Rights & Democracy (International Centre for Human Rights and Democratic Development) presents the John Humphrey Award each year to an organization or individual from any region of the world for outstanding achievement in the promotion of human rights and democratic development. The Award consists of a grant of $30,000 and a speaking tour of Canadian cities to help increase awareness of the recipient’s human rights work. It is named in honour of the late John Peters Humphrey, the Canadian human rights law professor who prepared the first draft of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Eligibility 

• The nominee (an individual or an organization) must be committed to peace and non-violence.
• The nominee must be independent of any political party or governmental affiliation.
• Preference is given to those working at the frontline for the benefit of developing countries, under conditions hostile to the recognition and application of basic human and democratic rights.
• Preference will be given to those involved in the priority issues of Rights & Democracy: democratic development, women’s rights, rights of indigenous peoples, social and economic rights.
• The Award is given only to an individual or to an organization that is still active.
• Former staff or board members of Rights & Democracy are not eligible.
• Self-nominations by individuals or organizations are not eligible.

An International Jury The winner will be selected by an international jury composed of five members of Rights & Democracy’s Board of Directors : Aurel Braun, Guido Riveros Franck, Soyata Maïga, Marco Navarro-Génie and David Matas.

How to Submit a Nomination
Rights & Democracy invites you to submit a nomination by April 30, 2010.

This can be done by mail, fax or e-mail together with all the following documents in one package:

1. A letter from the nominator (with his or her address, phone number and e-mail) describing the nominee, his or her work and why he or she merits this Award;
2. A curriculum vitae or a profile of the nominee;
3. Supporting documentation such as articles written by or about the nominee, (e.g., press clippings, websites links);
4. At least three references (with addresses, phone numbers and e-mail addresses), who have in-depth knowledge of the candidate’s work, and who may be contacted by members of the jury for more detailed information.

Mailing address:
Rights & Democracy 2010 John Humphrey Award
1001 de Maisonneuve Blvd. East, Suite 1100
Montréal, Québec Canada H2L 4P9

Fax: (514) 283-3792
E-mail: pdaigle@dd-rd.ca

Deadline: April 30, 2010.

* Only the nominator will receive an acknowledgement of receipt and a letter informing him or her of the selection of the laureate.