International Awards Promoting Peace, Human Rights, and Environmental Justice

Various international awards recognise and promote significant contributions to peace, human rights, and environmental justice.

Definition and Purpose

International awards serve to acknowledge individuals or organisations that make outstanding contributions in promoting peace, protecting human rights, and advocating for environmental justice.
Their purpose includes raising awareness, inspiring others, and providing financial support or visibility to the causes championed by the recipients.

Right Livelihood Award: Initiated in 1980, this award honours those "working on practical and exemplary solutions to the most urgent challenges facing us today." It is often referred to as the 'Alternative Nobel Prize'.
Goldman Environmental Prize: Established in 1989, this award recognises grassroots environmental activists from around the world, which rewards individuals for their sustained and significant efforts to protect and enhance the natural environment.
UNESCO's International Literacy Prizes: These awards, first presented in 1967, focus on organisations and individuals who contribute significantly to education, especially in promoting literacy and human rights.
Helen Caldicott Peace Prize: Named after the nuclear disarmament advocate, this award is given to those who demonstrate commitment to world peace and security.

Many nations have their own systems of awards that recognise individual contributions to peace and human rights, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom in the United States, awarded for "especially meritorious contributions to the security or national interests of the United States, world peace, or other significant societal benefits."
The Order of the British Empire includes honours such as Commander (CBE), Officer (OBE), and Member (MBE) that can be awarded for services to human rights and community work.

International Gandhi Peace Prize: This award, established in 1995, is bestowed annually by the Government of India to individuals and institutions for their contributions towards social, economic, and political transformation through non-violent and other Gandhian methods.
Children's Peace Prize: This accolade recognises children who have made a significant effort to promote peace and improve the lives of other children, thus fostering a culture of peace.

Nobel Peace Prize: Perhaps the most prestigious award, established in 1901, it recognises individuals or organisations that have made significant contributions to peace efforts globally.
Tyler Prize for Environmental Achievement: Founded in 1973, this award is given for achievements in environmental science, policy, education, and the management of natural resources.

The Right Livelihood Award was established by Jakob von Uexkull in response to the lack of focus on social and environmental issues within the Nobel Prizes.
The history of the Goldman Environmental Prize reflects the growing recognition of grassroots activism in the late 20th century, especially following milestones in environmental awareness during the 1960s and 1970s.
Each award typically has a rigorous selection process, often involving nominations from previous laureates or recognised experts in relevant fields, ensuring that the recipients are credible and impactful in their respective areas.