Nominations for Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights Award

Over the years, Robert Kennedy’s commitment to social justice has inspired millions around the world. We see his legacy in action every time someone puts their life and liberty at risk to defend human rights. Now, the time has come to begin the search for the next recipient of the Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights Award. The annual presentation of the Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights Award honors an individual of great courage who has dedicated his or her life to the cause of human rights.

Each year, the Robert F. Kennedy Center for Justice and Human Rights invite the public to nominate outstanding champions of human rights who are striving for social justice in their countries and leading the efforts to secure dignity for all people.

Do you know someone who has dedicated his or her life to bringing justice and human rights to the people who need them most? If so, please nominate your own human rights champion for the 2011 Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights Award.

This prize is more than just recognition — it is the beginning of a six-year partnership between the Human Rights Award Laureate and the RFK Center. The Center provides legal, programmatic, and technical assistance, increase public awareness of their work, and generate domestic and international political support.

Nominees do not have to be widely known. The most heroic defenders of human rights are often those working with little outside recognition. But nominees must have a proven record of advancing human rights and live in the country where they are currently working toward social change — this is not a lifetime achievement award. They should be a part of a human rights movement or organization, and not working within or for the government.

Anyone can nominate a human rights defender for the award. An independent panel of five judges, all experts in the field of human rights, selects the winner based on their dedication and accomplishments towards social justice and the non-violent and effective tactics used to achieve their goals.

Thank you for your help.

Monika Kalra Varma

Director, Center for Human Rights

UC Davis School of Law Alum