In 2024, we will celebrate the 30th anniversary of the founding of the Martin Ennals Award!  

Since 1994, the Award has touched on the lives of more than 60 human rights defenders in over 40 countries, providing them with support, protection, and a platform to disseminate their work and advocacy. From a small celebratory dinner with Harry Wu in Vienna (MEA 1994, China), to the beautiful public ceremonies under the auspices of the Ville de Genève today, the Award has evolved over the years but stayed true to its founding mission of celebrating individuals and organizations who make outstanding commitments to defending human rights.  

The nomination process for this special year will open in the first quarter of 2024 and will remain live for two months, as done in the past.

A nomination form will be available in several languages. Any individual or organization can be nominated for the Award, keeping in mind these rules and criteria:  

• Candidates must be currently active in the promotion and protection of human rights (the Award does not consider defenders who are deceased); 
• The candidate should not employ or advocate violence;  
• Candidates who are no longer in need of protection (e.g., because they are now in a safe environment) will normally not be considered;  
• Self-nominations are not accepted.  

Once the nominations have been vetted by the Foundation and considered by our Jury of ten human rights organizations, the name(s) of the Laureate(s) will be released in the second quarter of 2024. 

Preparations are underway for a 30th-anniversary reunion of former winners of the Award in Geneva as well as a Ceremony, which would take place in the third quarter of 2024. 

Stay tuned for more updates on our website and newsletter!