Martin Ennals Award
Deadline: 9 December 2009
The Martin Ennals Foundation is seeking nominations for its 2010 award for human rights defenders. The award, worth 20,000 Swiss Francs (US$17,500), is given annually to individuals or organisations that have demonstrated an exceptional record of combating human rights violations by courageous and innovative means. Special consideration is given to those who are at risk and in need of immediate protection. This year’s award went to Emad Baghi, a leading Iranian human rights defender based in Tehran. Baghi has been a vociferous opponent of the death penalty in Iran and has campaigned to challenge interpretations of Islamic law on the subject. He has spent four years in prison within the last decade and still faces charges related to his work for prisoners’ rights. Find out more