As photography is a powerful medium of expression to communicate strong messages about a subject, this contest seeks to inspire action through imagery. United Nations, on the occasion of Human Rights Day, is inviting photographs for the photography contest. The photos must depict what “Leaving No One Behind” means in the human rights context of their countries- exploring themes of anti-discrimination and inclusion.

The elimination of all forms of discrimination has been one of the core objectives of the United Nations since its inception. Human rights are at the heart of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), as in the absence of human dignity we cannot drive sustainable development. The progress on all SDGs drives Human Rights, while the advancements on human rights drive the SDGs. Human Rights Day provides an opportunity to reflect on the principles enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights which empowers us all to take action in our own daily lives against all forms of discrimination and to uphold the rights that protect us all thereby promoting the kinship of all human beings.

United Nations Photography Contest 2019 Prizes

A panel of judges at United Nations will select three entries of the Photography Contest to win the prizes as:

• 1st prize: $500 USD
• 2nd prize: $250 USD
• 3rd prize: $100 USD

The UN Resident Coordinator will present the prizes during a ceremony on Human Rights Day 2019 (Dec. 10) in Barbados followed by a press release announcing the results. Moreover, the ceremony will exhibit all the entries. The UN Barbados and OECs office will cover awardees’ travel costs for those living outside of Barbados.

Eligibility for the United Nations Photography Contest

Participants are eligible for the 2019 United Nations Photography Contest if they meet the following criteria:

• Entrants must be citizens of one of the following countries: Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, British Virgin Islands; Commonwealth of Dominica, Grenada, Montserrat, Saint Lucia, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Vincent, and the Grenadines
• Likewise, the contest is open to youth aged 10-25 years.
• Entrants of all skill levels are welcome to participate.
• One candidate can make one (1) submission only.
• Further, entries must be in jpeg or png format.
• Moreover, the participants may take photos from any device (camera, phone, etc.)
• Photos must have been taken in the Caribbean. 
• Entries must be submitted digitally via the submission form on this link. 
• Also, the submission form includes entry title and 150 (max) word description on how the photo reflects the theme of “Leaving no one behind”.

Judging Criteria

A jury consisting of a multi-agency panel will decide upon the winner of the United Nations Photography Contest. This is to ensure content meets the guidelines as described. The judges will evaluate the photos on the following criteria:

• Originality and style;
• Creativity/visual appeal;
• The extent to which the photograph captures the essence of the theme;
• Also, the photograph must meet the guidelines, terms, and conditions of the contest.

How to make a submission for the United Nations Photography Contest?

Participants can submit their photographs online by completing the application form as well as uploading the photograph.

Deadline

Participants must make their entries for the 2019 United Nations Photography Contest until 5:00 PM (AST) on Friday, 1 November 2019. Submissions after the deadline are ineligible for the contest.