Lawyers are once again being called upon to nominate themselves or others for the prestigious Human Rights Awards.

The Australian Human Rights Commission president, Catherine Branson QC, said people should get their nominations in as soon as possible.

"Each year we receive more than 200 applications," Branson said.

"We expect this year to be no different, except for the new Business Award category for businesses with a proven track record in promoting and advancing human rights in the Australian community."

Nominations are being called for the Human Rights Medal, the Young People's Medal, law, community, literature (non-fiction), business and print media, television and radio Awards.

Last year's medalists said the awards provide important recognition.

"The Australian Human Rights Medal says that, in our country, human rights matter, that they are precious, that they need to be nurtured and expanded and put into effect," said 2010 Human Rights Medal winner Thérèse Rein.

The winner of the 2010 Young People's Human Rights Medal and CEO of Australian Indigenous Mentoring Experience, Jack Manning Bancroft, said he felt honoured and privileged to receive the medal in 2010.

VIEW ALL

"It was a great credit to all the work that all our members and all of our kids have been doing to step up over the last few years," he said.

Nominations close on 9 September and winners will be presented with their awards at a ceremony on 9 December 2011 at the Sofitel in Sydney.

For nomination forms go to www.humanrights.gov.au/hr_awards/index.html