ACT NOW! Gwangju Prize for Human Rights Award 2006

The Gwangju Prize for Human Rights was established to celebrate the spirit of May 18 Gwangju Uprising by recognizing both individuals, groups or institutions in Korea and abroad that have contributed in promoting and advancing human rights, democracy and peace in their work. The prize is awarded by the citizens of Gwangju in the spirit of solidarity and gratitude from those whom they have received help in their struggle for democratization. It is hoped that through this award the spirit and message of May 18 will be immortalized in the hearts and mind of humankind.

The Gwangju Prize for Human Rights which is given yearly has the following aims:
1). To enhance the spirit of the May 18 Democratic Uprising by awarding individuals, groups or institutions in Korea and abroad on their contribution to improving human rights and peace throughout the world.
2). To reward individuals, groups and institutions in Korea and/or abroad for promoting the goals of the May 18 Democratic Uprising as a movement toward unification and cooperation.

A prize money amounting to US$ 50,000, a gold medal and a certificate will be awarded to the winner.


Previous Winners of the Gwangju Prize for Human Rights:
2000 (3rd Nov) : Xanana Gusmao (The president of East Timor)
2001 (18th May): Basil Fernando (Executive director of AHRC; Hong Kong)
2002 (18th May): Korean Association of Bereaved Families for Democracy; South Korea
2003 (18th May): Dandeniya Gamage Jayanthi (Monument for the Disappeared; Sri Lanka)
2004 (18th May): Aung San Suu Kyi (National League for Democracy; Burma)
2005 (18th May): Wardah Hafidz (Coordinator, Urban Poor Consortium; Indonesia)


Nomination and Criteria
The candidates eligible for the Gwangju Prize for Human Rights are nominations made by individuals or organizations who were invited to nominate names for consideration. An individual can not nominate himself or herself. These core criteria should be considered:
1). Outstanding person or group that is active in the promotion and advocacy of Peace, Democracy and Human Rights.
2). A person or group that works for the reunification of Korea.


The Gwangju Prize for Human Rights Committee
Gwangju Prize for Human Rights Committee is responsible for the selection of the candidates and the choice of prize winner. The Committee is composed of individuals appointed by the Board of the May 18 Memorial Foundation.

Information about the nominations, whether publicly or privately is confidential. Disclosure is highly restricted.

Timeline and Process
1). January-February
Announcement and nomination forms are sent out. The Committee sends out invitation letters containing forms to persons who will be requested to nominate.
2). 30 March 2006
Deadline for submission of the forms. The Committee assesses the candidates' work and prepares a short list.
3). April
The “shortlist” is reviewed by the committee and advisers will be consulted for their input and knowledge of chosen candidates. The advisers do not directly evaluate nominations nor give explicit recommendations. On April 27, 2006, committee members will choose a winner and the next day public announcement and press conference will be held in Seoul to announce the winner.
4). 18 May 2006
The Gwangju Prize for Human Rights Award Ceremony will be held. The prize winner receives the award.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Gwangju Prize for Human Rights 2006

What is the Gwangju Prize for Human Rights?
The Gwangju Prize for Human Rights was established by The May 18 Memorial Foundation to celebrate the spirit of May 18 Gwangju Uprising. It is awarded as recognition both to individuals and groups or institutions in Korea and abroad that have contributed in promoting and advancing human rights, democracy and peace in their work. The prize is awarded by citizens the Gwangju in the spirit of solidarity and gratitude from those whom they have received help in their struggle for democratization and search for truth. It is hoped that through this award the spirit and message of May 18 will be immortalized in the hearts and mind of humankind.

What are the aims of the Gwangju Prize for Human Rights?
The Gwangju Prize for Human Rights is given yearly and has the following aims: 1) to enhance the spirit of the May 18 Democratic Uprising by awarding individuals, groups or institutions in Korea and abroad on their contribution to improving human rights, democracy, and peace throughout the world. 2) to reward individuals, groups and institutions in Korea and/or abroad for promoting the goals of the May 18 Democratic Uprising as a movement toward unification and cooperation.

How can I nominate someone for the Gwangju Prize for Human Rights?
The candidates eligible for the Gwangju Prize for Human Rights are those nominated by qualified persons or organizations. The nominee must be an outstanding person or group that is active in the promotion and advocacy of Peace, Democracy and Human Rights, and a person or group that works for the reunification of Korea. The nomination form is available online in the English section of www.518.org website.

Is it possible to nominate, myself or my organization and someone for a posthumous Gwangju Prize for Human Rights?
No, it is not possible to nominate yourself or your organization, also, posthumous nomination is not allowed either.

What is the process of nomination?
The nominator should accomplish the requirements found in the nomination form, get two other referees to answer the questionnaire, and submit by post the accomplished forms and the relevant documents to The May 18 Memorial Foundation.

When and where to submit the nomination?
All nominations must be sent by post to The May 18 Memorial Foundation not later than March 30, 2006.
Nominations should be mailed to:
The May 18 Memorial Foundation
c/o Gwangju Prize for Human Rights 2006
518 Memorial Culture Hall
Postcode 502-260
Seo-gu, Sangmudong 1268,
Gwangju City, Republic of Korea

Who will decide the winner for Gwangju Prize for Human Rights?
The Gwangju Prize for Human Rights Committee is responsible for the selection of the candidates and the choice of prize winner. The Committee is composed of individuals appointed by the Board of the May 18 Memorial Foundation. Information about the nominations, whether publicly or privately is confidential. Disclosure is highly restricted.
When will the winner be announced?
The winner will be announced on 28 April 2006 in a press conference that will be held in Seoul.

How many winners have been awarded the prize?
Since 2000, five individuals and 1 organization have been awarded the Gwangju Prize for Human Rights.

What is awarded to the winner?
Prize money amounting to US$ 50,000, a gold medal and a certificate is awarded to a winner.

When and where will the Gwangju Prize for Human Rights ceremonies take place this year?
The Gwangju Prize for Human Rights ceremonies will be held at the Gwangju City Hall, Gwangju City, South Korea on 18 May 2006. Republic of Korea.


For more information please send email to:
surnadal@hanmail.com (Chanho Kim)
mwalad@gmail.com (Mus)
518org@gmail.com
Visit our website: www.518.org