Laureates

Robert F. Kennedy Center for Justice and Human Rights

The Robert F. Kennedy Center for Justice and Human Rights engages in long-term partnerships with human rights activists to initiate and support sustainable social justice movements. Established by Kerry Kennedy in 1987, RFK Center utilizes a professional human rights staff, the Kennedy family, and their networks to realize the change our partner activists seek; these include over coming unjust social norms, changing policies and actions of governments, intergovernmental organizations, international financial institutions (IFIs), and corporations.

RFK Center works under the direction of partners on the ground, former winners of the Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights Award, using innovative tools to achieve sustainable social change, including litigation, technical initiatives, advocating with governments, UN and other international entities and NGOs, and launching consumer awareness campaigns aimed at fostering corporate responsibility.

RFK Human Rights Award

The Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights Award was established in 1984 by his eldest child, Kathleen Kennedy Townsend, to honor courageous and innovative individuals striving for social justice throughout the world.
Each year, the RFK Center awards an individual whose courageous activism is at the heart of the human rights movement and in the spirit of Robert F. Kennedy's vision and legacy. The Human Rights Award Laureates have made significant contributions to their countries through years of dedicated work. Laureates are chosen through an exhaustive annual nomination and selection process with nominations submitted from all over the world.
RFK Center offers not only a monetary contribution to their cause, but a five year partnership, through the RFK Center, in the fight for justice.

RFK Europe provides advocacy and support to the active Laureates in Europe.

2010: Abel Hèrnandez Barrera – Mexico

Fighting for the full spectrum of human rights of indigenous and rural communities and demanding protection of human rights defenders in the region.
Abel's prophile

2009: Magodonga Mahlangu and Women of Zimbabwe Arise (WOZA) – Zimbabwe

Advocating for political and social change in Zimbabwe, empowering women, and striving for universal education.
Magodonga's prophile

2008: Aminatou Haidar - Western Sahara

Promoting the civil and political rights of the Sahrawi people of Western Sahara, including the freedom of speech and assembly and the right to self-determination.
Aminatou's prophile

2007:  Dr. Mohammed Ahmed Abdallah - Sudan

Treating victims of torture, and to ensure peace process includes provisions for post conflict truth and reconciliation (currently in exile).
Mohammed's prophile

2006: Sonia Pierre – Dominincan Republic

Striving to realize the right of Dominican children of Haitian descent to a name and a nationality and for the respect of the fundamental rights of Haitian immigrants in Dominican Republic.
Sonia's prophile

2005: Stephen Bradberry – United States (New Orleans)

Establishing the right to return and participate for those displaced from their homes by the Gulf Coast hurricanes.
Stephen's prophile

2004: Delphine Djiraibe - Chad

Advocating for social, economic, and environmental rights in Chad and for World Bank accountability and corporate responsibility in the disbursement of oil revenues.
Delphine's prophile