Lantos Foundation Announces 2025 Activist Artist Scholarship Winners

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Media Contact:

Chelsea Hedquist

press@lantosfoundation.org

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Lantos Foundation Announces 2025 Activist Artist Scholarship Winners

Four New Hampshire High School Seniors Receive $15,000 in Scholarship Funds

CONCORD (April 28, 2025) — The Lantos Foundation for Human Rights & Justice today announced the winners of its annual Activist Artist Scholarship competition, which encourages students to explore how art influences the human rights movement. The two first-place awards went to Tess Sumner of Newfound Regional High School and Paige Makechnie of Proctor Academy. Each will receive a $5,000 scholarship to be paid to the college or university they plan to attend in the fall. Alexia Prodanis of Manchester Central High School and Lucia Bonafede of Exeter High School received the second-place awards, which are accompanied by a $2,500 scholarship for each.

 As in previous years, the 2025 competition once again offered applicants the chance to submit to two distinct categories: In the original art category, applicants have the option to submit their own original piece of activist art, along with a “museum plaque” describing their work; the essay category challenges applicants to examine the influence of a particular “Activist Artist” and show how that artist used their medium to inform and inspire during their lifetime or beyond. This year’s submissions focused on a range of human rights issues, including abuses by authoritarian governments, women’s rights, censorship in Hong Kong, conflicts around the world, and more.   

Sumner won first-place in the original art category for her poem “Article by Article.” Inspired by the articles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the poem highlights how the basic rights of women in Afghanistan, Iran, and Pakistan have been stripped away and violated. In the essay category, Makechnie’s winning essay examined the work of artist and activist Jackie Sumell, which draws attention to the injustices and inhumanity of mass incarceration and solitary confinement.

Prodanis was recognized with the second-place award for her original artwork, which offers a powerful commentary on the war in Ukraine and the way conflicts can quickly fade from the public’s attention. Bonafede was selected as the runner-up in the essay category for her examination of the impact of artist Shepard Fairey’s iconic “We the People” posters.

Lukas Doescher of Fall Mountain Regional High School was recognized as an honorable mention for his original song, titled “Freedom.”

Dr. Katrina Lantos Swett, President of the Lantos Foundation, congratulated the four scholarship winners and said, “I am continually impressed by the talent of the students who submit essays and artwork to this competition, as well as by their grasp of human rights struggles around the world. This year, I was particularly proud to see one of our first-place awardees incorporate the Universal Declaration of Human Rights directly into her original composition. It gives me a sense of hope for the future knowing that the rising generation has a strong sense of the vital importance of promoting and defending the fundamental rights inherent to all human beings. We hope the scholarships will allow these talented students to elevate their skills and ideas as they continue their education, and I imagine that we may one day see them at the forefront of the human rights movement.”

Funding for the scholarships is generously provided through a grant from Bank of New Hampshire. “We are proud to support the Lantos Foundation’s Activist Artist Scholarship, which not only celebrates artistic talent, but also inspires students to use their voices – and their creativity – to advocate for a more just and compassionate world,” added Robert Magan, SVP – Senior Wealth Management Officer. “We congratulate these students on this wonderful accomplishment and are honored to assist them in their pursuit of higher education.”

The winners were selected by a panel of judges from the New Hampshire arts and education communities, and beyond, with a diverse range of experience and perspectives. This year’s judges included: New Hampshire artist and gallery owner Pam Tarbell, Lantos Foundation Board of Trustees Treasurer Ambassador Richard Swett, retired Lantos Foundation staff member Jill Hadaway, Bank of New Hampshire’s Bob Magan, digital media specialist Isaac Campbell, Miranda Augustine of the NH Municipal Association, Lantos Foundation President Dr. Katrina Lantos Swett, and Tufts University student and former Lantos Foundation intern Leyla Mandel.

Following graduation, the scholarship winners will continue their studies at a range of colleges and universities, including Keene State College, Brigham Young University (BYU), Harvard University, and others. The scholarship recipients will be honored at a reception hosted by Bank of New Hampshire on May 7 at 6:00pm. Members of the press who wish to attend the event should RSVP to press@lantosfoundation.org.  

The Activist Artist Scholarship program falls within the Lantos Foundation’s “Global Citizenship” area of work. The Foundation recognizes the powerful, yet often overlooked, role that artists play in the human rights movement. Through the Activist Artist Scholarship and other programs, including the Front Line Fund grant program, the Foundation seeks to encourage, support and elevate the work of artists who use their mediums to advocate for important causes.

To learn more about the Foundation’s Activist Artist work and to stay updated on future awards, visit: https://www.lantosfoundation.org/activist-artist   

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About the Lantos Foundation for Human Rights & Justice: The Lantos Foundation was established in 2008 to carry forward the legacy of Congressman Tom Lantos, the only Holocaust survivor ever elected to the U.S. Congress and a leading human rights champion. Based in Concord, NH, the Foundation works with a range of partners and often in cooperation with the U.S. Government on issues that span the globe. The Foundation’s key areas of focus include human rights issues related to religious freedom, rule of law, internet freedom and activist art. The Foundation also administers the Lantos Congressional Fellows Program, supports human rights advocates, activists and artists through its Front Line Fund grant program, and awards the annual Lantos Human Rights Prize to honor and bring attention to heroes of the human rights movement. Past recipients of the Prize include His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Professor Elie Wiesel, Iraqi Parliamentarian Vian Dakhil, “Hotel Rwanda” hero Paul Rusesabagina, Hong Kong Democracy activist Joshua Wong, NBA athlete turned activist Enes Kanter Freedom, among others.

