Jakarta, 7/7/2015 –SUAKA, the Indonesia Civil Society Network for Refugee Rights Protection – has been nominated for the Namati Justice Prize 2015.
The Namati Justice Prize is an international prize celebrating the impact, sustainability and innovation in legal empowerment being made by grassroots organizations around the world. Its focuses on organizations working quietly to make major changes to human life. It is open to individuals, non-governmental organizations and social enterprises.
“We are honored to receive this nomination,” said Febi Yonesta, Chair of SUAKA. “It is testimony to our volunteers who work so hard and so selflessly for the protection of asylum seeker and refugee rights in Indonesia.”
“SUAKA is a network of civil society organizations and is composed entirely of volunteers,” said Febi.
SUAKA was first established in 2012 in reaction to the lack of concern shown towards issues experienced by asylum seekers and refugees in Indonesia. In May 2015 the number of asylum seekers and refugees in Indonesia passed 13,000 for the first time, however focus on issues of asylum remains low.
The main award recipient for the Namati Justice Price, plus each category winner, will be decided by six judges. The public is invited to participate in the public vote category. www.justiceprize.org/voting.
The winner of the public vote wins $US500 and will be added to the short list of nominees eligible for the three top prizes, including $US10,000 awarded to the main recipient organization. SUAKA is the only organization nominated from Indonesia, alongside civil society organizations from all over the world.
SUAKA invites everyone who believes it is important to stand up for the rights and protection of asylum seekers and refugees in Indonesia to vote for SUAKA.
Any prize monies awarded to SUAKA will be used to advocate for the rights and protection of asylum seekers and refugees in Indonesia.