This prestigious honour recognises exceptional human rights defenders selected by a jury of ten leading human rights organisations, including HURIDOCS, a long-standing member. Since 1994, the Award has acknowledged, promoted, and protected defenders working under threat or in underreported contexts. Each year, it culminates in a public ceremony in Geneva, co-hosted with the City of Geneva. The Award offers defenders both a platform to highlight globally significant issues and strengthen their connections to advance the human rights movement.
For over 30 years, the Jury has recognised 53 defenders from 37 countries. These laureates come from diverse backgrounds, including lawyers, journalists, academics, medical professionals, religious leaders, homemakers, students, and grassroots activists. Their work has addressed some of the most pressing human rights challenges of recent decades: in Vietnam, Pham Doan Trang documented and advocated for free expression under restrictive laws; in Bahrain, Abdul-Hadi Al-Khawaja continued a decade-long push for political reform and social justice despite harsh imprisonment; in Burkina Faso, Dr. Daouda Dialloa worked to expose violence amid armed conflict. Other notable recipients include defender Khurram Parvez from Jhammu & Kashmir, who courageously documented human rights abuses, advocating for justice, and promoting accountability for violations committed by both Indian and Pakistani forces in the region, and Feliciano Reyna, a Venezuelan human rights defender advocating for the rights of people living with HIV/AIDS, focusing on health care access, stigma reduction, and policy change.
The 2024 Martin Ennals Award continues this legacy as it will honour two exceptional human rights defenders on 21 November who have devoted their lives to safeguarding rights within deeply repressive environments.
Following the ceremony, jury members—including HURIDOCS represented by Executive Director Danna Ingleton—will participate in a public discussion exploring the issues that will shape the award’s future.
Find out more about the candidates and the events here.