Meet the Fellows – Adna Softic

Photo by Babette Rittmeyer

Adna Softic -- Adna is a Geneva-based Bosnia-Herzegovinian national who is currently pursuing her Master’s Degree in International Relations and Political Science. Adna has been deeply involved in post-conflict Balkan work through a number of European institutions and has a growing professional focus on gender issues. Adna speaks seven languages and is an American political enthusiast.

City/Country of origin: Bosnia and Herzegovina

Languages Spoken: Bosnian, English, German

University degree(s) and any honors received: Geneva Graduate Institute (IHEID), Geneva, Switzerland – Master’s Degree in International Relations and Political Science (IRPS)*Graduating soon; The Hague University of Applied Sciences, The Hague, Netherlands – Erasmus+ Exchange in European Studies; Sarajevo School of Science and Technology and The University of Buckingham, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina – Dual Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science and International Relations (Minor: Diplomacy and International Law).

Awards & Scholarships: First-Class Honours, SSST University Scholarship (merit based), The Certificate of Outstanding Academic Achievement

Top Professional Experiences/Achievements:

1.      Before arriving in DC, I had the privilege of working with the Peace Dividend Initiative in Geneva, a humanitarian organization focused on supporting economic actors in post-conflict and conflict areas. The organization’s mission to provide sustainable income opportunities for people, while centering their voices and needs, was particularly inspiring. Often, economic development is assumed to occur organically after peace negotiations, but history has shown that these positive developments require deliberate and sustained support.

2.      In Sarajevo, I worked with the Post-Conflict Research Center, an organization I had long admired for its work in transitional justice and human rights. I worked on issues related to the Bosnian War alongside an incredible all-women team from six different countries. I learned about my country’s history and culture and gained invaluable lessons from my colleagues who had come to Bosnia to contribute to the effort for justice and reconciliation. Their dedication and cross-border collaboration set an example that I continue to follow in my work.

3.      Another transformative experience was my advocacy work with Humanity in Action, where I focused on the implementation of UN Resolution 1325 in Bosnia. This project cemented my commitment to women’s rights as I learned about the challenges faced by women survivors of war in Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as the important roles women play as peace builders.

4.      Lastly, one of my most memorable professional experiences was presenting a human rights advocacy paper at the European Youth Parliament in Brussels as part of my Civil Rights Defenders work. This project brought together young human rights activists from various countries, addressing issues such as LGBTQI+ rights in Serbia, media freedom in Montenegro, and education reform in Albania. My case focused on genocide denial and glorification of war criminals with a special focus on post-war education institutions. It was an incredible opportunity to engage with fellow activists and even meet with Members of the European Parliament, some of whom later visited Bosnia and Herzegovina to engage with government officials.

What unique experiences and perspectives do you hope to bring to the congressional office where you are working?

As a young person from Bosnia and Herzegovina, I think I bring a perspective that is often absent from many conversations which take place in D.C. Growing up in a country shaped by the aftermath of war has given me some insights on what it takes to build sustainable, impactful human rights policies. The challenges and successes I’ve witnessed offer valuable lessons, not just for my country, but for addressing similar issues in other parts of the world.

I started my NGO work in high school, organizing workshops on the European Union even though my country was not a member state. That experience pushed me to reflect on the similarities and differences between young people in Bosnia and other parts of Europe. It also sometimes made me question my own identity within a continent where borders often seem insignificant, yet Bosnia remains on the outside looking in. Rather than feeling lost, this helped me figure out what kind of world I want to see for myself and others.

At the same time, having lived outside my home country, I’ve also developed a multicultural perspective that focuses on building connections. Wherever I go, I’m always looking for things in common with other people; a way to build and promote a common language. This mindset is definitely something I will carry with me into the office.

What is your dream job? How do you think being a Lantos Fellow will help you on your career path?

I hope to continue working at the intersection of gender, peace, and security through policy reform to gain practical experience, but I can also see myself pursuing a PhD in the nearer future. I especially find sanctions fascinating as a foreign policy tool; they often stand, as one scholar put it, “between statements and soldiers.” What interests me is how these coercive measures, while aimed at broader political goals, often have unintended and unanticipated consequences on women, as well as how women adapt to the resulting economic and social conditions. Ultimately, I want my work in women’s rights to be built on solidarity among women, not just through bonding over our shared strengths and resources, but also by recognizing that some women face far greater challenges than others.

