Canadian Journalists for Free Expression (CJFE) seeks nominations for the 2006 CJFE International Press Freedom Awards and the Tara Singh Hayer Memorial Award, which honour journalists who demonstrate courage in defending press freedom.

The International Press Freedom Awards recognise two journalists each year who have overcome enormous odds to report on human rights and have demonstrated a commitment to human rights by reporting without bias or discrimination.

Preference is given to candidates who have not won a major press freedom award from another organisation and who stand to benefit from international exposure due to the difficulties caused by their work.

The awards are also open to media outlets. To be eligible for an award, applicants must be nominated by an organisation or individual. Self-nominations are not accepted. Each award consists of a framed plaque and cash prize of CDN$3,000 (US$2,700).

The Tara Singh Hayer Memorial Award recognises a Canadian journalist who has highlighted cases of media repression in Canada or around the world, or has suffered physical reprisals for working as a journalist.

The deadline for submitting nominations is 30 June 2006.