Zeeland honors local heroes defending freedom with 2026 awards shortlist
Eleven individuals and organizations in Zeeland have been nominated for the Local Four Freedoms Awards 2026, celebrating those who champion human rights and dignity. Winners will be announced on April 2, offering recognition for efforts in freedom of expression, religion, and protection from want and fear.
| Category | Nominees |
|---|---|
| Freedom of Expression | Mr. Ammar Dale Bsal, Mr. Bram Mvambanu (rapper Cycz), Dolle Mina’s Zeeland |
| Freedom of Religion | PAX Peace Week Walcheren, Yilderim Beyazit Mosque |
| Freedom from Want | Mr. Alex de Vos, Mr. Dennis van Overbeeke, The Pennywafelhuis |
| Freedom from Fear | Volunteer platform Handje Extra, Ms. Ria Geluk, Zeeland Wish Ambulance |
| Event Details | Award ceremony on April 2, 2026, at Middelburg town hall |
| Organizers | Province of Zeeland, University College Roosevelt, Discriminatie.nl |
The Province of Zeeland, in collaboration with educational and social partners, organizes the Local Four Freedoms Awards to highlight and reward local efforts in promoting fundamental freedoms. This initiative underscores the government’s role in fostering community engagement and human rights advocacy.
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Nominees for the Local Four Freedoms Awards 2026 announced
Eleven advocates for the four freedoms in Zeeland are in the running for one of the Local Four Freedoms Awards 2026. Nominations could be submitted until February 16, and an independent jury has now selected eleven individuals and organizations. The winners of the awards will be announced on April 2, 2026, during the award ceremony at the town hall on the Markt in Middelburg.
Making a real difference
The awards are presented to individuals, organizations, and businesses in Zeeland that have committed or are committing themselves to the four freedoms. They demonstrate that they can truly make a difference in their own communities when it comes to human rights and a dignified existence.
There is an award for each freedom: freedom of expression, freedom of religion, freedom from want, and freedom from fear. The jury has nominated the following individuals and organizations (in alphabetical order):
Freedom of Expression
- Mr. Ammar Dale Bsal
- Mr. Bram Mvambanu (rapper Cycz)
- Dolle Mina’s Zeeland
Freedom of Religion
- PAX Peace Week Walcheren
- Yilderim Beyazit Mosque
Freedom from Want
- Mr. Alex de Vos
- Mr. Dennis van Overbeeke
- The Pennywafelhuis
Freedom from Fear
- The volunteer platform Handje Extra
- Ms. Ria Geluk
- The Zeeland Wish Ambulance
Jury
The jury consists of five members from the education sector (UCR), the business community (Rabobank Zeeuwse Delta), the social sector (Discriminatie.nl), and the youth network Jouw Zeeland. The chairman of the jury is Tobias Rothenberger, youth advisor for the Roosevelt Foundation.
Attend the ceremony?
Interested parties can register to attend the award ceremony on April 2, but the number of available seats is limited. Registration is mandatory and can be done here.
The presentation of the Local Four Freedoms Award 2026 is organized by the Province of Zeeland, University College Roosevelt, and Discriminatie.nl, and is made possible in part by Rabobank Zeeuwse Delta.