An online vote makes it possible to choose Loujain Al Hatloul as the winner of the 2020 Freedom Prize, among the three personalities selected by the international panel of judges. Last year, the first Freedom Prize was given to Greta Thunberg for her fight for the environment. She now passes the baton to Loujain Al Hathloul, an activist for women's rights in Saudi Arabia. 

Almost 5500 people from 15 to 25 years old from 81 countries participated in the vote that ended on June 6, 2020 to elect Loujain Al Hathloul. The winner got 42% of the votes. Father Pedro Opeka and Nasrin Sotoudeh fot 29% and 25% of the votes respectively.

An award ceremony of the Freedom Prize will take place on October 2, 2020 as part of the Normandy World Peace Forum. Loujain Al Hathloul's sister will receive the prize for her, as she is imprisoned in Saudi Arabia. A trophy produced by the Lycée Napoléon of L'Aigle and an endowment of 25 000 € will be given during this ceremony.

"Hello everyone, my name is Lina. I am Loujain Al Hathloul's sister, laureate of the 2020 Freedom Prize. Thank you all for having voted for Loujain. Thanks to you she is not forgotten and her fight is not lost. Thank you again."

The Freedom Prize is an educational initiative which aims to raise awareness of freedom, peace and Human rights, inspired by the values of the D-Day landings of 6 June 1944 in Normandy. 

The Freedom Prize invites young people aged 15 to 25 from France and around the world to choose an inspiring person or organisation, committed to an exemplary fight for freedom. 

What makes this prize so special is that it involves young people at each of its stages: from the proposals submitted to the international panel of judges to the final selection of the winner.

Organised by the Normandy Region, implemented with the International Institute of Human Rights and Peace, in partnership with the academic authorities of Normandy and the Canopé network, the Freedom Prize pays tribute to all those who have fought and continue to fight for this ideal.

Download the Freedom Prize 2021 booklet

Follow the Freedom Prize news on its Facebook page
International institute for human rights and peace website