Human Rights Recognition Awards 2025
Theme: Human Rights in the Digital Age: Accountability, Freedom, Respect
In an era where every click, post, and algorithm shapes our freedoms, defending human rights online has never been more urgent.
Today’s digital revolution brings with it unprecedented opportunities for connection, innovation, and democratic engagement—but also new and complex threats to our fundamental rights. As artificial intelligence, surveillance technologies, and data-driven systems become more embedded in everyday life, they raise pressing questions about privacy, discrimination, algorithmic accountability, and the shrinking of civic space online. Around the globe, governments and corporations wield immense technological power with limited oversight, while national and international legal frameworks struggle to keep pace with these rapid developments.
In this shifting landscape, the need to uphold human dignity and freedom in digital spaces is more than a legal or technical concern—it is a moral imperative. The Geneva Centre for Human Rights Advancement and Global Dialogue is proud to announce the Human Rights Recognition Awards (HRRA) 2025, honouring those who stand at the forefront of this urgent struggle. These Awards seek to elevate and celebrate the work of individuals and institutions who are actively shaping a digital world that centres on human rights values: privacy, freedom of expression, non-discrimination, ethical innovation, and transparency.
This year’s theme, “Human Rights in the Digital Age: Accountability, Freedom, Respect,” is a call to action. It reminds us that digital transformation must not be a zero-sum game in which efficiency and innovation come at the expense of justice and individual agency. Whether resisting censorship, exposing algorithmic harms, protecting whistleblowers, or promoting inclusive digital governance, the nominees and recipients of the HRRA are building a future in which technology serves humanity—not the other way around.
Now in its 2025 edition, the HRRA reaffirms our shared commitment to defending and advancing human rights in the digital realm. In doing so, it not only recognises excellence, courage, and vision—it amplifies the voices and values that will define the ethical foundations of tomorrow’s digital societies.
Award Categories
Institutional Award
For NGOs, research centres, and networks.
Recognizing leadership in protecting digital rights and promoting data protection
Individual Award: Defending Freedom of Expression Online
For journalists, activists, and human rights defenders.
Honouring those resisting censorship and promoting safe access to truthful information.
Individual Award: Ethical AI & Human Rights Protection
For researchers, technologists, and human rights advocates.
Celebrating work preventing algorithmic harm and promoting transparency in AI systems.
Honorary Award: Ethical Technology & Human Rights Impact
For the distinguished individual or institution with proven contribution to digital human rights.
This is a non-monetary recognition.
Why Nominate?
- Amplify voices protecting human rights in digital spaces.
- Help celebrate innovation, courage, and ethical leadership.
- Gain international visibility and connect with global networks.
- Access potential collaboration opportunities with like-minded organisations, networks, and institutions working in digital rights and human rights more broadly.
Eligibility
- Nominations are open worldwide to individuals, institutions, and networks.
- Self-nominations are permitted.
Award Benefits
- Winners in the main categories will receive a monetary award to support their ongoing work.
- All recipients will gain visibility through the Geneva Centre’s platforms, networks, and media outreach.
Timeline
- July – September 2025: Call for nominations open.
- October 2025: Shortlist of finalists.
- November 2025: Submissions review and final selection.
- December 2025: Winners will be announced during the online Awards ceremony, held on 10 th December, International Human Rights Day. The ceremony will be hosted online from Geneva, Switzerland.
Nomination Process
- Nominations are open worldwide. Anyone may nominate an individual or institution, including self-nominations, by submitting a statement of achievements (maximum 3 pages), relevant supporting documentation, and at least two references.
- All submissions will be reviewed by the Geneva Centre based on the following criteria of demonstrated impact, innovation and resilience.
- Shortlisted nominees will be contacted before the final selection.
Selection Process
- All nominations will undergo an internal review by the Geneva Centre. The process includes initial screening, shortlisting, and a final assessment by a designated internal committee.
- Shortlisted candidates may be contacted for clarification or additional documents.
Data Privacy
- All submitted information will be treated with confidentiality and used solely for the purpose of the HRRA 2025 evaluation.
- By submitting a nomination, you consent to the Geneva Centre collecting and using the submitted information for the purposes of evaluation, communication, and promotion of the Awards. Personal data will be treated confidentially and not shared with third parties without consent.
Language and Accessibility
Submissions may be made in English only. If you require assistance or additional formats, please contact us.
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Need Help or Have Questions?
For any inquiries about the nomination process or the awards, please contact us at: AFares@gchragd.org
We’re here to support you throughout the submission process.
Submit Your Nomination
OR
- Download the Nomination Form, complete it and send it to AFares@gchragd.org