The libel reform campaign, the Guardian and the Daily Mail are among those shortlisted for the Liberty Human Rights Awards 2010.

The awards, which aim to honour those "dedicated to protecting and promoting the rights of others", cover eight categories in total.

Libel reform campaign groups Index on Censorship, English PEN and Sense About Science have been shortlisted for the Human Rights 'Long Walk' Award for their libel reform campaign.

Their ongoing work to campaign for the reform of libel laws and the drafting of a defamation bill by Lord Lester led to an announcement by the government earlier this year that it would bring forward a bill reforming existing laws by the 2011/12 parliamentary session.

Meanwhile the Guardian and the Daily Mail are two of three shortlisted entries for the Human Rights Campaign of the Year award.

The Guardian was nominated for its investigation 'The Torture Files' carried out by Ian Cobain and Richard Norton-Taylor into the use of torture.

"Their campaign shone a light on this shameful chapter in British history and they continue to uncover uncomfortable truths about the UK's role in the 'war on terror' at home and abroad," according to a press release.

The Daily Mail was nominated for its 'An Affront to British Justice' campaign which highlighted the issue of fast-track extradition, focusing on the case of Gary McKinnon.

"Led by James Slack and Michael Seamark An Affront to British Justice helped rally public support for a much ignored issue and saw success this year when the Government announced a review into current extradition laws," the release adds.

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