The Luis Valtueña International Humanitarian Photography Award, established in 1997 by Médicos del Mundo Spain, is an annual competition that celebrates the transformative power of photography in promoting humanitarian values and social justice. Named in honor of Luis Valtueña, a Spanish photographer and humanitarian who was tragically killed while working in Rwanda, the award attracts both amateur and professional photographers from around the globe. Participants submit impactful photographic series comprising five to ten images, documenting urgent global issues including human rights abuses, armed conflicts, refugee crises, social exclusion, and the aftermath of natural disasters, with a special emphasis on humanitarian aid and international cooperation.
Each submitted series aims not only to raise awareness but also to evoke empathy, drive social change, and inspire concrete action to alleviate suffering. Past submissions have poignantly captured the resilience of communities amidst crises, the bravery of humanitarian workers, and the often unseen or ignored realities of marginalized populations. Médicos del Mundo actively leverages the award to spotlight critical topics, amplifying the visibility of social inequity, injustice, health disparities, and vulnerable populations, thereby furthering their mission of global health advocacy and humanitarian intervention.
Winners and finalists benefit from extensive international exposure, as their photographic series are prominently showcased in a professionally curated traveling exhibition and published in a high-quality catalogue distributed worldwide. This extensive promotion across media channels, cultural institutions, and humanitarian forums not only elevates photographers’ careers but also significantly contributes to public discourse on pressing global issues. Through this influential platform, the Luis Valtueña Award continues to foster a powerful intersection between artistic expression and humanitarian advocacy, solidifying its status as an essential voice in contemporary visual storytelling.
There is no entry fee.
Eligibility
Open to amateur and professional photographers or collectives of any nationality aged 18 or over.
Prize
The winner will receive a €6,000 cash prize; their series, along with those of the finalists, will be published in the award catalogue and included in a collective and travelling exhibition organized by Médicos del Mundo Spain. Travel and accommodation for two nights are provided for the ceremony, and Médicos del Mundo commits to promoting the selected images and authors for at least one year through press releases, media engagements, and tailored dissemination.
