Index on Censorship, an international organisation that promotes and defends the right to freedom of expression, is calling for nominations for the 2015 Index on Censorship Freedom of Expression Awards. This Award recognises individuals and groups making the greatest impact in tackling censorship worldwide. The Award will be held in London on March 18, 2015.
Each year, the awards call attention to some of the bravest journalists, writers, artists and human rights defenders in the world. The awards which started 15 years ago have honoured some of the world’s most remarkable free expression heroes – from Russian investigative journalist Anna Politkovskaya to education activist and 2014 Nobel Peace Prize winner Malala Yousafzai.
Index invites the public, NGOs, and media organisations to nominate anyone they believe deserves to be part of this impressive peer group. There are four categories of award: Campaigner (sponsored by Doughty Street Chambers); Digital Activism (sponsored by Google); Journalism (sponsored by The Guardian); and the Arts.
Jodie Ginsberg, CEO of Index, said: “The Index Freedom of Expression Awards is a chance for those whom others try to silence to have their voices heard. I encourage everyone, no matter where they are in the world, to nominate a free expression hero.
Nominations close on November 20, 2014.
To commemorate the 15th anniversary of the Freedom of Expression awards, Index is inaugurating an Awards Fellowship to extend the benefits of the award. The fellowship will be open to all winners and will offer training and support to amplify their work for free expression. Fellows will become part of a world-class network of campaigners, activists and artists sharing best practice on tackling censorship threats internationally. The fellowship will be launched formally later in 2014.
