The Ukrainian Helsinki Human Rights Union is launching an annual anti-award for the most flagrant human rights violation “Thistle of the Year – 2006”.

From this year on, the UHHRU will be awarding this “honour” to individuals and institutions for the most shameful and dangerous violations of human rights and fundamental freedoms.

The anti-award “Thistle of the Year” will be awarded for actions or inaction from 10 December this year to 10 December 2007.

All individuals and legal entities may nominate candidates.

The nomination is carried out by submitting a proposal to the Organizing committee. The only condition is that the proposal may not be anonymous. The selection of “winning” candidates will be made by the Competition Committee on the basis of rules (available at present only in Ukrainian).

All information provided in the proposals will be checked thoroughly, and should the designated person or legal entity be selected, they will be sent a written invitation to attend the award ceremony.

Each laureate will also be entitled to free consultations from human rights activists on ways of improving their work.

The “Thistle of the Year” campaign has been launched in order to draw public attention to the most serious violations of human rights occurring during the year in Ukraine, to name the individuals (organizations) responsible for the most flagrant violations, highlight the dangerous trends and initiatives in Ukrainian legislation or legal practice which pose the greatest dangers for human rights, and to stimulate public discussion on human rights issues.

The first awards will be presented this year. Beginning from now until 1 December nominations will be accepted.

The nominations can be sent to: 04071, Kyiv, Olehivska St, office No. 309, or by email to: ontact#helsinki.org.ua.

UHHRU