« Exploring a topic that is intrinsic to society, human rights, children rights or even culture in general has contributed to my desire to understand, engage myself and share certain social and political challenges around me. This contest has allowed me to present a research project on an important subject for me related to the youth and thus, gave me the opportunity to raise awareness amongst my acquaintances on this issue. Winning the award is also a wonderful experience, which has encouraged me to pursue in my choice of studies and my future career, allowing me to keep on going with great determination! »

                                                                                                         Martin Minkovic, winner of the second edition of the prize, École Moser Genève

HUMAN RIGHTS WATCH PRIZE

The Human Rights Watch Prize is organized in partnership with the École Moser of Geneva and Nyon, the campus of La Châtaigneraie of the International School of Geneva and the non-governmental organisation Human Rights Watch.

This distinction offered since 2014 is awarded each year to a last year student of the Geneva area. The prize rewards the excellence of the end-of-year paper relating to the thematic of human rights for the quality of the topic, the issues and possible solutions proposed, as well as for the author’s enthusiasm and interests demonstrated for the cause.

OBJECTIVES
  • Provide the opportunity to students of the Romandie region to propose a research project on current societal issues ;
  • Encourage critical reflection within schools ;
  • Raise awareness among the young audiences and their families about human rights ;
  • Support students to enhance their professional careers by proposing a professional experience in a renowned international organisation ;
  • Encourage an inter-disciplinary collaboration between different and often fragmented spheres ;

PARTICIPATION CRITERIA

  • Having been granted a grade of 5 (“note blanche”) or more for his end-of-year paper by the school
  • A significant part of your paper needs to address an issue directly related to human rights
  • The student will be selected according to the impact of his problematic, the quality of methodology, the interest shown for this cause and the solutions proposed and/or problems raised

EVALUATION CRITERIA

The different evaluation stages are the following :

  • September : presentation of the prize to the students by the Act On Your Future Foundation
  • April : selection of the best papers by the partner school
  • May : oral presentation of the selected candidates at Human Rights Watch Geneva Office in front of a jury composed by members of the Foundation and staff members of Human Rights Watch office
  • Early June : selection of the three best candidates by a senior staff member of Human Rights Watch in Geneva.
  • End of June : award of the prize during the end-of-year graduation ceremony on the campus of the partner schools

TYPES OF PRIZE

  • A certificate issued by Human Rights Watch and the Act On Your Future Foundation (1st, 2nd, 3rd)
  • A weeklong discovery internship at the Human Rights Watch office in Geneva
  • The possibility to do an internship with the Act On Your Future Foundation
  • An invitation to attend the Annual Dinner of Human Rights Watch Geneva  at the table of the Act On Your Future Foundation
  • The publication of your paper on the Foundation's website