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From Rafto
Each year, the Rafto Prize honors individuals or organizations that courageously advocate for human rights and democracy. The Rafto Foundation now invite everyone passionate about human rights to nominate candidates for the 2025 prize before the deadline on 1 February.
The 2024 Rafto Prize was awarded to Cuban artist and human rights defender Luis Manuel Otero Alcántara for his unwavering artistic resistance against authoritarianism.
Eligible candidates should actively and peacefully champion the principles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Individuals, organizations, or joint nominees may qualify, though self-nominations or those submitted by their staff or honorary officers will not be considered.
Submit your nomination through their online form and learn more about past laureates on their website.
Background:
The Rafto Prize, established in 1987, has become a beacon of recognition for human rights defenders worldwide[1][4]. Named after Professor Thorolf Rafto, a Norwegian human rights activist, the prize aims to shed light on human rights violations and acknowledge those who courageously stand up for fundamental freedoms[1][5].
Since its inception, the Rafto Foundation has awarded the prize to over 30 individuals and organizations, with some laureates later receiving the Nobel Peace Prize[4]. This prestigious award not only brings international attention to crucial human rights issues but also provides a platform for activists to amplify their voices[4].
The prize, which includes a diploma and $20,000 USD, is announced in September and presented each November in Bergen, Norway[1][2]. It serves as a powerful tool to support and encourage those working tirelessly to promote human rights and democracy, often in challenging and dangerous circumstances[4].
Significance of the Rafto Prize
The Rafto Prize plays a vital role in the global human rights landscape by:
1. Raising awareness: It brings attention to pressing human rights issues that may otherwise go unnoticed[1].
2. Providing support: The prize money and international recognition can bolster the work of human rights defenders[2].
3. Inspiring action: By honoring courageous individuals and organizations, it encourages others to stand up for human rights[4].
As the nomination process for the 2025 Rafto Prize begins, it presents an opportunity for the global community to engage in the promotion and protection of human rights by nominating deserving candidates who embody the spirit of universal human dignity and freedom[7].
Citations:[1] https://www.rafto.no/en/rafto-prize[2] https://triple-funds.com/tf-entry/the-rafto-prize/[3] https://www.unfpa.org/resources/human-rights-principles[4] https://humanrightshouse.org/articles/rafto-foundation-celebrates-30-years/[5] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thorolf_Rafto_Memorial_Prize[6] https://www.allmep.org/notification/call-for-nominations-the-rafto-prize-2023/[7] https://www.amnesty.org/en/what-we-do/universal-declaration-of-human-rights/[8] https://humanrightshouse.org/human-rights-houses/bergen/[9] https://www.rafto.no/en/the-rafto-prize[10] https://humanrightsdefenders.blog/tag/call-for-nominations/[11] https://www.un.org/en/udhrbook/pdf/udhr_booklet_en_web.pdf[12] https://www.rafto.no/en/[13] https://no.wikipedia.org/wiki/Professor_Thorolf_Raftos_Minnepris
