Article 1 – Purpose

Columbia Global Freedom of Expression established the Columbia Global Freedom of Expression Prizes to recognize judicial decisions and legal representation anywhere in the world that have strengthened freedom of expression by promoting international legal standards and jurisprudence.

Article 2 – Designation, number and periodicity of the Prizes

The Prizes shall be entitled “Columbia Global Freedom of Expression Prizes.”

There shall be one prize awarded in each of the following three categories:

(a) Legal Ruling Category:

This prize shall recognize a judicial ruling or decision rendered anywhere in the world that has advanced or strengthened a global understanding and international standards of freedom of expression and information. Preference shall be given to rulings or decisions rendered following the conclusion of the preceding prize cycle.

The prize shall consist of a certificate conferred upon the judge(s) or the court, as deemed appropriate by Columbia Global Freedom of Expression.

b) Legal Service Category:

This prize shall recognize a legal brief, amicus brief, or legal defense presented anywhere in the world that has contributed meaningfully to the advancement of global understanding and international norms of freedom of expression and information. Preference shall be given to rulings or decisions rendered following the conclusion of the preceding prize cycle.

The prize shall consist of a certificate conferred upon the individuals, institutions, or organizations responsible for the service, as deemed appropriate by Columbia Global Freedom of Expression.

(c) Strategic Issue Advocacy Category

This Prize shall recognize sustained and focused advocacy and strategic litigation efforts on a specific issue related to freedom of expression and access to information. The award is not intended to honour general or lifelong achievement, but rather to highlight a clearly defined, long-term engagement that has had a demonstrable cumulative impact in advancing international or regional standards.

Nominees will generally be expected to have led at least two or three cases or major initiatives, with positive outcomes that reflect a shift in jurisprudence or the development of new norms. The evaluation will take a comprehensive view of the nominee’s contributions, considering how multiple efforts have complemented one another over time.

This category is particularly intended for organizations or coalitions, although individuals may also be eligible. Unlike other categories, the assessment is not limited to the current prize cycle and will take into account the sustained and long-term nature of the work.

The prize shall consist of a certificate conferred upon the organization, coalition, or individual(s), as deemed appropriate by Columbia Global Freedom of Expression.

Special Recognitions:

In addition to the Prizes, the Committee may confer a Special Recognition in any of the categories to a nominee whose contribution demonstrates significant impact or merit deserving of distinction.

To the extent possible, the prizes will be awarded biennially. Columbia Global Freedom of Expression reserves the right to award more than one prize or special recognition in a given edition in any category.

Article 3 – Conditions/qualifications of candidates

• The judicial ruling, judicial decisions, legal briefs or legal defense shall:
  • demonstrate sound legal reasoning and an advanced legal understanding of the freedom of expression and information issues under consideration; demonstrate a global understanding of freedom of expression and information by reference to laws, standards, policies, or decisions regarding freedom of expression; the references may be international and/or regional standards and interpretations of freedom of expression and information, and/or decisions from other jurisdictions; and protect freedom of expression or information, either with regard to international standards or with reference to case jurisdiction.
  • The nominees shall have established a reputation for integrity and commitment to human rights, rule of law and legal excellence.

Article 4 – Designation/selection of the prize winner(s)

The prize winners shall be selected by the Prize Committee

Article 5 – Prize Committee

The Prize shall be adjudicated by a Prize Committee composed of six to nine members drawn from the legal profession, academia, and civil society, who have established a reputation for excellence in their respective areas of expertise.

Committee members shall serve staggered terms to ensure continuity, with one-third of the members rotating every prize cycle. Committee members shall serve for a maximum of three consecutive prize cycles, unless otherwise determined by the Director of Columbia Global Freedom of Expression. The Columbia Global Freedom of Expression office shall maintain a roster of eligible individuals and conduct outreach to identify new candidates as needed.

Committee members involved in a real or potential conflict of interest shall recuse themselves from further deliberations or shall be recused upon the request of the Chair following the Internal Regulations.

