Introduction
The inaugural "Sergio Vieira de Mello Human Rights Awards 2008" is to take place on 10 December 2008. It is a national event where the State of Timor-Leste and the UNMIT recognise the outstanding human rights contribution of individuals, groups or State institutions in Timor-Leste to the nation. It is also a national event to mark the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights that was signed on 10 December, 1948.

Although Timor-Leste's socio-political history is coloured with both documented and anecdotal human rights violations, spanning decades, the 2002 reinstatement of its independence saw the placement of human rights as a cornerstone of Timor-Leste's young democracy.

Notions of peace, security, stability and social cohesion are ideals that Timor-Leste espouses. To make these ideals a reality, individuals, civil society, State institutions and the international community have worked together, and severally, toward their achievement. Positive changes are slowly taking place and will continue to take place.

Objectives of the Awards
The inaugural "Sergio Vieira de Mello Human Rights Awards 2008" contributes to this process of "positive changes" in Timor-Leste by:
1. Publicly recognising the outstanding contribution of Timorese persons and/or groups to the field of human rights;
2. Highlighting progress made in Timor-Leste in the area of human rights; and
3. Encouraging the work of Timorese human rights defenders, activists, promoters, advocates, and service providers for their tireless efforts in promoting human rights for all.

Number of Awards
Two prizes will be awarded on 10 December, 2008. Both prizes will be equal in every way. One prize is to be awarded for outstanding contribution in the promotion of respect for, and protection of, civil and political rights. The other to be awarded for outstanding contribution in the promotion of respect for, and protection of, economic, social and cultural rights.
Candidatures for Awards
Nominations are now open from civil society, State institutions and the international community. Only Timorese nationals, Timorese-based non-government organisations and Timorese State institutions are eligible to be nominated.

The nomination form is to be filled-in and sent to the Office of the President of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste, or by email to assessoriageralpr.rdtl@gmail.com by 27 November 2008.

Nomination Forms can be collected at the Office of the President of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste, the UNMIT Obrigado Barracks Main Gate, or downloaded from the UNMIT website (www.unmit.org).

The inaugural "Sergio Vieira de Mello Human Rights Awards 2008" is funded by the UNMIT. As of 2009, the Awards will be administered and funded by the Office of the President of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste.

Download the document including "Nomination Form" in PDF format with the following language:

English

Tetun

Portuguese