For three decades, the federal state of Upper Austria has honoured individuals and organisations that have made outstanding contributions to the protection and advancement of human rights. In 2026, the prestigious Upper Austrian Human Rights Award was presented to Michaela Söllinger and the Upper Austrian Hospice Association (Landesverband Hospiz OÖ). The two recipients shared the € 20,000 prize fund.
Originally from Meggenhofen, Michaela Söllinger has dedicated many years to supporting human rights, peacebuilding and non-violence in Colombia. Since 2013, she has worked with threatened human rights and environmental activists, as well as rural peace communities. She has worked with organisations such as FOR Peace Presence, Peace Brigades International, and horizont3000.
She works in a highly challenging environment. The dangers faced by human rights defenders in Colombia remain significant, as evidenced by the murder of several activists she knew between late 2023 and early 2024. Despite these risks, her efforts have contributed to tangible successes, including protecting community-owned farms, establishing a nature reserve, and initiating official investigations into human rights violations.
According to the award announcement, Söllinger’s commitment demonstrates courage, perseverance, and solidarity. She promotes non-violent alternatives to militarisation and armed conflict, emphasising that lasting peace begins when people reject hatred and recognise each other's shared humanity.
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