Awarding Human Rights Advocates

Each year Freedom awards individuals for notable achievements to advance human rights.

Since 1988, Freedom magazine has annually awarded prominent international human rights advocates with its Human Rights Leadership Award. Notable awardees in recent years include Irving Sarnoff, founder of Friends of the United Nations, for promoting the spirit and vision of the U.N. Charter and encouraging participation from all sectors of society in the U.N.’s goal of a peaceful, flourishing planet; Derek Lee, Canadian Member of Parliament, who was recognised for his efforts to reduce political and religious strife and improve human rights in the India-Pakistan conflicts; and Dr. Inonge Mbikusita-Lewanika, Zambian Ambassador to the United States, for her tireless efforts throughout Africa on behalf of women’s and children’s rights and against war, genocide and corruption. Freedom also honoured U.S. Congressman Ben Gilman for three decades of human rights work in the United States, Europe, Africa and Asia; and Dr. Arthur Fletcher, former chairman of the U.S. Civil Rights Commission, for his accomplishments in desegregation and guaranteeing equal opportunities for minorities.