Being a Lantos Fellow allows me to meet people from so many different backgrounds and experiences, while being in the heart of Congress gives me the chance to witness how human rights issues are handled at the highest level. I’m excited to learn how to manage pushback, engage different stakeholders, and craft responses to ongoing and emerging challenges affecting women. However, what makes this fellowship truly stand out is that it extends beyond Congress since we also get the chance to interact with other D.C.-based human rights advocates. This combination of practical experience and exposure to a broad network of changemakers will prepare me to address gender-based issues on a larger scale in my future work.

If you could have dinner with any human rights figure (living or deceased), who would it be? What would you talk about or what would you ask them?

Last year, I had the opportunity to meet Cynthia Enloe after the release of her book, Twelve Feminist Lessons of War. Cynthia truly has a magnetic presence; her way with words, her curiosity about the world, and her commitment to women’s rights are nothing short of remarkable.

During the lecture I attended, she shared an insightful story about a conversation she had with a taxi driver who mentioned an upcoming environmentally friendly regulation affecting taxis. The driver pointed out that many women might lose their jobs because they can’t afford to upgrade to the eco-friendly vehicles, as women, more often than men, worked part-time due to other responsibilities such as caregiving. Intrigued, I researched whether gender considerations were factored into the development of this policy, such as providing support for these working women, but could not find much. It was a good reminder of why we need gender-curious people in every area of policymaking.

That’s precisely where Enloe’s genius shines. She has shown us that while our hearts may be in the right place and we may achieve much-needed progress, we must also ask ourselves who remains in the shadows and who is struggling to keep up. For decades, she has made us see the women who shape our daily lives: the taxi drivers, domestic workers, diplomats’ wives, women caring for wounded family members in war zones, and those exploited in industries like banana plantations. Her work calls on us to remember our responsibility to these women; the women who keep the world running.

After the lecture, I had a brief chance to speak with her. As my friend and I were leaving, she called after us, saying, “Go make trouble!” I’ll never forget that moment. It just captured her spirit perfectly. And who could ever say no to the chance of having dinner with her? I’d love to ask her about her writing process, stories she hasn’t yet had the chance to tell but still burns to explore, how she navigates the tension between optimism and frustration, and her thoughts on new technologies. And, of course, I’d ask if she’s a fan of the Wiser Than Me with Julia Louis-Dreyfus podcast. Because everyone should be!

If this will be your first time living in DC/the United States, what are you most excited about?

The elections! DC is truly a political nerd’s dream come true. The whole atmosphere here is charged with the spirit of democracy, and it’s incredible to experience this firsthand. It’s one of the few places where you can find almost every bar and restaurant hosting presidential and VP debate watch parties and local burger joints offering election-themed meals. At the same time, I know how important this moment is, not just for the U.S., but people globally. Human rights are on the ballot. I’ve also been excited to learn more about Congressional elections, which don’t always get as much coverage in international media but are just as important to the democratic process.

I’m also looking forward to securing tickets for late-night comedy shows like Last Week Tonight and The Daily Show, attending some women’s sports games, exploring different coffee spots, and just enjoying the everyday experience of being surrounded by an incredible community.

What will you miss the most from your native country while you are living in America?

What I’ll miss the most are my family and friends, but also the feeling of being deeply connected to a place where everything feels familiar. Even though I’ve spent the last two years in Switzerland, which exposed me to some of the most wonderful and important people in my life, Bosnia and Herzegovina will always be special to me.

I’ll miss Bosnian food, which is comfort and culture in every bite. And of course, I’ll miss the beautiful Baščaršija in Sarajevo. My favorite spot in the world is a little tea shop called Franz und Sophie. It’s this wonderful corner of Sarajevo where you can hear the most incredible variety of languages, yet somehow, it feels like everyone speaks the same one. From neighbors and students to local artists, tourists, and foreign diplomats, it’s a space that brings together every demographic. It’s also how I see my country: not just as what it could be, but as what it has always been – a place of connection, diversity, and unity.

Lastly, I’ll miss Bosnian humor. There’s something about the fact that we find something to laugh about even on the most difficult days. It’s that kind of humor that I know will be hard to find elsewhere.

Tom Lantos always believed that human rights should transcend partisan politics. Do you believe this is still possible, even in a political climate with such deep partisan divisions? If so, how do you believe we can bring people together over key human rights issues?

My short answer is yes, it’s still possible for human rights to transcend partisan divides. Partisan divisions are not a new phenomenon, and history has shown that, despite political differences, there are successful examples of coming together on key humanitarian issues, especially in response to humanitarian crises. These examples are sometimes overlooked by the media, but they remind us that progress is possible when we frame human rights as universal concerns.

That said, we must also acknowledge that these conversations are becoming more difficult, both in the U.S. and globally. With the changing political climate, it sometimes feels like we are fighting to preserve basic human rights rather than expanding the conversation to address emerging issues and broader populations. One way we can bring people together on human rights is by making it clear that these are not political battles; they are about preserving human dignity. Moreover, we need to realize that when the rights of one group are violated, it threatens the integrity of human rights for everyone. Just because a particular issue may not affect us personally, it doesn’t mean we can ignore it because those who prioritize political gains over human rights will not stop at targeting one demographic. We must show solidarity, particularly with the most marginalized, and push for a more inclusive approach to human rights protections.

