Tuesday, October 13, 2026
Human Rights First Annual Awards Celebration and Dinner
New York City
Human Rights First
Annual Awards Celebration and Dinner
Each year, Human Rights First’s Annual Awards brings together hundreds of human rights champions, advocates, members of the legal community, and committed supporters to recognize extraordinary contributions to human rights.
President and CEO Uzra Zeya will host the evening alongside our Board of Directors and returning emcee Yasmin Vossoughian, an award-winning journalist, NBC News anchor, and host of the daily news podcast Here’s the Scoop, as we recognize this year’s distinguished award recipients and share the stories behind their work.
A Tribute to a Lifelong Champion of Human Rights
This year’s celebration will include a special tribute to our Chair Emeritus William D. Zabel, whose extraordinary commitment to human rights and social justice helped shape Human Rights First from its earliest years.
A renowned lawyer, advocate, and philanthropist, Bill served as Board Chair for more than two decades and remained deeply engaged in our work throughout his life.
We will celebrate his remarkable legacy transforming the power of law to advance justice and equality at home and abroad, and the generations of advocates and institutions his leadership inspired.
Highlights of our 2026 honorees:
- William D. Zabel Human Rights Award — The People of Minnesota, for demonstrating what is possible when neighbors choose solidarity over fear. Accepting the award on behalf of The People of Minnesota are COPAL (Comunidades Organizando el Poder y la Acción Latina) and The Advocates for Human Rights.
- Marvin E. Frankel Award — O'Melveny & Myers LLP and Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan, LLP for exceptional pro bono representation of refugees and asylum seekers.
- Global Accountability Guardian Award — Tutu Alicante, founder and executive director of EG Justice, a nonprofit organization focusing on human rights, anti-corruption, and the rule of law in Equatorial Guinea
More announcements to come regarding additional honorees and program details. Tickets and Sponsorships are available.
A Special Gift for Guests
Every guest will receive a copy of Defiant: Profiles of Resistance by Brian Dooley, Senior Advisor at Human Rights First, published by Humanitas Media, a Champion Sponsor of this year’s Annual Awards Celebration.
Defiant tells eleven true stories of people across Europe who became unlikely human rights defenders, highlighting what can happen when ordinary people encounter injustice and choose to act.
Additional Information: