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Awards

Each year, Human Rights First honors individuals and organizations whose courage, leadership, and commitment have advanced the cause of human rights around the world. From defenders on the front lines to pro bono attorneys representing people seeking asylum, our awards recognize the people whose work embodies our mission and inspires the next generation of leaders working to build a more just and humane world. Explore our awards below to learn more about each honor and the extraordinary individuals who have received them.

Pro Bono Star Award

The Pro Bono Star award is given to attorneys who demonstrate extraordinary commitment to the cases for asylum or related forms of immigration protection that they take on a pro bono basis through our program.

William D. Zabel Human Rights Award

Named after long-time human rights champion William D. Zabel, this award honors courageous activists and organizations on the frontlines of the struggle for freedom and dignity.

Roger N. Baldwin Medal of Liberty

Every two years, the Baldwin Award is presented by Human Rights First to an advocate or organization outside the United States that has demonstrated effective work in human rights advancement and faces insecurity as a result.

Marvin E. Frankel Award

Each year, Human Rights First honors the memory of founder, Judge Marvin E. Frankel, with an award in his name.

Global Accountability Guardian Award

This award is given to honor passionate and dedicated champions of human rights who work relentlessly to hold accountable human rights abusers around the world.

Visionary Award

The Human Rights First Visionary Award recognizes champions who put human rights first in their own remarkable career trajectories with outsize impact.

Spotlight Award

This award celebrates individuals or organizations who exemplify inspiration, innovation, elevation, and uniqueness in their advocacy for human rights.

Exceptional Corporate Partnership Award

This award honors a corporate partner that demonstrates a depth of pro-bono support and alignment with the organization’s core mission.