Awards and Prizes

2023 erhielt das Bündnis SOS Mediterranee den Right Livelihood Award, besser bekannt als „Alternativer Nobelpreis“ zur Würdigung des unermüdlichen Einsatzes zur Rettung von über 38.000 Menschen auf der Flucht.

• In 2018, the SOS Mediterranee alliance was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize. This is considered one of the most prestigious honours in the world and is awarded annually to individuals or organisations that have made an exceptional contribution to peace, conflict resolution and human rights.

In 2017, the SOS Mediterranee alliance was honoured with the UNESCO Félix Houphouët-Boigny Peace Prize. This prize is awarded annually to individuals, institutions or organisations that have made a significant contribution to peace and conflict resolution.

In 2018, SOS Mediterranee was nominated for the Sakharov Prize (also known as the EU Human Rights Prize). This is awarded by the European Parliament to individuals or organisations that are particularly committed to defending human rights and freedom of expression.

In 2016, the SOS Mediterranee alliance was awarded the Carl von Ossietzky Medal. ‘With their outstanding commitment, [the] honourees draw the public’s attention to the often desperate situation of refugees and equally to the causes of flight and migration,’ said the Board of Trustees in its decision.

In 2015, the SOS Mediterranee alliance received a special prize for sea rescue on the occasion of the Eberhard Schultz Foundation’s Social Human Rights Award: in recognition of its commitment to promoting social justice.

The SOS Humanity crew received the 2023 Annemarie Renger Award from the Workers’ Samaritan Federation for their tireless efforts in the Mediterranean. ‘They are courageous members of our civil society who give their all to save others,’ said Knut Fleckenstein, ASB Federal Chairman, in his laudatory speech.

On 10 December 2023, International Human Rights Day, the Schleswig-Holstein Refugee Council awarded SOS Humanity its prize for its commitment to helping refugees and anti-racism work.

In 2016, the SOS Mediterranee alliance was nominated for the European Economic and Social Committee’s Civil Society Prize in recognition of its support for refugees while promoting European values and cohesion.

In 2016, the SOS Mediterranee alliance received the European Citizens’ Prize. This is awarded by the European Parliament for cross-border cooperation and the practical application of the values of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union.

In 2016, SOS Humanity received the Schwarzkopf Europe Prize. This prize is awarded by young Europeans to individuals or institutions that are particularly committed to a peaceful, united and sustainable Europe.

In 2017, the SOS Mediterranee alliance was awarded the Grand Franco-German Media Prize in recognition of its ‘indispensable contribution’ to overcoming current humanitarian challenges. The prize is awarded annually to individuals or organisations that have made a special contribution to cross-border understanding in a European context.

Klaus Vogel received the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany in 2021. The Order of Merit, which honours people who are particularly committed to social and humanitarian causes, was awarded to him ‘for his outstanding social commitment’.

In 2020, Klaus Vogel and Sophie Beau were nominated for the Aurora Prize for the Promotion of Humanity. This nomination honoured the humanitarian commitment of the two founders of the SOS Mediterranee alliance.