To be eligible for the award, you must be a journalist from Africa, Asia, Latin America, the Middle East or Eastern Europe. You must also live in Africa, Asia, Latin America, the Middle East or Eastern Europe and work for a media organization headquartered in one of these regions.

If your work is published or broadcast by a German media organization, you are also eligible to enter the award.

African photographers can enter the special People's Choice Award which honors exceptional photography on the topic Human Rights in Africa.

You may also submit a joint or team entry. However, when registering, team entries must nominate one contact person.

Deutsche Welle employees cannot participate in the competition.