The Grand Prize of the Bulgarian Human of the Year 2022 award has been given to the volunteers, activists and organisations who supported those fleeing Ukraine. The award celebrates contributions towards human rights and nature protection in Bulgaria, and is presented by the Bulgarian Helsinki Committee.

In 2022, one third of all eligible nominations for the prize were related to one topic: support for the welcome and early integration of those displaced by the ongoing war in Ukraine. This highlights the widespread support the issue has received in the country.

The award recognises the work of the following actors:

• Olena Kotseva and Mati Ukraine
• Anna Bahryana
• Za Dobroto Foundation
• Aleksander Aleksiev and Georgi Bozhilov
• The GreenPeace volunteers
• Nikola Rahnev and Gorata.bg
• Kozha Foundation
• Roman Kuvaev
• Nikola Gruev
• Valeria Ilareva and Foundation for Access to Rights
• Multi Kulti Collective (EWSI’s Country Coordinator for Bulgaria)

Other awards related to migrant/refugee integration were presented to:

• Mission Wings and Center for Legal Aid Voice in Bulgaria for their contribution to the rights of the Iranian community in Bulgaria in the past year and their systematic efforts to improve the rights of asylum seekers in the country
• Vanya Dobreva and Antoaneta Ivanova for their systematic work in support of vulnerable children and families and ensuring access to health care for Ukrainian refugees with chronic diseases
• Georgi Totev and Georgi Kozhuharov for their series 'Notes from Ukraine'
• Manol Peykov, a jury member, who received a special diploma from the Bulgarian Helsinki Committee for his activities in support of Ukraine and the Ukrainian people since the beginning of the war.

A list of all awards presented can be found here.