Hanna Liubakova awarded the 2026 Amnesty International Chair

She receives the distinction in recognition of her commitment to freedom of expression, human rights and democracy in Belarus. Following the award ceremony, she will give a public lecture at VIERNULVIER Arts Centre in Ghent.

Practical information and registration.

Who is Hanna Liubakova?

Hanna Liubakova is a journalist, political analyst and human rights defender. She specialises in media, human rights and the political landscape of Belarus and the wider region, and is a prominent voice for press freedom.

Her work plays an important role in international reporting on authoritarianism, repression and democratic resistance in her home country. Even from exile, Liubakova continues to report on developments in Belarus. In doing so, she gives a voice to political prisoners, persecuted journalists and civil society, which is facing increasing pressure.

Through her journalism, Liubakova advocates for freedom of expression and supports those who stand up for democracy.

Human rights across the university

The annual Amnesty International Chair is part of Ghent University’s human rights policy. Human rights are not confined to a single faculty or field of study. They are relevant to a wide range of areas, from law and politics to health, technology, economics and sustainability.

The Chair brings these different perspectives together. During her stay at Ghent University, Hanna Liubakova will not only give a public lecture, but will also engage with researchers and students from different faculties through guest lectures and other academic activities.

Ghent University’s Human Rights Committee helps oversee the university’s human rights policy and plays an important role in the Chair. Together with the Human Rights Research Network (HRRN), it brings together researchers and expertise from across different faculties. In this way, Ghent University aims not only to study and discuss human rights, but also to firmly embed them throughout the university.

About the Amnesty International Chair

Since 2009, Ghent University has awarded the Amnesty International Chair annually to an individual who has made an exceptional contribution to human rights worldwide.

The Chair is organised by Ghent University’s Human Rights Research Network (HRRN) in collaboration with Amnesty International Flanders. The HRRN promotes interdisciplinary research on human rights and strengthens support for human rights through close collaboration with civil society organisations.

Hanna Liubakova follows in the footsteps of previous recipients including Palestinian human rights lawyer Noura Erakat (2025), climate activist Elizabeth Wathuti (2023), Professor Peter Piot (2016), writer Dave Eggers (2015), Sister Jeanne Devos (2011) and Egyptian human rights activist Nawal El Saadawi (2009).