presentation of the applicant or organisation and relevant activities

• A description of the proposed project

• A financial evaluation or budget for the project

• Postal details of the applicant or organisation

• Banking details, including relevant RIB or IBAN information

For organisations, the application letter must be signed by the President or legal representative. Individual applicants must sign their own application..

How to Apply

1. Review the official 2026 theme and prize rules.
2. Confirm that your organisation, initiative or project addresses the protection of asylum rights and the fundamental rights of refugees, asylum seekers or displaced persons.
3. Download the official 2026 application form from the CNCDH website.
4. Prepare a signed application letter.
5. Provide information about your previous human rights activities and proposed project.
6. Prepare a clear financial evaluation showing how the project will be implemented.
7. Include the required postal and banking information.
8. Prepare the application in French where possible.
9. Submit the complete application by 4 October 2026 at midnight GMT+1.

Applications may be submitted by post or email to the CNCDH. The official contact for information about the 2026 prize is prixdesdroitsdelhomme@cncdh.fr.