A group of internationally recognized human rights defenders and humanitarian leaders has nominated Armenian philanthropist Ruben Vardanyan for the 2026 Václav Havel Human Rights Prize.
In a joint statement, the nominators said the decision recognizes Vardanyan’s longstanding contributions to global humanitarian and human rights efforts through the Aurora Humanitarian Initiative, which he co-founded alongside Noubar Afeyan and the late Vartan Gregorian.
The group noted that the Aurora Prize has enabled humanitarian workers around the world to continue life-saving efforts in conflict zones and vulnerable communities.
The statement also highlighted Vardanyan’s decision to move to Artsakh during a period of humanitarian crisis, describing him as “a pacifist by nature and conviction” who sought dialogue and mutual understanding in an increasingly tense and fragile environment.
According to the nominators, Vardanyan’s work embodies the values associated with Czech statesman and former dissident Václav Havel, after whom the prize is named.
The statement further condemned Vardanyan’s imprisonment in Azerbaijan, calling the charges against him fabricated. According to the group, he was sentenced by an Azerbaijani military court to 20 years in prison and remains detained in Baku alongside other former officials and public figures from Artsakh.
“We believe that awarding Ruben Vardanyan the 2026 Václav Havel Human Rights Prize would be a fitting tribute to Ruben’s exceptional efforts and a vital step toward securing his release,” the statement said.
The nomination was submitted by an international group of activists and humanitarian figures, including Vahan Zanoyan, Marguerite Barankitse, Tom Catena, Julienne Lusenge, and Mirza Dinnayi.
