The Robert F. Kennedy Memorial is now accepting nominations for the 2008 RFK Human Rights Award. The nomination deadline for the 2008 Human Rights Award is April 15, 2008.

In 2007 the Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights Award went to Dr. Mohammed Ahmed Abdallah, a respected community leader, peace negotiator and human rights advocate in the Darfur region of Sudan. To date, there 37 Human Rights Defenders working in 21 countries have received the RFK Human Rights Award. For a complete list of Defenders and the work the CHR does in support of them, please visit http://www.rfkmemorial.org/legacyinaction/rfkhumanrightlaureates/.

Below you will find a nomination form along with a copy of the principles governing the nomination and selection process. If you have any questions regarding the process please direct correspondence to nominations@rfkmemorial.org.

DESCRIPTION OF ROBERT F. KENNEDY HUMAN RIGHTS AWARD

Founded in 1968, the Robert F. Kennedy Memorial works to realize Robert F. Kennedy’s vision of social justice. In 1984, the Memorial established the Human Rights Award, and, to support the award laureates, the Center for Human Rights (RFK Center).

The purpose of the annual Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights Award is to honor those who, at great risk, stand up to oppression in their efforts to support human rights. The Award is intended to honor only individuals who are engaged in nonviolent activity. The Robert F. Kennedy Memorial has recognized the courage and sacrifice of 37 community activists, political prisoners, environmentalists, union organizers and human rights defenders in 21 countries.

The Award, which includes a significant cash prize, seeks to draw international attention to the work of brave individuals who make great personal sacrifices, often risking their own lives, to promote respect for the human rights of all people. In every region of the world, there are men, women and children whose rights are consistently and deliberately denied. In the face of ostracism by their communities, the censure of their colleagues, government retaliation, threats, harassment, persecution, isolation, torture and death, there are people who are moved to act on behalf of justice, to alert the world to human rights violations, and to work to advance the cause of human rights within their countries. The Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights Award seeks to identify and honor these people who embody Robert Kennedy’s belief in the power of individual efforts to overcome injustice.

The Award also marks the beginning of a long-term partnership between the human rights laureates and the RFK Center. The RFK Center works closely with its laureates to concretely contribute to the laureates’ social justice goals and impact the global human rights movement. RFK Center combines innovative human rights tools and advocacy campaigns with a rights-based approach driven by our grassroots partners around the world. The RFK Center engages a Global Advocacy Team of pro-bono experts, professional human rights staff, the Kennedy family, and their networks to advocate for the change its partner activists seek; these include changing policies and actions of governments, intergovernmental organizations, international financial institutions (IFIs), and corporations.

*More information on the nomination and selection process can be accessed at http://www.rfkmemorial.org/legacyinaction/selectionprocess/.

*The nomination form can be accessed at http://www.rfkmemorial.org/legacyinaction/Nominate_Advocate/.

For questions, please contact Colleen Buhrer at nominations@rfkmemorial.org