The Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced the 6th annual “Stella Soulioti” Human Rights Award and the opening of the nomination process on Friday, 30 October 2026, for the submission of nominations or proposals for 2026.
Anyone interested may either nominate themselves or put forward other individuals, groups, or organisations for the Award, by completing the appropriate form.
According to a press release issued by the Ministry, the award, established by a decision of the Council of Ministers following a proposal by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, will be presented in December 2026 (exact date will be announced at a later stage), on the International Human Rights Day (which is annually celebrated on 10th December). It will be awarded to individuals/groups/organisations, which have consistently demonstrated outstanding work and activity, in a field or fields directly related to the promotion and protection of human rights.
Nominations or proposals may be submitted by or on behalf of individuals or groups of individuals legally residing in Cyprus, as well as by or on behalf of Non-Governmental Organizations that are registered and active in the Republic of Cyprus. Government authorities are not eligible for nomination and may not take part in the process. In addition, serving government officials and/or high-level public officials are excluded from nominating individuals, groups, or organisations for the Award.
In accordance with the relevant decision of the Council of Ministers, the evaluation of nominations/ proposals and the selection of the award recipient will be made by a five-member Evaluation Committee comprising of the Minister of Foreign Affairs (Chairman), the Minister of Justice and Public Order, the Commissioner for Administration and Protection of Human Rights (Ombudsman), as well by two distinguished individuals with recognized experience in the promotion and protection of human rights.
The award is accompanied by a prize of pound 10,000, which is intended to support the activities of the winning person/group/Organization in the field of protection and promotion of human rights in Cyprus.
Application or nomination forms may be completed electronically and sent to humanrights@mfa.gov.cy or via post to “The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Presidential Palace Avenue, 1447 Nicosia”, with the envelope clearly marked on the outside with the indication “Human Rights Award”.
For more information or clarification, interested parties may call on (+357) 22651235 or send an e-mail to humanrights@mfa.gov.cy.
The deadline for receipt of nominations/proposals expires on Friday, 27 November 2026, at 16:00 (Cyprus time zone).