The Greens’ state parliamentary group in North Rhine-Westphalia is launching its first-ever Human Rights Prize, with the prize money of €3,000 funded by the MPs themselves. A volunteer jury includes, among others, television host Bettina Böttinger (70), who has long been an advocate for human rights.
The deputy president of the state parliament, Berivan Aymaz, said that human rights are in a deep crisis worldwide. The rise of authoritarian regimes that suppress civil liberties, as well as violations of international law such as Russia’s actions in Ukraine, in the Middle East, or in Sudan, and rising attacks on queer people and women, are increasing.
Rights are defended not only from within parliaments but also daily by dedicated people on the ground, the Greens politician noted. Especially against the backdrop of a resurgence of right-wing and anti-democratic forces here at home, it is important to recognize and honor the work of these individuals. The Greens also argue that the fight for climate protection is a human rights issue, because climate change impacts people’s fundamental rights.
The prize from the Greens’ state parliamentary group will be awarded for the first time roughly around International Day of Human Rights on December 10. Individuals, initiatives, organizations, or projects from NRW can apply or be nominated until September 7.
“I was immediately really excited by the idea,” said the longtime talk-show host Bettina Böttinger. “I have genuine admiration for people who take on so much and put themselves at risk to safeguard human rights in their country and internationally.” But it’s not only about distant countries like Sudan, “we’re also talking about Europe, about our continent.”
The new NRW Greens’ Human Rights Prize is not the only honor in this field. For example, the Tonhalle Düsseldorf awards a €10,000 human rights prize. And the Gerhart Baum Foundation — named after the FDP politician who passed away in 2025 — also grants a human rights prize every two years.
“The more attention given to human rights and the actors who defend them, the better,” Aymaz said. “There’s no room for anyone to take credit away from others.” She hopes the prize funded by the MPs will become a tradition within the Green parliamentary group.
