Founded in 1988, the prize is awarded every year in complete independence by the French National Consultative Commission on Human Rights (CNCDH) and rewards human rights defenders around the world.
Over a period of 23 years, more than 170 associations, defending human rights in their countries, ranging from Nicaragua, Haiti to Cambodia or Colombia, have been acknowledged. Through this award, France intends to pay tribute and encourage those on the ground and to reward grassroots activities and projects focusing on the protection and the promotion of human rights, in the spirit of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
Each year, the CNCDH selects two themes. This year, the prize focused on fighting against human rights violations on the grounds of sexual orientation and gender identity and combating violence against women.
The Prize will be granted on International Human Rights Day (Saturday 10th) by Alain Juppé, Minister of State, Minister of Foreign and European Affairs, and by Yves Repiquet, President of the CNCDH,
Besides the 5 nominees, the French National Consultative Commission on Human Rights has decided to distinguish the work of five other organizations worldwide, 2 of which are South Africans:
Sonke Gender Justicefor its action in combating violence against women, preventing domestic and sexual violence and promoting gender equality.
The Gay and Lesbian Networkfor its fight against human rights violations on the grounds of sexual orientation and gender identity.
