The Martin Ennals Award for Human Rights Defenders (MEA), created in 1993, is granted annually to someone who has demonstrated an exceptional record of combating human rights violations by courageous and innovative means. The award aims at encouraging human rights defenders who are at risk and therefore in need of immediate PROTECTION. This main objective of protection is mostly achieved through media attention, particularly in the country or region of origin of the laureate. Besides the award consists of 20,000 Swiss Francs, to be used for further work in the field of human rights.
The Martin Ennals Foundation represents a unique collaboration among ten of the world's leading human rights NGOs. The following organisations form the JURY: