Prominent Kurdish journalist and human rights activist Düzen Tekkal has received one of Germany’s prestigious awards for 2026. Standing on stage before an audience of more than 15,000 people, she dedicated the honour not to herself, but as a symbol of the ongoing struggle for freedom, presenting it to 50 million Kurds, one million Yazidis, and all of humanity.
During the grand ceremony, held at the Lanxess Arena in Germany, the award was presented to the Kurdish journalist and activist. As her name was announced and she stepped onto the stage, the audience welcomed her with a standing ovation and prolonged applause.
Accepting the award, Tekkal expressed her deep gratitude but stressed that the recognition was not hers alone. Speaking with confidence, she said she stood on that stage to be the voice of her people and to represent everyone who believes in the universal values of humanity. She emphasised that despite all the suffering and hardships endured by her nation, the Kurdish people have never lost their love for life, their homeland, or their freedom.
In another part of her speech, she highlighted the issue of genocide and crimes against humanity. She expressed hope that those attending the ceremony would recognise the enduring spirit that drives the defence of fundamental human rights. Tekkal acknowledged the many obstacles facing the Kurdish cause and the Yazidi community but declared that they would never give up their struggle. She added that she would use both the award and the platform it provided to carry the voices of Kurdish girls and women to the world.
In addition to the honorary award, she also received a grant of €10,000 to support her work and projects, providing further encouragement for her continued humanitarian efforts.
Düzen Tekkal is one of the most prominent Kurdish activists in the diaspora. For many years, through her journalism and the organisations she has founded, she has campaigned tirelessly for Kurdish rights, particularly for Yazidi women and girls who survived the genocide committed by ISIS. She has become a leading advocate in international and European institutions, raising global awareness of the Yazidi Genocide and the Kurdish cause. Receiving this latest award is further recognition of the significant influence and respect she has earned across European society, where she has become a symbol of hope forged through resilience and suffering.