Each year, Liberal International presents the Prize for Freedom to an individual who has made an outstanding contribution to the advancement and promotion of human rights and political freedoms. Recipients from across the world have fought on issues ranging from women’s empowerment to establishing democracy.
With the Prize for Freedom, Liberal International honours an individual of liberal conviction who has demonstrated exceptional courage and dedication in defending freedom and human rights. The Prize stands as one of the highest recognitions for those who persevere in promoting liberal values, often at great personal risk.
On behalf of the President of Liberal International, Prof. Karl-Heinz Paqué, and LI Human Rights Committee Chairperson, Baroness Sal Brinton, the call for nominations for the LI Prize for Freedom 2025 is now open.
Liberal International proudly commemorates past laureates, including Lord John Alderdice, Raif Badawi, Ilham Tohti, Senator Leila de Lima, María Corina Machado, Royal Highness Prince Zeid Ra’ad al-Hussein, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and Vladimir Kara-Murza.
Any Liberal International full-member organisation may nominate a candidate, provided they are not from their own ranks. Nominees must be well-known figures of liberal conviction who:
Champion liberal values—promoting freedom of conscience, human rights, democracy, the rule of law, and peace.
Drive significant change in their country or region.
Face political persecution, where the award could offer recognition and a degree of protection.
Past recipients have shown both courage and conviction, often enduring persecution, imprisonment, or threats for their commitment to freedom. Others have inspired global movements through writing, legal work, or activism.
For each nomination, a letter from the nominating organisation, along with a short biography and CV of the nominee, must be submitted. The nominee must have confirmed their willingness to accept the award in person, where possible. LI member party leaders are not eligible, except in extraordinary circumstances, as the Prize seeks to support those without political protection.
The LI Bureau will review nominations, draft a shortlist, and present it to the Executive Committee for final approval. The Prize is awarded at an LI statutory event, where possible.
Please send your nomination to mariam@liberal-international.org by Friday, 16 May 2025.
For any questions, please contact Mariam Ghibradze, Human Rights Programme Officer at mariam@liberal-international.org.
