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
2024 Awardees in the Excellence in Legal Service Category and CGFoE team members. From left to right: Adriana Sunun Pablo, Legal Advisor at the Association of Maya Lawyers and Notaries in Guatemala; Hawley Johnson, Associate Director of CGFoE, Nicole Friederichs Lead Counsel and Director of the Human Rights and Indigenous Peoples Clinic at Suffolk University Law School; Amy Van-Zyl Chavarro, Of-Counsel at the Human Rights and Indigenous Peoples Clinic at Suffolk University Law School and Alejandra Negrete, CGFoE 2024 Prize Manager. Photo credits: Juan Manuel Ospina Sánchez/CGFoE
Columbia Global Freedom of Expression Prizes are awarded in two categories:
- The Significant Legal Ruling. The prize shall recognize a judgment 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 and decisions rendered in the last 12 months, although older rulings and decisions may also be considered.
- The Excellence in Legal Services. The prize shall recognize a legal brief, legal amicus brief or legal defense presented anywhere in the world that has advanced or strengthened a global understanding and international norms of Freedom of Expression and Information.. Preference shall be given to services rendered in the last 12 months, although older services may also be considered.
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 an advanced legal understanding of the freedom of expression and information 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.
2024 PRIZE COMMITTEE
- Agnès Callamard, Secretary General, Amnesty International; Former Director, Columbia Global Freedom of Expression
- Catalina Botero Marino, Director, UNESCO Chair on Freedom of Expression at the Universidad de Los Andes; Co-chair, Oversight Board of Facebook and Instagram; Former Consulting Director, Columbia Global Freedom of Expression
- David Kaye, Clinical Professor of Law, University of California, Irvine; Former UN Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression
- Barbora Bukovská, Senior Director for Law and Policy, ARTICLE 19, UK
- Dario Milo, Attorney and Partner, Webber Wentzel, Johannesburg, Republic of South Africa
- Karuna Nundy, Senior Advocate, Supreme Court of India; International human rights lawyer, India
Important Dates
- December 1, 2023 – Nominations Close for the 2024 Edition
- December 1, 2023 to February 28, 2024 – Nominations Review Period
- April 25, 2024 – Award Ceremony
Past Prize Winners
2018 Prize Winner for Excellence in Legal Services