Joint press release by Germany and France

10 December 2025

As the world marks Human Rights Day, Germany and France are honouring this year’s 14 winners of the Franco-German Prize for Human Rights and the Rule of Law. The Foreign Ministers of both countries, Johann Wadephul and Jean-Noël Barrot, are thereby highlighting their joint commitment to human rights, which form the bedrock of freedom and the rule of law around the world.

The prizewinners are exemplary human rights defenders who work to protect human rights and strengthen rule-of-law principles – often under the most difficult circumstances. They are active, among other things, in NGOs, as legal advisors, as journalists and in faith communities. Through their efforts, they give a voice to those who would otherwise often go unheard. They are committed to defending civil liberties that have come under threat, promoting the rule of law and political and social participation, as well as protecting people from authoritarianism and despotism. In so doing, many of them risk their own freedom and often even their lives – as the world is witnessing a rise in authoritarianism that is putting human rights and democratic structures under pressure. Frequently, prize winners have been, and continue to be, subjected to state and transnational repression.

This year’s prizewinners include:

• Ms Sumaya Islam (Bangladesh)
• Ms Kristina Ljevak Bajramović (Bosnia and Herzegovina)
• Ms Andréia Coutinho (Brazil)
• Ms Nelly Godelive Mbang Mbangu (Democratic Republic of the Congo)
• Ms Lela Tsiskarishvili (Georgia)
• Mr Ismael Moreno Coto, known as Padre Melo (Honduras)
• Ms Dwi Rubiyanti Kholifah (Indonesia)
• Ms Yanar Mohammed (Iraq)
• Ms Fathiya Ali Abdo Maamari (Yemen)
• Mr Pirbhu Satyani (Pakistan)
• Ms Laura Miti (Zambia)
• Ms Maja Stojanović (Serbia)
• Mr Farid Al-Madhan, psydonym: “Caesar” (Syria)

To ensure their safety, not all prizewinners’ names can be published.

Background information: Since 2016, Germany and France have marked every Human Rights Day by honouring individuals who have demonstrated exceptional courage and commitment by upholding human rights. The Franco-German Prize for Human Rights and the Rule of Law pays tribute to civil society’s indispensable role when it comes to protecting human dignity, freedom and justice around the world.