Martin Ennals Foundation is inviting nominations for the Martin Ennals Award for Human Rights Defenders, which is offered to recognize and honor people who are working to protect and promote the human rights. The award is offered by the Martin Ennals Foundation in memory of Martin Ennals who dedicated his life for protecting the human rights. He served as the first Secretary-General of Amnesty International and came up with many ideas that were ahead of his time.
Award Goals
Martin Ennals Award for Human Rights Defenders (MEA) has been constituted at providing recognition and protective publicity to those who are currently involved in front line work for the promotion and protection of human rights. The award aims at encouraging individuals and – exceptionally – organisations who are currently working for the rights of others in conditions hostile to fundamental human rights and who are in need of protection. Special account is taken of those who have demonstrated an active record of combating human rights violations by courageous and innovative means.
Criteria
- The selection of the winning candidates is made by the Jury of the Martin Ennals Foundation. The announcement of the nominees is made around mid March and that of the laureates is made in early May. The proceedings of the Jury of the MEA are confidential and no correspondence about the selection procedure will be accepted.
- Anybody can nominate any individual or organisation by filling out the appropriate form. Neither individuals nor organisations may nominate themselves or act as referee for themselves. Three referees are needed for a valid nomination and these persons must have agreed to act as such.
- Definition of ‘Human Rights Defenders’: “For the purpose of selecting candidates for the Martin Ennals Award for Human Rights Defenders, the Jury consider an eligible human rights defender (HRD) to be one who risks or suffers victimisation, harassment or disadvantage for exercising the rights expressed in the International Bill of Rights, and who, in conformity with these instruments, promotes and protects the human rights and fundamental freedoms of others, individually or in groups.”
- No posthumous award is given (except when a candidate has already passed the first round).
- The candidate should not use or advocate violence.
- The nominations form asks for basic personal information on the candidate. Additional information can be sent as a separate document.
- The MEF and the NGOs on the Jury may request further information and documentation concerning candidates
Last date for submitting the nominations is December 9, 2011.
For more information, visit this link.
