The stature of the Ambassador of Conscience Award was reaffirmed on 1st November 2006 when one of the world’s most beloved citizens, Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela received the fourth Ambassador of Conscience Award in Johannesburg, South Africa.

An ebullient Nelson Mandela said it was a 'joy' for him to 'receive this honour… as long as injustice and inequality persist in our world, none of us can truly rest. We must become stronger still… It is my wish that this award can help all activists around the world to shine their candle of hope for the forgotten prisoners of poverty.'
Nelson Mandela inspires those who struggle against injustice everywhere. The 26 years he spent in prison in opposition to apartheid showed that to be free, sometimes one has to sacrifice personal freedom. Nadine Gordimer, South Africa’s foremost writer in presenting the award to Mandela, said he carried 'the conscience of freedom.'

The Ambassador of Conscience Award was inspired by Ireland’s great poet, Seamus Heaney, who in his poem, 'From the Republic of Conscience,' written for Amnesty International reflected: ‘Their embassies, he said, were everywhere but operated independently
and no ambassador would ever be relieved.’

This, one of the premier events on the Amnesty International calendar, is a project of Art for Amnesty. The Ambassador of Conscience Award recognises exceptional leadership and witness in the struggle for human rights. As Heaney’s poem infers, these are people who operate independently; they not only believe, but act on their personal belief, of the right of the individual to liberty. Their commitment to human rights and respect for the dignity of every person is a life-long quest (‘and no ambassador would ever be relieved’). If one person is not free, then none can truly be free.

The Award, through the life and work of its Ambassadors, provides examples of hope that defies odds, intelligence unbowed by repression, integrity never threatened by coercion or betrayal. And the annual Award Ceremony itself provides unique opportunities for artists to honour those who work to make this a peaceful and just world.

Playwright, dissident and former Czech president, Vaclav Havel became the first Ambassador of Conscience in November, 2003. He received his award from Seamus Heaney and actress Vanessa Redgrave in a ceremony held at Dublin’s historic Abbey Theatre.

Nobel Laureate José Saramago and Academy Award winning actress Glenda Jackson presented former Irish president and United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Mary Robinson and Guatemalan women's rights activist Hilda Morales Truijillo with the 2004 Award at a ceremony held in Madrid's, Teatro Monumental in November 2004.

Chilean President-Elect, Dr Michelle Bachelet honoured the members of Irish band, U2 and manager, Paul McGuinness with the 2005 award in a ceremony at Santiago's Estadio Nacional.

Making you nomination:
Nominations should be sent (along with details of how you qualify to make a nomination) to Art for Amnesty by clicking here. The closing date for receipt of nominations is 31st March.