Call for Entries: 21st Sérgio Vieira de Mello Award

Deadline: 20-Aug-24

The Villa Decius Association has begun accepting applications for the 21st edition of the Sérgio Vieira de Mello Polish Prize to individuals and non-governmental organizations for their efforts to promote peaceful coexistence and cooperation among societies, religions and cultures.

The Villa Decius Association established the Award named after Sérgio Vieira de Mello, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, who was tragically killed that same year in a bombing in Iraq. The Prize is awarded annually to individuals and non-governmental organizations for their special contributions to the peaceful coexistence and interaction of societies, religions and cultures.

The Polish Prize of Sérgio Vieira de Mello, United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (2002-2003), hereinafter also referred to as the “Prize” is awarded annually in two categories: a person and a nongovernmental organization.

Prize Information

• The Laureates receive a statuette of Sérgio Vieira de Mello and a commemorative diploma. The Prize may also have a financial dimension.
• The Prize is awarded for activities enhancing the peaceful coexistence and cooperation of communities, religions, and cultures.
• The Panel of Judges may award a special Honorary Prize for outstanding achievements in human rights. Candidates for the Honorary Prize are proposed by the members of the Panel.
• The Prize is awarded after an examination of submitted applications by the Panel of Judges, functioning according to the regulations.

Eligibility Criteria

• Candidates for the Prize may come from Poland and abroad.
• Candidates for the Prize may be proposed by individuals, institutions, diplomatic and consular corps, and non-governmental organizations from Poland and abroad.
• It is not possible to award at the same time a nongovernmental organization and a person related to that organization.

For more information, visit Villa Decius Association.