The human rights defenders tulip

Anyone who keeps up with the news knows that human rights cannot be taken for granted everywhere. People all over the world fall victim to violence. People all over the world live in degrading circumstances. Countless nations have signed declarations and treaties which stipulate basic human rights, but defending those rights often involves a struggle.

That is what human rights defenders do. They regularly face resistance and violence in the course of their work. It is their exceptional courage that keeps them going. The Dutch Government awards the Human Rights Defenders Tulip to emphasise the importance of their commitment and to encourage one of these human rights defenders in their efforts each year. This award is a result of the human rights strategy, as set out in the foreign policy document entitled ‘Naar een menswaardig bestaan’. Minister Verhagen will be presenting the Human Rights Defenders Tulip on 9 November 2009.

You can also nominate someone to receive the award. Make sure you submit your nomination before 23 August 2009, when the nomination deadline ends. The exact criteria are explained here. An independent jury will assess the nominations and the winner will receive €10,000. He or she also has the opportunity to submit a proposal for a project to the value of up to €100,000. The aim of the project is to intensify the winner’s work as a human rights defender.