The Samdup Human Rights Advocacy Award
An annual honour recognizing one individual and one organization advancing justice, dignity, and fundamental freedoms for people facing repression.
Honouring courage, compassion, and steadfast commitment
The Canada Tibet Committee — Canada’s oldest Tibet advocacy organization — is launching the Samdup Human Rights Advocacy Award to recognize those whose work demonstrates a sustained commitment to human rights and to the people who defend them.
Presented each year to one individual and one organization, the award celebrates leadership rooted in non-violence, principled advocacy, and solidarity with communities under repression — in Canada and around the world.
Two lives that shaped Tibet advocacy
The award carries the names of two extraordinary advocates whose careers helped build the movement for Tibet in Canada and internationally.
Thubten Samdup
Thubten Samdup co-founded the Canada Tibet Committee in 1987 and served as its national president. He later served as Representative of His Holiness the Dalai Lama at the Office of Tibet in London, carrying the work he began in Canada onto the international stage.
Carole Samdup
Carole Samdup served as Executive Director of the Canada Tibet Committee and built a lengthy, impactful career in economic and social rights advocacy at the International Centre for Human Rights and Democratic Development.
This award carries the spirit of two extraordinary advocates whose lives remind us that human rights work is built through courage, compassion, and steadfast commitment.
Key dates & eligibility
Nominations Open
Submissions are accepted beginning
July 6Two Recipients
One individual and one organization are honoured each year for their advocacy.
Presented On
International Human Rights Day — the anniversary of the day His Holiness the Dalai Lama received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1989.
December 10Nominations are open to individuals and organizations in Canada or internationally whose work demonstrates a sustained commitment to human rights, non-violence, policy advocacy, or solidarity with Tibetans and other communities facing repression.
Put a name forward
Thank you for your nomination
We’ve received your submission. The Canada Tibet Committee reviews each nomination carefully, and recipients are announced ahead of the December 10 presentation.