The 2026 Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought has been awarded to the International Criminal Court, who will be honoured at a ceremony in December in Strasbourg.

Since 2018, Doclisboa has collaborated with the European Parliament to promote and highlight the various initiatives associated with this award, reflecting a shared commitment to freedom, human rights and artistic expression.

The 2026 laureate,The International Criminal Court (ICC), is responsible for investigating and, where justified, prosecuting individuals accused of the most serious crimes affecting the international community: genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity and the crime of aggression. As the world’s first permanent international criminal court, it plays a fundamental role in the fight against impunity, seeking to hold perpetrators accountable and help prevent such crimes from being repeated. Based in The Hague and governed by the Rome Statute, the ICC acts as a court of last resort, complementing national judicial systems.

The award recognises the work carried out by the Court, particularly its investigations, prosecutions and trials, as well as the issuing and authorisation of arrest warrants. This recognition comes at a particularly challenging time for international justice. Since 2025, the European Parliament has expressed concern over the growing threats and sanctions targeting the ICC and its staff, particularly those imposed by the United States, considering them attacks on the international justice system and a threat to international law. In this context, Members of the European Parliament have called for the protection and independence of the Court, as well as the continuation of the European Union’s financial support for the institution.

The Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought

Established in 1988, the Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought is named after Soviet physicist and political dissident Andrei Sakharov. The award is presented annually by the European Parliament to individuals and organisations who have made outstanding contributions to the defence of human rights and fundamental freedoms around the world.

The prize recognises work in areas such as the defence of freedom of expression, the protection of minority rights, respect for international law, the promotion of democracy and the defence of the rule of law.

The 2026 Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought award ceremony will take place in December in Strasbourg, during a plenary session of the European Parliament.