Press Releases

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs announces the commencement of the 3^rd Annual "Stella Soulioti" Human Rights Award and the opening as of today, Friday, 13 October 2023, for the submission of nominations or proposals for 2023. Interested parties may either put themselves forward or nominate other individuals, groups or organisations for the Award, by completing the relevant form available through the links provided below.

The Award, which was established by a Decision of the Council of Ministers based on a proposal submitted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, will be presented in December 2023 (exact date will be announced at a later stage), on the occasion of International Human Rights Day, which is celebrated annually on 10^th December, to individuals/groups/organisations, which have demonstrated over the past year outstanding work and activity, in a field or fields directly related to the promotion and protection of human rights.

Nominations or proposals can be submitted by/for persons or groups of persons legally residing in Cyprus, as well as by/for non-governmental organisations registered and active in the Republic of Cyprus. Governmental authorities cannot be nominated or take part in the process. In-office government officials and/or high-level public officials are excluded for nominating individuals, groups or organisations for the Award.

Based on the relevant Decision of the Council of Ministers, the evaluation of the nominations or proposals and the selection of the winner will be made by a five-member Evaluation Committee comprising of the Minister of Foreign Affairs (Chairman), the Minister of Justice and Public Order, the Commissioner for Administration and Protection of Human Rights (Ombudsman), as well by two prominent figures in the field of the promotion and protection of human rights.

The Award is accompanied by a prize of 10,000 euro, which is intended to support the activities of the winning person/group/organisation in the field of the protection and promotion of human rights in Cyprus.

Duly completed application or nomination forms must be sent via post to The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Presidential Palace Avenue, 1447 Lefkosia, with the envelope clearly marked with "Human Rights Award".

For more information or clarifications, you may contact the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on +357 22 651229 or send an e-mail to humanrightsaward@mfa.gov.cy.

The deadline for submission of nominations/proposals is Thursday 30 November 2023, at 16:00 (Cyprus local time).

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For the application form, press here.

For the application form for proponents, press here.

(MF/NG/SCH)