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Named after Tom Lantos, who initially arrived in the United States on a scholarship and later became a professor, the Lantos Congressional Fellows program honors his deep-seated belief in the power of education and the value of life-long learning.

Lantos Fellows are carefully chosen from a select group of post-college and post-graduate level students from Europe and Israel. Through fellowships hosted by U.S. congressional offices, they have the opportunity to work in the United States and gain a better understanding of the role of human rights in American politics and the legislative process.

More than 100 fellows have participated in the program from countries including Belgium, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Israel, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Scotland, Sweden, Turkey and the United Kingdom. Nearly 50 congressional offices have hosted Lantos Fellows, and the program is fully bipartisan – both Republican and Democratic offices host Lantos Fellows.

Meet the Fellows – Claudia Zygmunt

Photo by Babette Rittmeyer

Claudia Zygmunt – Claudia is a native of Poland who holds both law and international human rights degrees.  She has over five years of progressive experience at the international level in monitoring and reporting human rights violations – most recently holding a position with Human Rights Watch as a research and advocacy consultant on women’s & LGBT rights in addition to working at the British Embassy in Warsaw as a human rights officer.  She has lived and traveled extensively in SE Asia.   

City/Country of origin: Rome, Italy/Krosno, Poland 

Languages spoken: English, Polish, Italian 

University degree(s) and any honors received: Central European University in Vienna, Austria – LL.M in Human Rights (Valedictorian, Excellence Student Award for the highest GPA 3.96/4.0, graduated with distinction), Jagiellonian University in Krakow, Poland - Master of Law (four-times scholarship recipient for Best Students Award, graduated with honors), Student exchange at Tel Aviv University, Israel - International law (Erasmus+ Program), CEU-Leiden Praesidium Libertatis Scholarship to study at Leiden University, the Netherlands – Advanced LL.M. International and European Human Rights.

Top Professional Experiences/Achievements

1. In 2021, I launched and led the nationwide female empowerment initiative "16 Leaders of Equality" in Poland. The project recognizes and supports female change-makers from Poland's sixteen regions, paying particular attention to women in rural and small-town areas. The initiative concluded its third edition in March. My work on this project, combined with my broader efforts on gender equality, earned me a spot on Forbes Women Poland's list of 23 Women to Watch in 2023.

2. As a research consultant at Human Rights Watch, I conducted in-depth research on women's rights violations and the erosion of the rule of law in Poland. My findings were used to advocate for the liberalization of Poland's restrictive abortion laws and to push for greater protections for LGBT+ individuals. 

3. While working as a program coordinator at the humanitarian mission in Ukraine, I oversaw the implementation of several projects supporting the conflict-affected population in Donbass. These initiatives provided essential aid to mine victims, particularly children, and to internally displaced persons who lost their homes due to Russia's military actions.

4. At the British Embassy, I was responsible for the logistics and protocol associated with high-level political visits to Poland. This role allowed me to work closely on visits from notable figures such as Prince William, UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, and Foreign Secretary David Cameron.

5. I was recently selected to join the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) Pool of Young Experts – a group of young professionals from the OSCE member states whose expertise can contribute to the OSCE’s work across the three dimensions of security and accelerate the OSCE Youth and Security Agenda in the region.

What motivated you to apply for the Lantos Fellows Program?

Inspired by Congressman Lantos' life story and his dedication to the region I was raised in, I believe that the Lantos Fellowship provides me with an enormous chance to improve and grow as a human rights defender and channel my knowledge and experience toward a positive change in the world while learning from the best. 

What unique experiences and perspectives do you hope to bring to the congressional office where you will be working?

I aim to contribute to the congressional office with my background in human rights, rule of law, and foreign affairs in Central and Eastern Europe, including Ukraine. I will bring a European perspective, offering insights into various political issues through a social justice lens. 

If you could have dinner with any human rights figure (living or deceased), who would it be? What would you talk about or what would you ask them?

I would love to meet with Gloria Steinem, whose pioneering work in women's rights has been a profound inspiration to me and many others. I would ask Gloria whether she envisioned becoming a leader of second-wave feminism at my age and seek her advice on how young women’s rights defenders can navigate their path and make a meaningful impact

If this will be your first time living in DC/the United States, what are you most excited about?

I am excited to be in Washington, DC, during the historic presidential election in November. I’ve already had the opportunity to attend one of DC’s Debate Watch Parties, which made me feel like a part of the country's crucial political development. 

Tom Lantos always believed that human rights should transcend partisan politics. Do you believe this is still possible, even in a political climate with such deep partisan divisions? If so, how do you believe we can bring people together over key human rights issues?

I firmly believe that bipartisan consensus on human rights is both possible and essential. Often, societies are more progressive than their political leaders. We should invest in educating younger generations about the importance of human rights, embracing diversity, and standing up for the vulnerable, which will contribute to building more inclusive and forward-thinking communities. 

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Named after Tom Lantos, who initially arrived in the United States on a scholarship and later became a professor, the Lantos Congressional Fellows program honors his deep-seated belief in the power of education and the value of life-long learning.

