The John Paul II Award for Human Rights Work is granted in recognition of merits for the promotion and protection of human rights. It is an expression of gratitude John Paul II for the role he payed in struggle for human rights in Poland and in the whole world. The Holy Father knew about plans of founding this award and he consented to give his name to it.

The ceremony was planned in the day of October 16, the anniversary of the pontificate beginning of John Paul II. First laureates of this award are:
Stefan Wilkanowicz from Kraków and bishop Vaclav Maly from Prague.

The Award was initiated by Oświęcim Institute for Human Rights. The chair of The John Paul II Award for Human Rights Work is kept by card. Franciszek Macharski. Board members are: Mary Robinson (former President of Ireland, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights), Władysław Bartoszewski (former Foreign Affairs ministry of Poland, Righteous of the Nations), Imre Kertesz (Hungarian writer, Nobel Prize winner), Sergiej Kowaliow (Human Rights defender), Desdemond Tutu (honorary Anglican Archbishop of Cape Town, RPA, Nobel Peace Prize laureate).