The OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities has officially announced the opening of applications for the Max van der Stoel Award 2026 — a prestigious international prize recognizing outstanding achievements in promoting and protecting the rights of national minorities and strengthening peace and stability across the OSCE region. The award, amounting to €50,000, is granted to organizations, public institutions, research centers, and individuals who have made significant contributions to improving the situation of national minorities. The deadline for nominations is 15 March 2026, and the award ceremony will take place in The Hague in autumn 2026. OSCE High Commissioner Christoph Kamp emphasized that issues affecting national minorities are often overlooked despite their critical role in peace and security: “This award allows us to highlight the importance of these issues and recognize organizations and individuals whose work on the ground genuinely improves the rights and living conditions of national minorities.” Nominations can be submitted directly to the Office of the OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities: 📩 by email: mvds@hcnm.org 🌐 through the official online platform: https://maxvanderstoelaward.com The Human Rights Platform “DAYANÇ” stresses that such international mechanisms are especially vital for countries where independent civil society is suppressed and minority communities face systematic human rights violations. In Turkmenistan, where human rights defenders, journalists, and community activists are subjected to pressure and repression, international recognition and support remain one of the few avenues to bring global attention to these realities. Protecting the rights of national minorities is not only a matter of human dignity but also a cornerstone of long-term peace, stability, and social justice.
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