□  Gwangju Prize for Human Rights Award 2007

The Gwangju Prize for Human Rights was established to celebrate the spirit of the 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 and search for truth. It is hoped that through this award the spirit and message of the 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; and 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.

□  Nomination Checklist

Individual 
  Biography
  Published work, written articles, speeches delivered, etc. by the nominee.
 Published articles/documents (magazine/ news clippings/photos, websites/blogs) or produced video, film, etc. about the nominee.
  Awards, recognitions and citations
  Letter of Recommendations
  a)Individual or Institution (NGO, church, academe, Rotary, etc.)
  b)National Human Rights Institution or International Linkages (Human Rights, Democracy and Peace)
  Write up/ account of International Solidarity work and involvements

Organization
  Organizational Profile/Brochure
 Organizational Publications – annual report, newsletter, books, website/blogsite, documentary video/film, etc
  Published articles/documents (magazine/news clippings/photos, websites/blogs) about the organization
  Programs/Projects/Campaigns
  Awards, recognitions and citations
  Letter of Recommendations
  a)Individual or Institution (NGO, church, academe, Rotary, etc.)
  b)National Human Rights Institution or International Linkages (Human Rights, Democracy and Peace)
  Write up/ account of International Solidarity work and involvements

! Note : Nominator should accomplish the checklist above. Materials submitted will not be returned. If materials are written or published in language other than English please provide translation or description of these materials or documents. Please provide electronic copy of all the document or files you are submitting in Adobe Acrobat or PDF format saved in a CD.

□ 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
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 2007
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, 2007, committee members will choose a winner and the next day public announcement and press conference will be held to announce the winner.

4. 18 May 2007
The Gwangju Prize for Human Rights Award Ceremony will be held. The prize winner receives the award.

□ Submission and Other Details

Please use the contact information below for other details and submission of your nomination. Nominations should be sent to us by postal mailing before 30 March 2007.

※ 1. Nominator can submit only one name of an organization or individual. More than one will not be accepted.
※ 2. Selection process is highly confidential and will not be open to any unsolicited advice from the nominators.
※ 3. The decision of the Selection Committee is final and will not be subject to appeal or reconsideration

Mr. Chanho Kim
Director, International Cooperation Team
The May 18 Memorial Foundation
5.18 Memorial Culture Hall
Post Code 502-260
Seo-Gu Sangmudong 1268
Gwangju City, Republic of Korea
Phone  : +82 62 456 0518 
Fax.   : +82 62 456 0519
Email  : gwangjuprize@gmail.com
Website : www.518.org