The Local Four Freedoms Awards are back! On April 2, 2026, they will be presented at the town hall in Middelburg to Zeelanders who have actively committed themselves to freedom and human rights. There is an award for each freedom: freedom of expression, freedom of religion, freedom from want, and freedom from fear. Four in total.
Eleanor Roosevelt already said it: human rights begin close to home, in the classroom, at the office, in the factory, in your own street, neighborhood, village or city. If they have no meaning there, then they have no meaning anywhere.
Who can be nominated?
The Local Four Freedoms Awards are intended for individuals, organizations, and companies who have committed themselves in their own environment to the four freedoms. Individuals and Zeeland organizations who have shown that you can really make a difference in your own environment in terms of freedom and human rights, for yourself and for others.
Previous winners include: Refugee Work Zeeland, The Zeeland Women, Manifestation NieuwZout, the Clothing Bank, Cityseeds, ZeelandinDialogue, Ben Flore, Leuny de Kam, Foundation Church and Refugee and Cor de Jonge.
What are the four freedoms?
The four freedoms were named in 1941 by the American president Franklin Delano Roosevelt as conditions for a dignified existence. They formed the inspiration for international human rights treaties. Since 1982, the international Four Freedom Awards have been alternately presented in New York and Middelburg, for example to Nelson Mandela and Angela Merkel. See also: http://www.fourfreedoms.nl. The presentation of the Local Four Freedoms Awards is a local version of this event.
How can you nominate?
You can nominate someone via lokaleviervrijheden@zeeland.nl. Write a short motivation why this person or organization deserves an award. Include a justification for which award you nominate the candidate: freedom of expression, freedom of religion, freedom from want or fear. Also include your contact details.
The deadline for nominations is February 16, 2026.
Who organizes the Local Four Freedoms Awards?
The Local Four Freedoms Awards are organized within the framework of the Provincial Implementation Program Four Freedoms throughout the year. With the presentation, the Province of Zeeland, University College Roosevelt, Discriminatie.nl and other partners in the Four Freedoms freedom network want to highlight the local advocates of our freedoms throughout the year. They set an example for us and show that we can all make a difference when it comes to human rights and a dignified existence.
Deputy Harry van der Maas: The Four Freedoms are not only from there and then, but from here and now. The presentation of the local awards reminds us that we must protect the four freedoms together every day. Very nice that we are organizing a local presentation again. The Four Freedoms are important, everywhere and for everyone.
Show who makes the difference according to you! Nominate someone too.
