Columbia Global Freedom of Expression Prizes
About the Prizes
In 2015, Columbia University created prizes recognizing judicial decisions and legal representation worldwide that strengthen freedom of expression by promoting international legal norms.
The first of their kind, these prizes are unique for recognizing the remarkable achievements of those who protect and strengthen freedom of expression worldwide but also serve to inspire and promote the essential work they undertake, as highlighted by one of the 2022 prize recipients:
“When seeking justice for atrocious crimes, there are very few moments of joy. Receiving this award today from one of the most prestigious universities in the world is one of those moments. It fills us with joy and strength to continue doing the work that we do: defending rights to change realities.”
Viviana Krsticevic, CEJIL
These prizes are awarded by Columbia Global Freedom of Expression every two years. The competition welcomes nominations, including self-nominations, from jurists and other legal experts, academics, and non-governmental organizations actively engaged in protecting freedom of expression. Nominees from around the world are eligible. The prizes are judged by an independent panel of experts, in law, advocacy, journalism, and human rights.
Prize Categories
Peter Noorlander, Chief Executive Officer, Media Legal Defence Initiative, Nani Jansen, Legal Director, Media Legal Defence Initiative, Lee C. Bollinger, President, Columbia University, Dr. Agnes Callamard, Director, Columbia Global Freedom of Expression and Information, Photo Credit: Eileen Barroso / Columbia University
Columbia Global Freedom of Expression Prizes are awarded in two categories:
- The Significant Legal Ruling prize recognizes a decision rendered anywhere in the world that has advanced or strengthened global understanding of international norms of freedom of expression and information.
- The Excellence in Legal Services prize recognizes a legal brief, amicus brief, academic or other publication, anywhere in the world, that has advanced or strengthened global understanding of international norms of freedom of expression and information.
The Prize Rules may be read here.
Eligibility and Selection Criteria
- Preference will be given to decisions or services rendered in the two year period before the awards.
- The decision or legal service must demonstrate sound legal reasoning and have advanced the legal understanding of the issues under consideration.
- The decision or legal service must make a significant contribution to the protection of freedom of expression or information.
- The decision or legal service must demonstrate a global understanding of freedom of expression and information. This could be demonstrated by listing laws, standards, policies, or decisions regarding freedom of expression that have been referenced in the brief, amicus, or publication. The listed references may be international, regional, and/or originating from other jurisdictions.
- In addition, all nominees in the Excellence in Legal Services category must have established a reputation for integrity and a commitment to human rights, rule of law, and legal excellence.
2022 Prize Selection Committee
- Lee C. Bollinger, President Emeritus, Columbia University
- Catalina Botero, former Special Rapporteur for Freedom of Expression of the Organization of American States’ Inter-American Commission on Human Rights
- Agnes Callamard, Secretary General, Amnesty International
- David Kaye, Clinical professor of law at the University of California, Irvine, and the former United Nations Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression (2014-2020).
- Dario Milo, Attorney and Partner, Webber Wentzel, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Karuna Nundy, Advocate, Supreme Court of India; International human rights lawyer
- Dirk Voorhoof, Prof. em., Human Rights Center, Ghent University and Legal Human Academy, Denmark
Important Dates
- December 1, 2023 – Nominations Close
- December 1, 2023 to February 28, 2024 – Nominations Review Period
- April 2024 – Winners are Announced
Past Prize Winners
2018 Prize Winner for Excellence in Legal Services