Lantos Fellows are carefully chosen from a select group of post-college and post-graduate level students from Europe and Israel. Through fellowships hosted by U.S. congressional offices, they have the opportunity to work in the United States and gain a better understanding of the role of human rights in American politics and the legislative process.

More than 100 fellows have participated in the program from countries including Belgium, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Israel, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Scotland, Sweden, Turkey and the United Kingdom. Nearly 50 congressional offices have hosted Lantos Fellows, and the program is fully bipartisan – both Republican and Democratic offices host Lantos Fellows.

Statement: Marking One Year Since the October 7 Massacre

Today, Lantos Foundation President Katrina Lantos Swett released the following statement, reflecting on the sober anniversary of the tragic events of October 7 in Israel:

Today we mark the one-year anniversary of the October 7 massacre, which saw the largest loss of Jewish life since the dark days of the Nazis’ Holocaust. Since that dark day, Israel has had to fight for its life on multiple fronts while over 100 hostages – Israeli, American and other nationalities, both dead and alive – remain in the murderous hands of Hamas. Jews around the world, including in the United States, have experienced the ominous and open rise of antisemitism. Meanwhile, heartbreaking numbers of civilians have paid for the war started by Hamas with death, displacement and destruction.

It would be easy to feel despair in the face of such great sorrow. Yet, on this sad anniversary, I find myself reflecting on an uplifting occasion 10 years ago when the Lantos Foundation awarded its highest honor, the Lantos Human Rights Prize, to Shimon Peres, a founding father, former Prime Minister and President of Israel, and winner of the Nobel Peace Prize. On that happy occasion, Shimon Peres told the gathered audience, which included then-Vice President Joe Biden, that in Israel, if you wanted to be a realist, you had to believe in miracles. President Peres reminded us of the many miracles that had attended the re-establishment of the Jewish homeland after two millennia, its triumph over unimaginable odds in war, and its building of a vibrant, prosperous, modern democracy under the most improbable of conditions.

At this dark and threatening time, we must be reminded that miracles can still happen in the land of Israel. The miracle that we all now seek is an enduring peace for the Jewish people in their ancient and modern homeland. We also seek the miracle of a neighborhood in which Israel is acknowledged and accepted by its neighbors and in which all nations in the region can prosper together in peace. Finally, we seek the miracle of a just solution to the legitimate aspirations of the Palestinian people. President Peres once said, “My biggest mistake was that my dreams were too small.” On this solemn anniversary, let us heed the words of a wise man of peace. Let us dream and work for miracles in the Middle East.

Statement: Make a Deal and Bring the Hostages Home

The following statement has been released by Annette Lantos, wife of the late Congressman Tom Lantos and Chair Emerita of the Lantos Foundation; Katrina Lantos Swett, President of the Lantos Foundation; and Annette Lantos Tillemann-Dick, Chair of the Lantos Foundation Advisory Board:

One year ago, on October 7, 2023, Hamas terrorists took 250 innocent people from nations across the globe hostage in a brutal attack. Today, 101 remain captive in Gaza, enduring unimaginable suffering without basic necessities like food, water or medicine. 

Every day since has been agonizing for the hostages and their families. This is a humanitarian crisis, not a political one. We felt hope when a deal in November brought 100 hostages home. Now, it’s time to act again. 

The Lantos Foundation, in keeping with its mission standing up for human rights and justice, calls upon the international community to make a deal and bring the remaining hostages home alive immediately. For babies, young children, women, the elderly, and Holocaust survivors, it has been 365 days too many. It’s time to bring them home, before it’s too late.

Russian Human Rights Advocate Evgenia Kara-Murza and Leader of Belarusian Democracy Movement Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya Receive 2024 Lantos Human Rights Prize

Washington, DC, September 27, 2024 – The Lantos Foundation for Human Rights & Justice has awarded the 2024 Lantos Human Rights Prize, its highest honor, to President-elect Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, Head of the United Transitional Cabinet of Belarus, and Evgenia Kara-Murza, human rights activist, Advocacy Director of the Free Russia Foundation, and wife of former political prisoner Vladimir Kara-Murza. The pair of extraordinary women received the award at a ceremony held at the U.S. Institute of Peace in Washington, DC, attended by Members of Congress, representatives from the diplomatic community, and human rights activists.  

The ceremony marked the sixteenth year the Lantos Foundation has awarded the Lantos Human Rights Prize. It is given to a human rights champion, or champions, each year to help draw attention to human rights violations around the world and to encourage governments to make human rights a priority on equal footing with other policy decisions. 

Ms. Kara-Murza was introduced by her husband, who was released last month in a groundbreaking prisoner exchange with Russia. He said, “I don’t know how she was able to do it – travel the world to address international organizations, meet with government leaders and parliamentarians, speak with countless journalists, be the voice, not just for me, but for all the political prisoners in Russia who are deprived of their own voices – and how she did it with such grace, eloquence, and dignity.” 

