Council of Europe Names Bragi Guðbrandsson and Rami Abou Jamous as 31st North-South Prize Laureates

The ceremony will be presided over by José Pedro Aguiar-Branco, the President of the Assembly of the Portuguese Republic, in the presence of various distinguished guests.

RMN News Human Rights Desk
New Delhi | May 5, 2026

LISBON — The jury of the North-South Centre of the Council of Europe has officially announced that Bragi Guðbrandsson and Rami Abou Jamous are the recipients of the 31st North-South Prize. The award ceremony is scheduled for 19 May at the Portuguese Parliament in Lisbon, where it will be presented by the President of the Portuguese Republic, António José Seguro.

Established in 1995, the North-South Prize is awarded annually to two laureates who demonstrate an unwavering commitment to human rights, democracy, and the rule of law. This year’s selection holds special significance as it coincides with the 50th anniversary of Portugal’s accession to the Council of Europe. The prize honors those who strengthen North-South partnership and foster intercultural dialogue.

Honoring Advocates for Children and Truth

Bragi Guðbrandsson is recognized for his distinguished career as a children’s rights defender. He is most notably the pioneer of the Barnahus (“Children’s House”) model, a multidisciplinary approach that provides child-friendly justice for victims of violence and sexual abuse. His leadership in international advocacy has helped shape child protection standards at both the United Nations and the Council of Europe.

Rami Abou Jamous, a renowned war correspondent, is being honored for his exceptional contribution to North-South dialogue through his independent reporting. His work has provided global audiences with first-hand accounts of life under conflict, specifically highlighting the perilous conditions faced by journalists working in Gaza today.

Event Details

The ceremony will be presided over by José Pedro Aguiar-Branco, the President of the Assembly of the Portuguese Republic, in the presence of various distinguished guests. For a global audience, the event will be livestreamed via the North-South Centre’s website in English and French, as well as in Arabic through the Council of Europe’s Tunis office.