Martin Ennals Award for Human Rights Defenders

The Martin Ennals Foundation invites individuals or organisations working in the field of human rights to submit nominations for the 2015 Martin Ennals Award (MEA) for Human Rights Defenders.

The MEA 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. Nominees must be currently involved in work for the promotion and protection of human rights. Special account is taken of those who are at risk and have demonstrated an active record of combating human rights violations by courageous and innovative means. The MEA, worth 20,000 CHF (21,000 USD), aims to encourage individuals or organisations, particularly those who are working in conditions hostile to fundamental human rights, and who are in need of protection. The ceremony will be hosted by the City of Geneva [Switzerland] in late 2015. Each of the final 3 nominees will receive project funds of 11,650 CHF and a 5,000 CHF travel grant.

The Martin Ennals Foundation represents a worldwide collaboration among human rights non-governmental organisations (NGOs). The following organisations participate in the jury that selects the award: Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, Front Line Defenders, Human Rights First, International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH), the World Organisation Against Torture (OMCT), International Commission of Jurists (ICJ), International Service for Human Rights (ISHR), Protestant Agency for Diakonia and Development (Germany) and HURIDOCS.

About Martin Ennals

According to the Marin Ennals Foundation, "Martin Ennals (1927-1991) was instrumental to the modern human rights movement. He creatively pursued ideas ahead of his time and was the driving force behind other organisations. His deep desire was to see more cooperation among NGOs."