European Union Human Rights Prize for Brazilian CSOs

Deadline: 13-Mar-2026

The European Union Human Rights Prize in Brazil recognizes a Brazilian civil society organization advancing the right to political participation through inclusive, democratic, and innovative action. The award offers international recognition, a certificate, and a themed study visit to the European Union, with the winner announced in May 2026.

The Delegation of the European Union and EU Member State embassies in Brazil have launched the European Union Human Rights Prize to honor a Brazilian civil society organization (CSO) that demonstrates outstanding commitment to advancing the right to political participation. The prize highlights innovative, inclusive, and sustainable initiatives that strengthen democracy, voter engagement, and electoral integrity in Brazil.

Purpose of the EU Human Rights Prize

The award aims to recognize and amplify impactful civil society work that:

• Defends and promotes human rights in Brazil

• Strengthens democratic participation and inclusion

• Encourages informed, transparent, and fair political processes
  This seventh edition is launched on International Human Rights Day and aligns with the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, reinforcing the EU’s long-standing commitment to democratic values.

Key Focus Areas and Themes

Eligible projects should address one or more of the following priority areas:

Strengthening Political Participation

• Expanding access to political and electoral processes

• Removing barriers to participation for marginalized or underrepresented groups

Voter Education and Democratic Awareness

• Educating citizens on democratic rights and civic responsibilities

• Promoting informed and responsible voter participation

Inclusion and Social Representation

• Ensuring participation of all segments of society, including women, youth, Indigenous peoples, Afro-Brazilian communities, and persons with disabilities

Democratic Integrity and Transparency

• Combating disinformation and misinformation

• Defending electoral transparency and trust in democratic systems

Citizen–Institution Dialogue

• Promoting constructive engagement between citizens and public institutions

• Strengthening accountability and participatory governance

Sustainability and Replicability

• Demonstrating long-term impact and continuity beyond a single project cycle

• Showcasing best practices with innovative solutions that can be replicated in other contexts

Who Is Eligible to Apply?

To be eligible, applicants must meet all of the following criteria:

• Be a formally established Brazilian civil society organization

• Have a minimum of three years of legal existence

• Implement projects within Brazil

• Demonstrate a clear commitment to human rights and political participation

• Submit a project aligned with the prize’s focus areas
  Informal groups, individuals, or organizations without legal registration are not eligible.

Why This Prize Matters

Political participation is a cornerstone of democracy and human rights. This prize:

• Elevates successful civil society initiatives working to protect democratic values

• Encourages innovation in voter education and inclusion

• Strengthens trust in democratic institutions

• Promotes exchange between Brazilian and European human rights actors
  By spotlighting effective local solutions, the prize contributes to more inclusive, transparent, and resilient democratic systems.

Selection and Evaluation Process

Jury Composition

The winning organization is selected by a jury composed of representatives from:

• The European Union Delegation in Brazil

• The United Nations in Brazil

• European Union Member States

Evaluation Criteria

Projects are assessed based on:

• Contribution to strengthening political participation

• Effectiveness in voter education and democratic inclusion

• Protection of democratic systems and electoral integrity

• Promotion of dialogue between citizens and institutions

• Sustainability and long-term impact

• Innovation, best practices, and potential for replication

What the Winner Receives

The European Union Human Rights Prize includes:

• Public recognition at an official award ceremony in Brasília in May 2026

• An official certificate recognizing the winning project

• The right to use the EU Human Rights Prize logo in communication materials

• A themed study visit to the European Union for a CSO representative
  The EU visit will include meetings with public officials and civil society organizations working on democracy and political participation and must be completed by the end of 2026.

Tips for Strong Applications

• Clearly demonstrate how your project advances political participation

• Provide concrete evidence of impact and results

• Highlight inclusion of marginalized or underrepresented groups

• Show how activities are sustainable beyond the award period

• Emphasize innovative approaches and lessons that can be replicated

• Align project outcomes with democratic values and human rights principles

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Who can apply for the EU Human Rights Prize in Brazil?
Formally established Brazilian civil society organizations with at least three years of existence implementing projects in Brazil.
What type of projects are eligible?
Projects that strengthen political participation, voter education, democratic inclusion, electoral integrity, and citizen–institution dialogue.
Is there a cash prize?
The prize focuses on recognition, visibility, and international exchange rather than direct financial funding.
When will the winner be announced?
The award ceremony will take place in Brasília in May 2026.
What is included in the EU visit?
A themed study visit with meetings involving EU institutions and civil society actors working on related human rights and democracy issues.
Can the award logo be used publicly?
Yes, the winning CSO may use the award logo in all communication materials.
Is sustainability important in evaluation?
Yes, long-term impact and sustainability are key evaluation criteria.

Conclusion

The European Union Human Rights Prize in Brazil offers a high-profile platform to recognize civil society organizations advancing democratic participation and human rights. By honoring inclusive, innovative, and sustainable initiatives, the prize strengthens Brazil’s democratic ecosystem while fostering meaningful exchange between Brazilian and European human rights communities.

For more information, visit European Union.