Prize recipients
2006 – Kofi Annan and Mossaad Mohamed Ali
They are awarded the prize because both of them have carried out energetic and dedicated work for human rights, peace and security.
2005 – Daw Aung San Suu Kyi
Daw Aung San Suu Kyi for her unyielding fight for a democratic Burma. Daw Aung San Suu Kyi is an outstanding example of the efforts to attain democracy by the people of Burma, where respect for human rights, ethnic unity, and a life in peace remain only a dream. To her compatriots she is known as the Iron Butterfly, a name alluding both to her peaceful struggle and her courage and strength of character.
2004 – Ljudmila Aleksejeva, Sergej Kovaljov, Anna Politkovskaja
The Olof Palme Prize 2004 is awarded to three Russian advocates of human rights. Respect for human rights in Russia is of major importance for safety and stability in the rest of the world. The three prize winners are all influential symbols of the long battle for human rights in Russia. With their great courage, often matched with considerable personal sacrifice, risk-taking and dogged insistence in never compromising the fundamental ideals of strengthening free speech and a free press, they thereby represent those who have influenced and promoted democratic development in the country.
2003 – Hans Blix
For his work against the spread of weapons of mass destruction, and for common security on the basis of international law. He has under circumstances of strong external pressure demonstrated an independence and a commitment to principle which have inspired respect and admiration throughout the world.
2002 – Hanan Ashrawi
For her consistent and fearless fight over the years for her peoples independence and dignity. Her work for human rights and co-existence with the state of Israel has won respect in all camps. She is a leading force in the struggle for increased openness and democratic structures within her own Palestinian ranks. Hanan Ahrawi is an inspiring symbol of a new, democratic, peaceful Middle East.
2001 – Fazle Hasan Abed
The Olof Palme Prize 2001 is awarded to Fazle Hasan Abed for his pioneering work in combating poverty and empowering the poor, especially women. This has been done by initiating and developing BRAC, (Bangladesh Rural Advancement Committee), into one of the worlds largest NGOs.
2000 – Bryan Stevenson
Bryan Stevenson who has for many years worked intensively, in his daily actions, for the abolition of the death penalty. Bryan Stevenson is a courageous representative of all the individuals, women and men from the entire world, who have maintained tirelessly that the right to life cannot be controverted, that the death penalty is an ultimate form of torture, and that the state does not have the right to kill its citizens.
1999 – to Swedish anti-racists, Kurdo Baksi, Björn Fries and the Parent Group in Klippan
representing the popular mobilization against growing racism and xenophobia in our country.
1998 – Independent media in former Yugoslavia
Independent media in former Yugoslavia represented by Veran Matic, Serbia, Senad Pecanin, Bosnia-Hercegovia and Victor Ivancic, Croatia, Veran Matic, Senad Pecanin and Victor Ivancic - and the media they work for have tirelessly carried on the struggle for free media, despite interference, harassment, and obstructions.
1997 – Salima Ghezali
For her courage in continuing her objective and concrete reporting of the violence against Algerian people, although there is a constant threat against her life.