Deadline: 15 February 2012
Open to: Journalists, organizations or institutions
Prize: $25,000
UNESCO invites Member States, as well as regional and international organizations and professional and non-governmental organizations working in the field of journalism and freedom of expression, to nominate candidates for next year’s UNESCO/Guillermo Cano World Press Freedom Prize.
Description
Named in honour of Guillermo Cano Isaza, an assassinated Colombian journalist, the Prize is intended to honour a person, organization or institution that has made an outstanding contribution to the defence and/or promotion of press freedom anywhere in the world, especially when this has been achieved in the face of danger. It is intended to reward journalists who have shown dedication in the name of freedom of expression and information, and to afford them the international recognition they deserve.
The Jury shall consist of two independent members from each of the six regions as defined by UNESCO, in other words 12 persons appointed in their individual capacity by the Director-General of UNESCO for a period of three years, renewable once.
The objective of the Prize is in conformity with UNESCO’s policies and is related to the programme of the Organization in the field of communication and information and, more specifically, to the priority given to promoting an enabling environment for freedom of expression and freedom of information.
Eligibility
Member states, international/regional organizations or professional/non-governmental organizations working in the field of journalism and freedom of expression can nominate up to three candidates.
Prize
Awarded annually, the Prize is marked by a ceremony and the winner is presented with the sum of US$25,000.
How to apply?
Each nomination shall be accompanied by a written recommendation, which shall include, in English or French, inter alia:
- a description of the candidate’s background and achievements;
- the candidate’s contributions of major importance to the promotion of freedom of the press, submitted to the Jury for consideration;
- a definition of the candidate’s contribution to the Prize’s objectives.
UNESCO
Division of Freedom of Expression and Media Development
1, rue Miollis
75732 Paris cedex 15
France
Tel: 33.1.45.68.42.12
Fax: 33.1.45.68.55.84
E-mail: s.coudray(at)unesco.org