The Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights Award was created by the Robert F. Kennedy Memorial in 1984, now known as the Robert F. Kennedy Center for Justice and Human Rights to honour individuals around the world who show courage and have made a significant contribution to human rights in their country.
In addition to receiving a financial award, laureates can partner with the RFK Center on projects to advance their human rights work, benefiting from the resources and technologies at the foundation's disposal. Some have achieved their goals, some are in exile from their home country. The majority continue to live in their home country and work with the support of the center to establish the human rights they are working for.
Since 1984, awards have been given to 37 individuals & organizations, from 24 different countries.