Every year HURIDOCS joins nine leading human rights organisations in honoring finalists of the Martin Ennals Award (MEA), a prize that aims to recognise the work of individuals and organisations who promote and defend fundamental human rights in dangerous environments and often at great personal risk.
The award is named after Martin Ennals (1927-1991), co-founder of HURIDOCS and past Secretary General of Amnesty International. Martin Ennals was an activist instrumental to the modern human rights movement and a driving force behind several organisations. His deep desire was to see increased cooperation among NGOs.
Starting with the next Laureate announcement, the MEA will change its annual award cycle. In recent years, the three finalists have been announced in April and the ceremony announcing the Laureate has been held in October. The annual cycle will shift forward by four months. The next Laureate will be announced at the ceremony in February 2019. Prior to this, the three finalists will be announced in October/November 2018.
The MEA aims to recognise individuals, or exceptionally organisations, who are working in conditions hostile to fundamental human rights, at risk, and in need of protection.
- Nominees must be active in the promotion and protection of human rights.
- Nominations are welcome from all regions, genders, and human rights related themes. The MEA takes a broad view of what a human rights defender is.
- Special account is taken of those who combat human rights violations by courageous and innovative means.
Nominations for the 2019 award will close on 26 March 2018.
Submit a nomination at: http://www.martinennalsaward.org/nominate-2019/
HURIDOCS is a member of the jury committee, along with Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, Human Rights First, FIDH – International Federation for Human Rights, World Organisation Against Torture, Front Line Defenders, International Commission of Jurists, EWDE Germany, and International Service for Human Rights.