In her acceptance speech, Ms. Kara-Murza decried the oppression faced by Russians living under Vladimir Putin’s regime, saying, “Deprived of the right to free and fair elections, freedom of speech, association, and assembly, people have no way of peacefully and safely voicing their opinion about the regime and its crimes. And yet, despite it all, many people continue to take a stand.” She went on to list, by name, lawyers, journalists, activists, and those who have paid the ultimate price and lost their lives amid unjust imprisonment, including Alexei Navalny. “These people were faced with evil and chose to make a stand,” she said. “It is to all of them, to their moral courage and their resilience, that I want to dedicate the Lantos Prize.” 

Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi, Lantos Foundation President Dr. Katrina Lantos Swett, and Lantos Foundation Advisory Board Chair Annette Lantos Tillemann-Dick applaud the 2024 Lantos Prize recipients, Evgenia Kara-Murza and Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya.

Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, who independent election monitors have confirmed was the rightful winner of the 2020 presidential election in Belarus, was introduced by Speaker of the House Emerita Nancy Pelosi. In her introductory remarks, Pelosi noted the many dignitaries and luminaries who have spoken at the U.S. Institute of Peace over the years. “None of them surpass the courage, determination, and effectiveness of the two women we honor today,” she said. “It is with great pride, and great emotion as well, that I have the honor to introduce the President – I call her Madame President – of Belarus.”  

President-elect Tsikhanouskaya, whose husband remains imprisoned, addressed Vladimir Kara-Murza, saying “Your release is a beacon of hope. It shows that no matter how dark the days may seem, freedom is never beyond reach.” She went on to say, “Today I accept this Prize, of course not for myself. This is the Prize for those heroes who continue to fight: for our journalists who were forced into exile and those behind bars; for our fearless women; for our human rights defenders; for my husband Siarhei, who remains incommunicado for more than 500 days serving his 19-year sentence…The Belarusian people will never stop fighting for the freedom we dream of, and no repression and no threat will stop us.” 

She also implored the United States to stand firm against dictators like Putin and Alyaksandr Lukashenka, saying, “Many nations around the world look at you as the leader in the fight for democracy and human rights. So don’t stop standing for what is right. Don’t stop your support for Ukraine and Belarus. It is our common fight for freedom.” 

The ceremony also featured remarks from Thor Halvorssen, Founder and President of the Human Rights Foundation, Annette Lantos Tillemann-Dick, Chair of the Lantos Foundation Advisory Board, and Tomicah Tillemann, Lantos Foundation Board Member, as well as a violin solo titled “Against Despair.” The piece, composed by a high school senior who participated in the Lantos Foundation’s Activist Artist Scholarship program, was dedicated to all those suffering under Putin’s regime. 

Dr. Katrina Lantos Swett, President of the Lantos Foundation, noted that the Lantos Prize ceremony was honoring a love story – the Prize recipients’ love of their husbands and of their countries. She said, “Each of these women turned their love for their partner, and their pain and anger at the injustice they were subjected to, toward a larger purpose and goal…Love that is, in the words of the writer Antoine de St. Exupéry, ‘gazing in the right direction’ can embolden us and encourage us to fight for the causes, for the countries, and for the people we care about. When we fight, let us do so in the spirit of these two brave women.” 

Past Lantos Prize laureates include His Holiness the Dalai Lama, the late Professor Elie Wiesel, real-life hero of the film Hotel Rwanda Paul Rusesabagina, founder of the global Magnitsky movement Bill Browder, co-founder of the Afghan National Women’s Soccer Team Khalida Popal, renowned human rights lawyer Irwin Cotler – among other notable figures (see a full list of laureates here).  

For more information about the ceremony, including photos and video, please contact press@lantosfoundation.org.

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About the Lantos Foundation for Human Rights & Justice: The Lantos Foundation was established in 2008 to carry forward the legacy of Congressman Tom Lantos, the only Holocaust survivor ever elected to the U.S. Congress and a leading human rights champion. The Foundation works with a range of partners and often in cooperation with the U.S. Government on issues that span the globe. The Foundation’s key areas of focus include human rights issues related to religious freedom, rule of law, internet freedom and activist art. The Foundation also administers the Lantos Congressional Fellows Program, supports human rights advocates, activists and artists through its Front Line Fund grant program, and awards the annual Lantos Human Rights Prize to honor and bring attention to heroes of the human rights movement.

Lantos Foundation to Honor Belarusian President-elect Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya and Russian Human Rights Activist Evgenia Kara-Murza with 2024 Lantos Human Rights Prize

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media contact:

Chelsea Hedquist

press@lantosfoundation.org

August 14, 2024 – The Lantos Foundation for Human Rights & Justice today announced that it will award the 2024 Lantos Human Rights Prize to a pair of extraordinary women who have been beacons of courage and determination in the fight against tyranny and autocracy in the former Soviet Union region: President-elect Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, Head of the United Transitional Cabinet of Belarus, and Evgenia Kara-Murza, human rights activist, Advocacy Director of the Free Russia Foundation, and wife of unjustly imprisoned Russian opposition leader Vladimir Kara-Murza, who was released in a major prisoner exchange earlier this month.

