North–South Prize

The North–South Prize of the Council of Europe is awarded annually since 1995 by the North-South Centre of the Council of Europe to two public figures who are recognised for their deep commitment, outstanding achievements and hope they have generated in the field of protection of human rights, the defence of pluralist democracy and North-South partnership and solidarity.

Anyone can submit a nomination. The "quadrilogue" (made up of governments, members of parliament, local and regional authorities, and non-governmental organisations from civil society) involved in overseeing the North-South Centre of the Council of Europe, along with media representatives and international and regional government organisations, are invited to name individuals or an organisation whose activities are considered worthy of distinction. The call for candidates is made on its website. The Centre's partners are similarly asked to inform their respective media organs. The file is sent for review to each member of the jury. After studying the files, the Jury makes a final decision on the candidates.

The Prize is awarded every year to two nominees, selected from a combination of the categories Global, North and South, keeping, when possible, the gender and geographical balance.The Prize rewards their commitment to the defence and promotion of human rights, democracy and the rule of law as well as to the development of intercultural dialogue and the reinforcement of the North-South partnership and solidarity, in conformity with the principles and priorities of the Council of Europe.

The Jury is presided by the Chair of the North-South Centre Executive Committee and is made up of members of the Bureau of the North-South Centre and a representative of the North-South Centre‘s host country, if the country’s representative is not a Bureau member.

• North-South Centre of the Council of Europe