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This year the award is presented for the 15th consecutive year to recognize individuals and organizations who demonstrate exceptional courage in defending human rights, strengthening democratic participation, and seeking truth and justice for victims of conflict. Over the years, the award has become an important platform for highlighting human rights defenders and civil society actors whose work is often carried out under difficult and high-risk circumstances.
The award ceremony in Bogotá will be attended by Erik Lysén, Director of Act Church of Sweden, and Bishop Ulrica Fritzson of the Church of Sweden Diocese of Skara. In addition to participating in the ceremony, they will meet churches, human rights organizations, and peace actors that Act Church of Sweden partners with in Colombia.
“Human rights defenders play a crucial role in promoting peace, democracy, and human dignity. Through this award, we want to recognize their courage while also demonstrating that they do not stand alone,” says Erik Lysén, Director of Act Church of Sweden.
Follow the Award Ceremony Online
The award ceremony will take place on 7 September in Bogotá and will be livestreamed, beginning at 2:30 PM local time. Join online through the link below:
XV PREMIO NACIONAL DE DERECHOS HUMANOS COLOMBIA 2026 - YouTube
By following the ceremony, you will have the opportunity to meet some of the individuals and organizations working every day to advance human rights, peace, and justice in Colombia. This year’s finalists represent efforts to promote Indigenous peoples’ rights, women’s rights, environmental and climate justice, the protection of children and young people, support for victims of conflict, and the defence of land rights and natural resources. Read more on the official website - Finalistas-2026 – 15 Años Premio Nacional de Derechos Humanos (in Spanish).
A Long-Term Commitment to Peace and Human Rights in Colombia
For many years, Act Church of Sweden has worked alongside Colombian churches and civil society organizations to strengthen human rights, peacebuilding, and reconciliation. The Human Rights Prize is part of this long-term commitment and serves as a way to provide international recognition to people who continue to defend human rights and human dignity despite threats and adversity.
This work continues today through the Act Church of Sweden’s regional office in Bogotá.