As we close out yet another year of challenges for democracy and freedom, we at the Human Rights Foundation (HRF) remain hopeful, reflecting on our various achievements — from winning legal challenges to supporting dissidents on the frontlines to leading award-winning campaigns.
We hope you’ll take a moment to celebrate this year with us by reflecting on the various awards HRF earned in 2022.
Today, more than one million Uyghurs are arbitrarily detained and working at forced labor camps across China. Part of a broader strategy of the Chinese government, this scheme has unfolded into what the United States has recognized as genocide. According to the Coalition to End Forced Labour in the Uyghur Region, “virtually the entire apparel industry is tainted.”
HRF has sparked conversations — and garnered attention — about human rights in the fashion industry through innovative campaigns and creative public education efforts. At the 26th annual Webby Awards, our Uyghur Forced Labor Checker won The Webby People’s Voice Award in the Public Service & Activism: Advertising, Media & PR category and The Webby Award in the Web Services & Applications: Websites and Mobile Sites category.
Although HRF’s Uncomfortable Truth guerilla poster campaign took over the streets of New York City in 2021, the impact of this campaign remains strong. Mimicking a viral fashion marketing campaign, HRF distributed posters with a QR code and picture of a blue prison jumpsuit, similar to those worn by Uyghur forced laborers.
This campaign has captured the interest of changemakers, earning Gold in the human rights category of this year’s Luum Awards and a Bronze Lion in the Outdoor Not-For-Profit/Charity/Government category of the Cannes Lions Awards. It was also recognized by the Clio Awards in the Fashion & Beauty Marketing category, the D&AD Awards in the Press & Outdoor/Tactical category, and the One Show Awards in the Direct Marketing – Health & Wellness category, among many others.
The Chinese government continues to tighten its grip on Hong Kong’s pro-democracy movement. At the 2021 Oslo Freedom Forum in Miami, HRF premiered a short “Lifeline” documentary film detailing the ongoing efforts of exiled Hong Kong activist Nathan Law.
This year, HRF was humbled to win Gold in the Social Video Craft-editing category, Silver in the Social Video General-Documentary and General-Social Impact categories, and Bronze in the Social Video General-Public Service & Activism category at the 43rd Annual Telly Awards.
None of our achievements would have been possible without the generous support of our global community. You can support our impactful, award-winning work by donating today. Donations made or postmarked by 11:59 p.m. ET Saturday, December 31, are tax-deductible for 2022.