Who is affected?
The Eurovision Song Contest is meant to celebrate diversity, creativity, and cultural exchange. Yet, when countries with documented human-rights abuses participate or host the contest, vulnerable communities bear the cost. In Israel, Palestinians living under occupation continue to face violence, displacement, and systemic discrimination, as well as an ongoing genocide in Gaza. In Azerbaijan, journalists, activists, and political opponents have historically been silenced and intimidated. In September 2023, Azerbaijan ethnically cleansed Artsakh, leaving 120,000 Artsakhi civilians to have to flee their homes into Armenia. Allowing these governments to use Eurovision as a platform directly affects the lives of those who are denied basic rights and dignity, and for those of us around the globe who stand for human rights worldwide.

What is at stake?
The integrity of Eurovision itself is at risk. The contest’s reputation as a non-political, inclusive cultural event is undermined when governments use it to artwash oppression or project a misleading image of tolerance. Every year that the EBU permits participation by states engaging in systemic human-rights violations such as genocide, freedom of speech, and ethnic cleansing reinforces the perception that art and culture can be exploited to normalise injustice. The stakes extend beyond the contest — they touch global perceptions of accountability, fairness, and ethical responsibility in international cultural events. If action is not taken, Eurovision 2026 could lead to become the most boycotted edition of the contest, which will have a lasting image on the reputation of both Eurovision and the EBU.

Why is now the time to act?
The deadline to withdraw from ESC 2026 is on the horizon, with Israel and Azerbaijan poised to participate, albeit with the former's participation it will be decided in December. The decisions made now by the EBU will set the tone for the contest and its credibility for years to come. There is a window to ensure that Eurovision does not become a tool for propaganda, but instead remains a platform that genuinely celebrates artistic expression, equality, and human rights. Acting today sends a clear message: cultural events must never be used to hide oppression, and the voices of those affected will not be silenced.

I ask you today to sign this petition and to write to your national broadcasters to consider boycotting the event if no action is taken by the EBU.