Committee members shall receive no remuneration for their work but will receive allowances for travel and accommodations, as required. A quorum of four members is required for deliberations to proceed when the Committee comprises six or seven members, and five members when the Committee comprises eight or nine members in total. The Prize Committee may deliberate either in person or by electronic means. The working language for the Prize Committee’s deliberations shall be English.

Article 6 – Chairperson of the Prize Committee

If the President of Columbia University participates as a member of the Prize Committee, they shall serve ex officio as Chairperson.

Alternatively, at the beginning of each prize cycle, a Chairperson shall be selected following the procedures established for that purpose in the Internal Regulations.

The Chairperson shall coordinate deliberations, ensure fair and inclusive discussion, and liaise with the Prize Manager or the person exercising this function.

In the absence of a Chairperson, the Prize Manager may temporarily facilitate deliberations to ensure continuity in the decision-making process.

The Director of Columbia Global Freedom of Expression, available members of the panel of the Prize Committee, and relevant university authorities shall announce the prize winners.

Article 7 – Prize Manager

To support the effective implementation and administration of the Columbia Global Freedom of Expression Prize, a Prize Manager may be appointed by the Director of Columbia Global Freedom of Expression. The appointment shall be subject to the availability of resources and institutional priorities.

In the event that a Prize Manager is not appointed, the responsibilities associated with this role shall be carried out, in whole or in part, by members of the Columbia Global Freedom of Expression team, as instructed by the Director.

The specific responsibilities and functions of the Prize Manager shall be further defined in the Internal Regulations.

Article 8 – Nomination of Candidates

Columbia Global Freedom of Expression shall announce a call for submissions of nominations approximately six months prior to the anticipated prize ceremony.

Nominations may be submitted by individuals, institutions, or third parties. Nominees may include individuals, groups, institutions, or courts. Self-nominations are allowed, provided they are accompanied by appropriate supporting documentation.

Columbia Global Freedom of Expression shall officially invite the submission of nominations from international and regional legal, academic, and non-governmental organizations, as well as from individuals active in the fields of freedom of expression and information.

Each nomination shall be accompanied by a written recommendation, which shall include:

(a) a description of the candidate’s background and achievements;

(b) a description of the legal ruling, decision, brief, defense, litigation, or advocacy effort, and an explanation of how it meets the eligibility criteria identified under Article 3.

The Prize Committee shall operate in accordance with procedures set forth in the Internal Regulations, which provide guidance on appointment, deliberation, and conflict of interest protocols

Article 9 – Procedure for the Awarding of the Prize

The Prize Committee shall deliberate and vote, in person or by electronic means. Deliberations shall follow the procedures outlined in these Rules and further detailed in the Internal Regulations.

The prize winners shall be announced by the Director of Columbia Global Freedom of Expression, available members of the Prize Committee, and relevant university authorities at an official ceremony held for that purpose, coinciding—when possible—with a conference on international freedom of expression and information.

Article 10 – Award Presentation

Winners will be publicly announced and honored in a ceremony organized by Columbia Global Freedom of Expression.

Each winner shall receive a certificate or commemorative item. Additional forms of recognition may be determined at the discretion of the organizers.

Article 11 – Decision Process

The Prize Committee shall deliberate and make decisions in accordance with the procedures and guidelines set forth in the Internal Regulations.

The Prize in any category may be awarded jointly or to multiple recipients where the panel determines that collaborative or collective efforts equally meet the criteria for recognition.

Article 12 – On Internal Regulations

These Rules are complemented by the Internal Regulations of the Columbia Global Freedom of Expression Prize, which provide additional guidance on the implementation and administration of the Prize, including procedures applicable to the Prize Committee and Prize administrators. The Internal Regulations shall not alter or override these Rules but serve to operationalize them. In case of inconsistency, these Rules shall prevail.

Article 13 – General Provisions

These Rules may be amended by Columbia Global Freedom of Expression

Substantive matters related to the evaluation of nominations and the awarding of Prizes shall be resolved by the Prize Committee, in accordance with these Rules and the Internal Regulations. Procedural or administrative matters not expressly covered by these Rules shall be resolved in accordance with the Internal Regulations, taking into account the advice of the Prize Committee when required, and shall ultimately be decided by the Director of Columbia Global Freedom of Expression.

These rules were updated in August 2025