“It is a tremendous honor to receive the Lantos Human Rights Prize alongside an inspiring leader and freedom fighter, President-elect Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya,” said Ms. Kara-Murza. “I see this high distinction as a very humbling recognition of my advocacy efforts but, most importantly, as a beautiful and heartwarming gesture of solidarity with those of my compatriots who are bravely speaking out against the crimes committed by Vladimir Putin’s regime despite obvious risks to their own freedom and very often their lives. I am grateful to the Lantos Foundation for recognizing their struggle and standing with them, and against tyranny and repression.”

“I am deeply honored to receive the Lantos Human Rights Prize alongside a woman I greatly respect, Evgenia Kara-Murza,” said President-elect Tsikhanouskaya. “This award not only recognizes my efforts but also celebrates the indomitable spirit of the Belarusian people. Joining the ranks of distinguished laureates makes me both proud and humble. I am grateful to the Lantos Foundation for acknowledging our struggle for freedom, democracy, and human rights in the face of tyranny and imperial aggression. Receiving this Prize gives me renewed hope and strength to continue fighting for the values we share with our fellow Europeans and with all freedom-loving people of the world.”

This will mark the 16th annual awarding of the Lantos Prize, with former laureates including His Holiness the Dalai Lama, the late Professor Elie Wiesel, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, Uyghur activist Rebiya Kadeer, Yezidi parliamentarian Vian Dakhil, Hong Kong democracy movement leader Joshua Wong, founder of the Global Magnitsky Justice Campaign Bill Browder, and renowned human rights lawyer Irwin Cotler – among other notable figures. The 2024 recipients will be honored at a ceremony on September 26 in Washington, DC.

President-elect Tsikhanouskaya and Ms. Kara-Murza share a similar path to the advocacy and human rights leadership that has earned them this distinction. Ms. Tsikhanouskaya became a candidate for president in Belarus in 2020 after her husband, Syarehi Tsikhanouski – who had declared himself a presidential candidate – was arrested at the direction of Belarusian leader Aleksandr Lukashenka, along with most other opposition figures in the country. When Ms. Tsikhanouskaya was unable to file on her husband’s behalf for the election, she made the decision to enter the race herself, running against Lukashenka on a platform of constitutional reform and freeing political prisoners. Though she called herself “an accidental candidate” and said she was running for office only out of love for her husband, her candidacy resonated with and inspired her fellow Belarusians. Lukashenka claimed victory in that year’s election, but independent observers and election monitors agreed that, had the vote been free and fair, Ms. Tsikhanouskaya would have won the presidency. Instead of assuming her rightful place as president, she was forced to flee Belarus and now leads a government-in-exile from Lithuania. Her husband remains imprisoned, serving an 18-year sentence.

Ms. Kara-Murza spent many years working behind the scenes as a translator and interpreter for pro-democracy NGOs, while her husband Vladimir became one of the boldest and most eloquent critics of the Putin regime. He was also a driving force behind the adoption of the Global Magnitsky Act, which has been replicated in dozens of countries around the world and serves as one of the best accountability tools for human rights abusers. Vladimir was arrested in Moscow in April 2022 after publicly criticizing Putin for his brutal and murderous assault on Ukraine. He was sentenced to 25 years, which until his release he was serving in a Siberian penal colony, though his failing health had seen him recently transferred to a prison hospital. Vladimir suffers from a neurological condition caused by two near fatal poisonings, which independent journalistic investigations have linked to the FSB, Russia’s primary security agency.

For more than two years following Vladimir’s arrest, Ms. Kara-Murza has assumed a prominent advocacy role – not only on behalf of her husband and other Russian political prisoners, but as an advocate for human rights accountability and democratic change in Russia. Her advocacy work has taken her around the world, and she has addressed legislative bodies and heads of state in dozens of countries. She serves as Advocacy Director for the Free Russia Foundation, a pro-democracy and anti-war Russian civil society organization, and President of the 30 October Foundation that provides financial support to families of political prisoners in Russia. She and her children live in exile in the United States, where Vladimir will now reunite with his family. Although Ms. Kara-Murza has joyfully celebrated her husband’s freedom, she has also made clear that her advocacy on behalf of political prisoners, Ukrainian prisoners of war and civilian hostages will continue, as will her fight to hold dictators like Putin and Lukashenka accountable for their numerous crimes.

“It is an incredible honor for the Lantos Foundation to bestow the Lantos Human Rights Prize on these two women,” said Dr. Katrina Lantos Swett, President of the Lantos Foundation. “Although they did not seek out the role of prominent human rights defenders, when called upon to step into the arena, they did so with determination and grace. These courageous women have been willing to lead, despite the immense dangers and personal risk, and have become among the most respected individuals standing in principled opposition to the rule of despots like Putin and Lukashenka. They are carrying forward their husbands’ fight for freedom, justice, and democracy. In addition to honoring these women, the Lantos Prize gives us an opportunity to celebrate Vladimir’s freedom and to shine a bright light on the continued unjust imprisonment of Syarehi Tsikhanouski and the many political prisoners who remain behind bars.”

