Deadline: 9 November 2016
Nominations are open for 2017 Martin Ennals Award, an annual prize for human rights defenders. It is sometimes called “the Nobel Prize for human rights”, was created in 1993 to honour and protect individuals around the world who demonstrate exceptional courage in defending and promoting human rights.
Its principal aim is to provide special protection to human rights defenders who are at risk by focusing international media attention on their plight, mainly through internet.
The goal of the award is to recognize the work of courageous human rights defenders, and provide protection when they are at risk.
The Award is named after Martin Ennals (1927-1991), an activist who was instrumental to the modern human rights movement and a driving force behind several organisations. His deep desire was to see more cooperation among NGOs.
An international jury, composed of representatives of ten human rights organizations, selects the award winner each year. Members of the Jury include Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, International Federation of Human Rights, World Organisation Against Torture, Front Line Defenders, International Commission of Jurists, Human Rights First, International Service for Human Rights, Diakonie Germany, and Huridocs.
Award Information
- The present value of the annual Award is a minimum of 20’000 Swiss Francs, to be used for further work in the field of human rights.
- The ceremony is hosted by the City of Geneva in late 2017.
- They provide each of the final three Finalists with project funds of 11’650 CHF and a 5’000 CHF travel grant.
Eligibility Criteria
- The Award is granted annually to an individual, or exceptionally an organisation, in recognition of their commitment and ongoing efforts in the defence and promotion of human rights.
- The MEA aims to encourage individuals or organisations, particularly those who are working in conditions hostile to fundamental human rights and who are at risk and in need of protection. Special account is taken of those who combat human rights violations by courageous and innovative means.
- Nominees must be currently involved in the promotion and protection of human rights.
- Nominations are welcome from all regions, genders, and human rights related themes.
- Three Finalists are selected and announced early in the year and the Laureate is selected from among them. All three are invited to participate in the ceremony in Geneva, later in the year.
How to Apply
Interested applicants can apply via given website.
For more information, please visit 2017 Martin Ennals Award.