Deadline: 9 December 2011
Open to: Anybody can nominate any individual or organisation by filling out the appropriate form
Prizes: The announcement of the nominees is made around mid March and that of the laureates is made in early May
Description
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 aims to encourage 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. 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.
Martin Ennals (1927-1991) was instrumental to the modern human rights movement.Martin Ennals devoted his whole life to human rights. His dedication may have been channeled through a variety of human rights organisations, but there was always the single goal of protecting human rights. Martin Ennals not only had devotion to human rights work, but he also had a strong love of life. Martin was always able to tell the woods from the trees, always willing to see the individual distinct from the movement or the cause. He had the ability to put everything human rights defenders are doing in a meaningful global context. This made Martin the quintessential NGO networker.
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.”
Eligibility
- 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.
- No posthumous award is given (except when a candidate has already passed the first round).
- The candidate should not use or advocate violence.
Prizes
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.
Application
- Fill the appropriate form on the official website.
- The nominations form asks for basic personal information on the candidate. Additional information (such as a CV) can be sent as a separate document to info@martinennalsaward.org.
- Other support material (such as press clippings, audio or video files) will be appreciated and should be sent as attachments or links to the above email address. Any hard copy documentation sent to the Secretariat (Martin Ennals Foundation, c/o OMCT, P.O. Box 21, 1211 Geneva 8, Switzerland) should be copies as none will be returned.
