12 March 2012

Seeking a Pacific Human Rights Defender for 2012

Amnesty International is on the search for one extraordinary individual who contributes to the protection, promotion and defence of human rights in New Zealand and the Pacific.

Nominations are now open for the 2012 Human Rights Defender Award.

Do you know someone who contributes to the defence and promotion of human rights in New Zealand and the Pacific?

Is their work courageous and outstanding, but perhaps overlooked?

“We know that there are extraordinary people out there in our region fighting for the protection, promotion and defence of human rights and we want to honour their work,” said Rebecca Emery Deputy Director at Amnesty International.

The organisation is relying on the public to do their bit by nominating individuals who they think have made a profound impact to human rights.

“We are looking for people who possess a rock-solid track record in promoting human rights and work in a field that allows them to make this contribution” said Emery.

The award winner has big shoes to fill with previous winners including Shamima Ali of the Fiji Women's Crisis Centre and former Myanmar prisoner of conscience and human rights activist Naing Ko Ko.

The recipient will be awarded the Human Rights Defender Award medallion at a ceremony on Saturday 12th May at an event that will also finish off Amnesty International’s 50th birthday celebrations with a bang.

The recipient will receive a medallion created by Christchurch artist Michael Reed who uses his art and design skills to contribute and support the work of Amnesty.

“I am proud and humbled that the medallion is used as a token to recognise the tremendous efforts of those who campaign selflessly in public and challenging circumstances on behalf of justice for others,” said Michael.

Nominations close on Wednesday 11th April 2012 at 5pm. Nomination forms and instructions are available here.

ENDS

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