2001 - 2010

Founded to preserve the memory of mass repression under Stalin, Memorial advocates respect for human rights, and protects victims of human rights abuses in Russia and the former Soviet states.

Doctor of psychology, journalist and political dissident Guillermo Fariñas went on a number of hunger strikes aimed at bringing about peaceful political change and freedom of expression in Cuba.

Endangering his life through his activism, Hu Jia has brought the world’s attention to the Tiananmen Square massacre, AIDS issues and human rights abuses in China.

Sudanese lawyer Salih Mahmoud Mohamed Osman defends those who have been arbitrarily detained, tortured and abused by the authorities, despite having been detained himself.

As leader of the democratic opposition Movement for Freedom in Belarus, Aliaksandr Milinkevich denounced the Belarusian regime’s offences against democracy and human rights.

Despite constant repression, the Damas de Blanco (Ladies in White), also known as the Damas, stage weekly peaceful protest marches to demand democracy and the release of political dissidents in Cuba.

Human rights lawyer Hauwa Ibrahim defends women and children sentenced by Sharia courts in Nigeria. She advocates education for girls as the foundation of a peaceful society.

Reporters Without Borders (Reporters Sans Frontières – RSF), an international NGO, fights for freedom of information and freedom of expression, while also supporting persecuted journalists all over the world.

The Belarusian Association of Journalists (BAJ) was founded in 1995 to protect all journalists working under the threat of harassment, intimidation and persecution.

As its Secretary-General, Kofi Annan led the UN to forge stronger ties with civil society in pursuit of its goals of peace, justice and human rights.

As the founder of the Varela Project, Oswaldo Payá fought for civil rights, free pluralist elections, the release of political prisoners, and economic and social reform in Cuba.

Civil and religious leader Dom Zacarias Kamwenho inspired the Angolan people to stand up for their rights and played a critical role in the peace process that led to the end of the country’s civil war.

Despite being imprisoned, censored and losing of his son, Izzat Ghazzawi was courageous in promoting the cause of peaceful dialogue and partnership between Israelis and Palestinians.

A university lecturer and author, Nurit Peled-Elhanan is committed to changing the views of Israeli society towards Palestine. Her writing promotes tolerance, diversity and the right to education.