The French Government has officially opened applications for the 2025 edition of the “Liberty, Equality, Fraternity” Human Rights Prize. Established in 1988, this award recognizes and supports both individuals and organizations whose initiatives contribute to the promotion and protection of human rights. Eligible projects may be implemented in France or abroad, without restriction of nationality or borders, as long as they uphold the fundamental principles of human rights.

This year, the prize focuses on a single theme: the exploitation and trafficking of children. Each year, millions of minors—defined as anyone under the age of 18 according to the International Convention on the Rights of the Child—fall victim to various forms of trafficking and abuse. These violations range from forced labor and sexual exploitation to child marriage, recruitment into armed groups, and other grave abuses. Although precise figures remain difficult to determine, what is clear is that the majority of victims are exploited within their own countries. This persistent and deeply harmful phenomenon represents one of the most serious infringements of children’s fundamental rights worldwide.

The competition is open to individual applicants as well as non-governmental organizations that are actively engaged in fieldwork designed to prevent and address the trafficking and exploitation of children. Projects that take a rights-based approach and prioritize children’s active involvement in shaping solutions will be given preference. In particular, initiatives that provide comprehensive care for young people, promote restorative and transformative action, and encourage child participation will be highly valued.

Eligible activities may include public awareness campaigns, victim identification and referral systems, rehabilitation and reintegration programs for affected children, specialized training for professionals such as police officers, educators, healthcare workers, and social service providers, as well as advocacy efforts to strengthen legal protections and influence public policies. Projects may also focus on securing children’s access to justice and obtaining reparations for victims.

Five winning entries will be honored at an official ceremony in Paris, where they will each receive a medal and share a total award fund of €70,000, administered by the CNCDH, to further develop their initiatives. Winners will also gain the distinction of being recognized as laureates of the 2025 French Republic Human Rights Prize. In addition, five other candidates will receive a special mention and a medal, presented by the French ambassador in their home country, though without financial support.

Applications must be prepared in French and submitted by 14 September 2025. Required materials include a signed cover letter from the applicant or legal representative of the organization, a completed application form available on the CNCDH website, a description of the organization where relevant, and the applicant’s contact and banking details, including IBAN and SWIFT code. All documents should be sent either by post to the Secretariat-General of the CNCDH, addressed to Cécile Riou-Batista, at 20 avenue de Ségur, 75007 Paris, France, or by email to prixdesdroitsdelhomme@cncdh.fr.

The final results will be announced later in the year, with the award ceremony scheduled to take place in Paris around 10 December 2025, led by the French Prime Minister or another senior government official.

Scroll down for more details and click on the official link attached below to apply for this opportunity