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Past recipients
2008 International Recipient: Asia Pacific Network of Sex Workers (APNSW)
The APNSW has been instrumental, nationally and internationally, in highlighting abuses of sex workers’ rights, and has played a key role in pressing for changes to a flawed United Nations Guidance Note on HIV and Sex Work. Recently, since the passage in Cambodia of “anti-trafficking” legislation has led to a crackdown on the entire sex industry, the APNSW has been actively supporting sex workers who have been subjected to gross abuses of their rights. 2008 Canadian Recipient: Peter Collins
2007 Individual Recipient: Ruth Carey 2007 Institutional Recipient: HIV & AIDS Legal Clinic (Ontario) 2006 Canadian Recipient: Stella Stella (www.chezstella.org) is a community-based organization established and run by and for sex workers in Montréal. Since 1995, it has worked to improve the quality of life and working conditions of sex workers, while promoting their health and respecting their human rights. Stella serves women, transvestites and transsexuals, and maintains an ongoing presence in sex work venues, including streets, escort agencies, massage parlours and strip bars. Stella also runs a phone line, medical and legal clinics and visits to sex workers in prison. 2006 International Recipient: Gareth Williams Squarely facing off with one of the most hostile and violent societies towards lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people, activist Gareth Williams is a leading voice for the rights of sexual minorities in Jamaica and the English-speaking Caribbean. At frequent risk to his own physical safety, Mr. Williams is also a tireless advocate for the human rights struggles of those affected by HIV in Jamaica. His commitment to rights as lived realities has ensured that the spectre of discrimination does not go unchallenged. 2005 Canadian Recipient: Al McNutt
2005 International Recipient: Humanitarian Action
2004 Canadian Recipient (Individual): Megan Oleson
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    Canadian HIV/AIDS Legal Network
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Based in Thailand, the APNSW was founded in 1994 to work on issues related to the health and human rights of sex workers and all marginalized groups in the community, including people living with or affected by HIV/AIDS. The organization is based on participation by sex workers — male, female and transgender alike — in the sharing and dissemination of knowledge, as well as in internal leadership positions.
Serving a life sentence in prison, Peter Collins knew he needed to come to terms with the consequences of his actions and so dedicated himself to working for positive social change. He was instrumental in setting up a Peer Education Office in his prison and has advocated on behalf of fellow prisoners on issues ranging from health access to employment. He also wrote a book helping prisoners prepare for successful and safe release into the community. Regularly donating his time, expertise and artwork to numerous charities and social justice initiatives, Peter’s dedication has contributed to improved health and safety in the prison system — and by extension, in the community at large.
In a town where speaking of HIV/AIDS was largely taboo, in 1994 McNutt founded Truro AIDS Outreach, which has since evolved into the Northern AIDS Connection Society, where he remains a driving force. He and his colleagues have, without remuneration, travelled throughout the Atlantic region promoting voluntary and confidential HIV testing where it did not exist, educating young people and those, such as prisoners, who are highly vulnerable to HIV/AIDS, and fighting stigma and discrimination against those living with HIV/AIDS.
The Thai Drug Users' Network (TDN) was formed in 2002 by a few drug users who were moved to act by having seen so many of their peers die of AIDS and other drug-related harms. The network has over 100 members and is active in all four regions of Thailand. It courageously advocates for the human rights of drug users.
