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	The Rule of Law for Human Rights by International Commission of Jurists Switzerland   The International Commission of Jurists is dedicated to the primacy, coherence and implementation of international law and principles that advance human rights.   What distinguishes the International Commission of Jurists (ICJ) is its impartial, objective and authoritative legal approach to the protection and promotion of human rights through the rule of law.   The ICJ provides legal expertise at both the international and national levels to ensure that developments in international law adhere to human rights principles and that international standards are implemented at the national level.   For over five decades, the ICJ has played a seminal role in establishing international human rights standards and working towards their implementation. Through pioneering activities, including inquiry commissions, trial observations, fact-finding missions, public denunciations and quiet diplomacy, the ICJ has been a powerful advocate for justice.   The International Commission of Jurists has during its prestigious history received a number of leading international human rights awards recognising its legal contribution to the promotion and development of international human rights standards and practice. Visit the related web page
	2011 Goldman Environmental Prize Winners by Amy Lyons   Grassroots environmental heroes too often go unrecognized. Yet their efforts to protect the world’s natural resources are increasingly critical to the well-being of the planet we all share.   The Goldman Environmental Prize honors grassroots environmental heroes from the six continents: Africa, Asia, Europe, Islands and Island Nations, North America, and South and Central America.   Recognizing inspiring individuals for sustained and significant efforts to protect and enhance the natural environment, often at great personal risk. Each winner receives an award of $150,000, the largest award in the world for grassroots environmentalists.   The Goldman Prize recognizes “grassroots” leaders involved in community actions, to bring about positive change through community and citizen participation. The Prize aims to inspire ordinary people to take extraordinary actions to protect the natural world.   In 2011 Goldman Prize recipients tackled some of the most pressing environmental issues of the day through grassroots efforts, helping to educate and motivate local communities to get involved in the effort to protect the natural environment around them and to stand up for their rights.   Africa: - Raoul du Toit, Zimbabwe   Raoul du Toit coordinated conservation initiatives that have helped to develop and maintain the largest remaining black rhino populations in Zimbabwe.   Asia:- Dmitry Lisitsyn, Russia   Dmitry Lisitsyn fought to protect Sakhalin Island’s critical endangered ecosystems while also demanding safety measures from one of the world’s largest petroleum development projects.   Europe:- Ursula Sladek, Germany   In response to Germany’s expanded reliance on nuclear energy, Ursula Sladek created her country’s first cooperatively-owned renewable power company.   Islands:- Prigi Arisandi, Indonesia   Biologist Prigi Arisandi initiated a local movement to stop industrial pollution from flowing into a river that provides water to three million people.   North America:- Hilton Kelley, USA   Now leading the battle for environmental justice on the Texas Gulf Coast, Hilton Kelley fights for communities living in the shadow of polluting industries.   South & Central America:- Francisco Pineda, El Salvador   Living under the constant threat of assassination, Francisco Pineda led a citizens’ movement that stopped a gold mine from destroying El Salvador’s dwindling water resources. Visit the related web page
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