An annual For Diversity, Against Discrimination journalism award to encourage journalists to think and write about the benefits and opportunities of diversity has been launched.

The contest is open to writers throughout the EU, in collaboration with the European Year of Equal Opportunities for All.

The competition intends to raise awareness of every citizen's right not to be discriminated against, showing the negative effects of discrimination and explaining how diversity is vital in making equality a reality.

Each entrant may submit up to three articles about discrimination or diversity on the grounds of racial or ethnic origin, religion or belief, age, disability or sexual orientation.

The competition is to be judged by national juries of media professionals and anti-discrimination experts who will select 27 national winners who will be in the running for the EU award, which will be chosen by a cross-EU jury.

Contestants' articles will be judged by news value, relevance to topic, complexity of research and preparation, originality, creativity and significance for the general public.

The winner and the two runners-up, as well as the winner of the special award category, will receive a grant for a research trip to an EU country of their choice.

They must have been published between January 1 and September 30 2007, which is the deadline for submissions.

More details and application forms can be found at www.stop-discrimination.info.

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