Deadline:
February 08, 2025
Location(s)
Worldwide
Overview
Each year, the UNHCR Nansen Refugee Award recognizes several individuals, groups or organizations that have taken extraordinary action to protect and assist refugees, internally displaced or stateless people.
Details
The 2024 global laureate will receive a commemorative medal and a monetary prize of US$100,000 to be reinvested in the humanitarian initiatives for which they are being recognized. Regional winners will also receive some financial or material support to further their humanitarian work.
The 2024 global laureate is Sister Rosita Milesi, a Brazilian nun, lawyer, social activist and movement builder who has championed the rights and dignity of people on the move for nearly 40 years.
Four regional winners also have been named for taking extraordinary action to protect and assist people forced to flee and stateless people and advance their inclusion in host countries and communities.
What criteria will be considered to determine the winner?
- Nominees are considered by the Nansen Refugee Award Committee in the following light:
- The deed for which the person/ entity is nominated should take place outside the framework of normal professional duties and go beyond the call of duty;
- It should demonstrate courage;
- It should raise awareness for displaced people; and
- It should reflect the values of UNHCR.
Who selects the winner?
The Nansen Refugee Award Committee comprises:
- A member designated by the Norwegian Government;
- A member designated by the Swiss Government;
- The Secretary General of the Council of Europe;
- Executive Director of the International Council of Voluntary Agencies;
- The High Commissioner for Refugees;
- The Chairperson of Executive Committee; and
- A guest member, rotated each year.
Nomination
- Nominations consist of a description of the nominee’s work and how they fulfil the selection criteria. This includes details of why the nominee should be considered, evidence that they have positively impacted the lives of the forcibly displaced, and links to articles and publications as evidence.
- Additional information supporting the nomination, including websites, social media handles and other awards bestowed on the nominee, is welcome.
- Nominations will not be considered if three references are not included. These referees should be diversely selected and have the ability to verify the nominees work with or for refugees, displaced people, stateless people, asylum seekers, and resettled refugees, and why their work has made a significant impact on their lives.
Opportunity is About
Eligibility
Candidates should be from:
Description of Ideal Candidate
Who can be nominated for the award?
- Any individual, group of people, or organization that has displayed extraordinary humanitarian work on behalf of refugees, displaced, or stateless peoples is eligible to be nominated.
- Former and current NRC staff or UNHCR staff, including United Nations Volunteers (UNVs) working for UNHCR offices, are ineligible.
Can I nominate myself?
Self-nominations are strongly discouraged. The following are considered self-nominations:
- Individuals or organizations nominating themselves.
Must the nomination be in English?
No. Nominations can be submitted in any of the official languages of the United Nations (English, French, Spanish, Arabic, Russian, and Chinese).
Dates
Deadline: February 08, 2025
Cost/funding for participants
As a general rule, one recipient is chosen each year. In exceptional circumstances more than one winner has been awarded.
Un-save Opportunity
Internships, scholarships, student conferences and competitions.
