The William D. Zabel Human Rights Award
Named after long-time human rights champion and Emeritus Chair of the Board of Directors, William D. Zabel, this award honors courageous activists and organizations on the frontlines of the struggle for freedom and dignity. Each year, we honor leaders and organizations that have distinguished themselves for their work advancing rights, justice, and equality for those suffering persecution and violations of their rights.
This year we will honor Cristosal in recognition of the organization’s unwavering commitment to justice, accountability, and the defense of human rights in Central America.
Read more about this year’s award winner.
Past recipients of the award include:
Clare Byarugaba (Uganda); Gwara Media (Ukraine); Grupa Granica (Poland); Karapatan (The Philippines); ALQST for Human Rights (Saudi Arabia); Miroslava Cerpas Hernandez of CIPRODEH (Honduras); Marta Pardavi (Hungary); Friar Tomás González (Mexico); Khaleel Aldakhi and Ameena Saeed Hasan (Iraq); Dr. Denis Mukwege (Congo); Ludmilla Alexeeva (Russia); Saad Eddin Ibrahim (Egypt); Asma Jahangir and Hina Jilani (Pakistan) and Albie Sachs (South Africa).
Award winners
2025
Critosal
El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras
2024
Clare Byarugaba
Uganda
2023
Gwara Media
Ukraine
2022
Grupa Granica
Poland