MEPs and political groups unveiled their nominations for the 2023 Sakharov Prize on Wednesday. The Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought is the European Union's highest honor recognizing
outstanding contributions to human rights. To be nominated, each candidate must garner support from at least 40 MEPs, with each Member able to endorse only one nominee.
The following nine nominations are in contention for the 2023 Sakharov Prize:
Jina Mahsa Amini and the Women of Iran, nominated by the European People’s Party (EPP).
The Fight for Women’s Rights in Iran, including Zhina Mahsa Amini and the Woman, Life, Freedom Movement, nominated by the Socialists and Democrats (S&D).
Mahsa Amini and the Woman, Life, Freedom Movement, Iran, nominated by Renew Europe (Renew).
Afghan Education Activists: Marzia Amiri, Parasto Hakim, and Matiullah Wesa, Afghanistan, nominated by 59 MEPs.
Pro-European People of Georgia and Nino Lomjaria, former Public Defender of Georgia, nominated by the European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR).
Elon Musk, United States, nominated by Identity and Democracy (ID).
Vanessa Nakate, climate activist, Uganda, nominated by Greens/European Free Alliance (Greens/EFA).
Vilma Núñez de Escorcia and Monsignor Rolando José Álvarez Lagos, Nicaragua, nominated by 43 MEPs.
Women Advocating for Free, Safe, and Legal Abortion: Justyna Wydrzyńska - Poland, Morena Herrera - El Salvador, and Colleen McNichols - United States, nominated by The Left.
Background and Upcoming Steps:
Each year in September, MEPs and political groups propose candidates for the Sakharov Prize. Nominated candidates are subjected to an evaluation process that includes a joint meeting of the Committee on Foreign Affairs, the Subcommittee on Human Rights (DROI), and the Committee on Development. Following this, a shortlist of three finalists is determined through a vote by the Foreign Affairs and Development committees. The final decision rests with the Conference of Presidents, comprising EP President Metsola and political group leaders.
The winner of the Sakharov Prize will be announced in October, with the award ceremony scheduled during the December plenary session in Strasbourg. Photo by GUE/NGL, Wikimedia commons.