2026 Human Rights Awards Nominations are now open!
The United Nations Association of Boulder County is excited to announce that nominations are now open for the 2026 Human Rights Awards. Beginning in 1996, the awards have celebrated the people of Colorado who work to honor the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
A Little Bit of History
The declaration was created by a United Nations committee following the devastation caused by WWII. It stands as a standard stating that countries involved should uphold nondiscriminatory practices, working towards a universal right to life, liberty, and education. The declaration has inspired many human rights treaties in the following years and has left a lasting impact on global politics.
Past Winners
In past years, UNA-BC has honored many outstanding figures in the realm of humanitarian work. The 2025 ceremony recognized Ana Silvia, who used her passion for art, specifically dance, to make Colorado a more inclusive place. In addition to serving as an equity policy advisor for the city of Boulder, she has expressed that her experience as an immigrant in Colorado has given her a passion for social justice. Her work has deeply impacted local communities.
In 2024, the awards honored Micklina Kenyi. Micklina is the executive director of Girls With Books, an organization fighting for women's empowerment and education in South Sudan. Girls With Books pays for tuition, room, and board, along with mentoring, to give girls the chance to succeed when they otherwise wouldn’t have the choice. Kenyi’s dedication has changed the lives of many.
2026 Ceremony
The Human Rights Awards are back for the year, and in early December we will be celebrating a Coloradan who honors and upholds the ideas the UN values and fights for. To submit a nomination, please follow the link below. A nominee needs at least two submissions to be considered. We encourage anyone and everyone to spread the word, and we look forward to seeing you!