The 2024 Lantos Prize will be conferred at an invitation only ceremony in DC. More details about the ceremony will be forthcoming for members of the media. The Lantos Human Rights Prize has been awarded annually since 2009 (see a full list of laureates here). It is given to a human rights champion or champions each year to help draw attention to human rights violations around the world and to encourage governments to make human rights a priority in foreign policy decisions. The Lantos Prize is named for Congressman Tom Lantos, who co-founded the Congressional Human Rights Caucus – which was reconstituted as the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission following his passing. Lantos, who experienced both communism and fascism first-hand during his youth in Hungary, was an early critic of Vladimir Putin and prescient in his warnings that Putin would lead Russia away from democracy.

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About the Lantos Foundation for Human Rights & Justice: The Lantos Foundation was established in 2008 to carry forward the legacy of Congressman Tom Lantos, the only Holocaust survivor ever elected to the U.S. Congress and a leading human rights champion. The Foundation works with a range of partners and often in cooperation with the U.S. Government on issues that span the globe. The Foundation’s key areas of focus include human rights issues related to religious freedom, rule of law, internet freedom and activist art. The Foundation also administers the Lantos Congressional Fellows Program, supports human rights advocates, activists and artists through its Front Line Fund grant program, and awards the annual Lantos Human Rights Prize to honor and bring attention to heroes of the human rights movement. Learn more at www.lantosfoundation.org.

Statement on Prisoner Swap Between U.S., Russia, Other Nations

We are elated today at the news that numerous American political prisoners, and nationals from other western allies, have been released from Russia in a major multi-country prisoner swap. In particular, we celebrate the release of three wrongly imprisoned Americans: Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty journalist Alsu Kurmasheva, and former U.S. Marine Paul Whelan. But we are especially thrilled to learn that our friend and human rights hero Vladimir Kara-Murza has been granted his freedom. For more than two years, we have been privileged to stand alongside his wife Evgenia, as well as government leaders and human rights advocates, calling for his release. There are no words to fully express our joy at knowing this courageous, principled man will once again walk free. We send Vladimir, and all released prisoners and their families, our heartfelt congratulations and wishes for a safe return home.

In the human rights movement, there are many dark days when the cause of freedom and justice seems nearly hopeless. But today is not such a day. Today we truly rejoice and, even more importantly, we keep hope alive for a better, more just and democratic future for Russia.

New Episode of The Keeper - Episode 26 : Sports & Rights Season – Sportswashing

In this episode of our Sports & Rights season, we take an in-depth look at a topic we touched on in the first episode – sportswashing. We speak to journalists, human rights advocates, and academics to help unpack what this term means and why it matters. We also delve into some of the most successful examples of sportswashing, ranging from ancient Egypt right up to the present day. We examine the impact of sportswashing and raise some important questions about who bears responsibility for standing up to the authoritarian regimes that seek to use sports as a form of soft power.  

Read more: 

Human Rights Foundation: Celebrities & Dictators 

A History of Sports and Dictators (by Karim Zidan, via Human Rights Foundation) 

It is time to change how we talk about Saudi sports (by Karim Zidan, via Sports Politika) 

Sport & Rights Alliance 

Producers: Chelsea Hedquist, Brittany Smith 

Audio editor: Brittany Smith 

Music: Riorr by Audiorezout 

New Episode Of The Keeper - Episode 25: Sports & Rights Season – Why the First Female Afghan Olympian Wants the Olympics to Ban Her Country

When we first kicked off our Sports & Rights podcast season, we were in the midst of what is arguably the biggest and most beloved sporting event on the planet – the 2022 FIFA World Cup, held in Qatar. Now, we find ourselves just weeks away from the Opening Ceremony of the 2024 Paris Olympics – the perfect time to restart our examination of the intersection of human rights and sports!

In the coming episodes, we will circle back to some of the ideas we raised in our first episode of the season. We’ll talk about sportswashing, athlete activism, the role of sports organizations in upholding and strengthening human rights. But first, we’re going to bring you something a little different and very timely: the story and struggle of a woman named Friba Rezayee.

Just last month, the Lantos Foundation had the privilege of meeting Friba at the Oslo Freedom Forum. Friba has the distinction of being Afghanistan’s first female Olympic athlete, having represented her country in the sport of judo at the 2004 Athens Olympics, just a few short years after the U.S. and its allies toppled the brutal and repressive Taliban regime. Now that the Taliban has regained power, girls and women are once again forbidden from participating in sports. 

The International Olympic Committee has agreed to allow a mixed-gender team from Afghanistan compete in Paris – part of its push for the first ever “gender parity Olympics.” But Friba says this move only legitimizes the Taliban regime and uses Afghan female athletes in exile as window dressing for the Games. 

Friba has started a petition calling on the IOC to ban Afghanistan from the 2024 Games. Sign it here.

Read more:

Afghanistan’s First Female Olympics Calls for Games Ban, Reuters, March 21, 2024

Women Afghan athletes differ on whether Olympic ban will help their cause, CBC, April 15, 2024

The Taliban and the Global Backlash Against Women’s Rights, Human Rights Watch, February 6, 2024

Opinion | The Olympics Should Stand With Afghanistan’s Women Athletes - The New York Times (nytimes.com), July 17, 2024

Producers: Chelsea Hedquist, Brittany Smith

Audio editor: Brittany Smith

Music: Riorr by Audiorezout