site.btaUkraine Supporters Saluted on Billboard Opposite Russian Embassy in Sofia

From December 26 until January 8, 2023, the Bulgarian Helsinki Committee (BHC) will have a billboard of their Human of the Year Awards displayed opposite the Russian Embassy in Sofia, the organizers said. They urge Sofianites passing by to take a photo and upload it to social media in recognition of the volunteers, activists and organizations working to support Ukraine and Ukrainian refugees in Bulgaria.

The art for the billboard was created by Ukrainian illustrator Vicky Knysh.

The BHC award ceremony took place on December 8, two days before the International Human Rights Day. The jury awarded the grand prize to everyone, who worked to help Ukraine throughout the year. "Russia's aggression, the killing, harm and destruction it has caused, has created a refugee wave that is unprecedented in Europe's post-war history," Chair of the Jury Krasimir Kanev said in his speech. He pointed out that the Ukrainian refugees were met with understanding and sympathy by the vast majority of Bulgarians. He stressed that the jury's recognition was for all the thousands of people who together filled the gaps in state care, mobilized public resources in support of Ukraine, organized protests and fought misinformation.

The Human of the Year Awards were established in 2008 by Margarita Ilieva, then Director of the BHC's Law Programme. Their purpose is to give recognition and publicity to the winners.

This year, a special Civic Valour Award was given to the Ti Broish (You Count) initiative, which brings together a platform for parallel election vote counting, and encourages volunteers to join as observers in polling stations most at risk of electoral fraud.

Vanya Dobreva and Antoaneta Ivanova were Activists of the Year for their volunteer work with Ukrainian refugees with severe disabilities.

The Advocate of the Year award was given to the informal civil association "Breathe, Dimitrovgrad" for their series of protests and advocacy actions organized in connection with the pollution of the city caused by Maritsa 3 Thermal Power Plant.