Corruption is a pervasive, corrosive problem in many countries that undermines public confidence in government institutions, threatens human rights protections, and destabilizes individual countries, regions and the international order. With its 2017 Democracy Award, the National Endowment for Democracy recognizes the work of five courageous individuals who have fought to expose corruption at the highest levels, in turn risking their careers, their freedom, and their very lives.

The Awardees:

Claudia Escobar, Guatemala
Denys Bihus, Ukraine
Rafael Marques de Morais, Angola
Cynthia Gabriel, Malaysia
Khalil Parsa, Afghanistan