Laureates since 1982

NELSON MANDELA

International Four Freedoms Award

Born in 1918 in Qunu in the Transkei. He studied law at various institutions and joined the African National Congress in 1942, which he helped transform into a mass movement. He was imprisoned from 1962-1990 for his leadership in resisting the apartheid laws. He served as South Africa’s President from 1994-1999. For his eminently important services in protecting the rights of every citizen and representing the viability of peaceful solutions in deadlocked conflicts.

RADIO FREE EUROPE/RADIO LIBERTY

Freedom of Speech and Expression Award

This radio station started in 1949 to provide Eastern Europe with the factual information and opinion denied by the Communist authorities. It functioned as an intermediary between the forbidden opposition and the people in the satellites of the former Soviet Union. For its ceaseless support for the cornerstone of democracy—the free exchange of ideas.

NASR H. ABU ZAYD

Freedom of Worship Award

Born in Tantâ, Egypt in 1943, studied Arabic and Islamic Studies and was forced to flee his country because of the strong opposition to his innovative interpretation of the Koran. He defended the separation of religion and the state, and equal rights for women and men. For his great personal courage in resisting the dictates of religious leaders and advancing personal freedom for men and women in the Islamic world.

GRO HARLEM BRUNDTLAND

Freedom from Want Award

Born in Oslo, Norway in 1939. She became a medical doctor and served as minister and Prime Minister for a decade. In 1998 she became director-general of the World Health Organization and formulated landmark policy proposals for sustainable development in the world. For her extraordinary dedication to the improvement of humanity through the creation of a healthier and more sustainable world.

ERNESTO ZEDILLO PONCE DE LEÓN

Freedom from Fear Award

Born in 1951 in Mexico City, studied economics and served as President of Mexico between 1994-2000. His reform policy was targeted against political corruption and reduced the painful inequality between rich and poor in his country. For transforming Mexico into a living democracy.