Access to Information Programme was recognized with a special award for outstanding contribution to the protection and strengthening of human rights in Bulgaria on 9th December 2011 in the eve of the International Human Rights Day.
The annual awards for contribution to human rights are given by the Bulgarian Helsinki Committee to recognize and celebrate human rights activism since 2008. The winner and the two runner-ups are selected by a six-member jury. An “Audience/Public Choice Award” is also given. In 2011, the jury also bestowed two special awards.
AIP was recognized with the 2011 Human of the Year Award for Outstanding Contribution to Human Rights for its 15-years work to assist the exercise of the right to information, to encourage public demand for government held information, and to advocate for enhanced transparency in the work of public institutions at central and local level. In 2011, as well, AIP is providing legal help in hundreds of cases in which the right of access to information has been restricted.
AIP was selected out of 33 nominees in 2011, among which human rights activists, journalists, doctors, bloggers, judges, and artists. Eight organizations have also been nominated.