Call for Nominations: Human Rights Defenders Award
Nominations are being accepted for a 2008 Human Rights Defenders Tulip award with a deadline of August 31, 2008. Nominees must be individuals, not organizations, who promote and protect human rights and who have faced, are currently facing, or are at risk of facing negative consequences as a result of their work. Human rights defenders themselves run risks because they are seen as a threat by those in power. Unfortunately, they are often exposed to intimidation, violence, murder attempts, false accusations or financial hardship. Information provided by specialized human rights organizations, such as Front Line, Protection International and the Observatory for the Protection of Human Rights Defenders makes this painfully clear.
The Human Rights Defenders Tulip award was established by the Dutch Government in November 2007 and aims to acknowledge persons who have shown exceptional moral courage in protecting and promoting the rights of fellow human beings. The jury and the secretariat of the award operate independently of the Dutch Government. The final three candidates selected by the jury will be announced on 9 October 2008, and a film giving an impression of their work will be commissioned. Award recipients will receive cash awards and the opportunity to establish contacts with several relevant stakeholders in Europe.
The award will be presented by Mr. Verhagen, the Dutch Minister of Foreign Affairs at a ceremony in The Hague on 9 December 2008.
Nominations may be submitted online.
DEADLINE: 31 August 2008