Celebrating Resilience: 2023/24 Media Awards Announced

Amnesty International Canada Announces 2023/24 Media Awards Winners

Amnesty International Canada is thrilled to share the winners of its 29th annual Media Awards, recognizing excellence in human rights reporting by journalists within Canada and beyond. This year's awards reflect brave storytelling that sheds light on pressing issues affecting human rights today.

Spotlighting Remarkable Stories

Among the celebrated entries are powerful narratives highlighting diverse human rights issues. One notable story focuses on an Ontario college student who bravely exposed Meta's detrimental role in promoting violence against his community. Another compelling piece addresses the crucial efforts of a woman championing for the rights of over 100,000 survivors of female genital mutilation/cutting in Canada. Additionally, coverage surrounding the continuous struggle of Indigenous nations to secure their water rights in the Colorado River basin illustrates the intersection of historical injustices and climate crises.

Recognizing Exceptional Achievements

The winners of the 2023/24 Amnesty International Canada Media Awards include:

• Local/Alternative: "Breaking the silence," Kena Shah, This Magazine, November-December 2023 issue
• Long-Form Audio: "On the frontlines of the toxic drug crisis," Jennifer Chevalier et al., CBC Radio’s The House with Catherine Cullen, 7 October 2023
• Mixed Media: "Crisis on the Colorado: The Indigenous fight for water rights," Megan O’Toole and Jillian Kestler-D’Amours, Al Jazeera, 20 April 2023
• National Written News: "Conestoga student survives genocide to battle Facebook," Terry Pender, Waterloo Region Record, 3 December 2023
• Post-Secondary Youth: "‘We Want Them All’: Syria’s detained and forcibly disappeared," Mimi Allef, The Link, 21 March 2023
• Short-Form Video: “'Turn that violence into art': Natteal Battiste on the transformative power of boxing,” Donnovan Bennett et al., Sportsnet, 27 September 2023

The Importance of Human Rights Journalism

Reflecting on the significance of these awards, Ketty Nivyabandi, Secretary General of Amnesty International Canada, emphasized the importance of press freedom during challenging times. “Every single winner exemplifies courage and resilience, shedding light on the untold stories requiring public attention,” she stated. In a world fraught with disinformation, the role of journalism in advocating for universal human rights remains crucial.

Challenges Faced by Journalists

Nivyabandi also highlighted the increasing challenges journalists face globally. In Canada, shrinking newsroom budgets and job insecurities create an environment where reporting on human rights issues has become increasingly difficult. Furthermore, the global landscape is alarming, with a reported rise in violent attacks on journalists, reaching a 30-year high.

Internationally, the situation remains dire, especially since the recent conflict escalations in various regions have led to unprecedented losses among journalists. This situation underscores the vital role that transparent reporting plays in defending press freedom and empowering communities.

“Anyone should be free to report the truth without the fear of losing their lives or facing intimidation,” said Nivyabandi, reiterating the necessity of protecting journalists who strive for justice.

Acknowledging Volunteer Commitment

The success of the Amnesty International Canada Media Awards is also attributed to the dedicated panel of volunteer judges who evaluated numerous submissions. The diverse backgrounds of judges enhance the depth of understanding and appreciation for the compelling storytelling presented in this year's entries.

Among the judges were experienced individuals like Pacinthe Mattar, an Egyptian-Canadian journalist, and Adrian Harewood, a well-known professor and journalist. Their expertise greatly contributed to recognizing these pivotal works in journalism.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the Amnesty International Canada Media Awards?

The awards honor journalists in Canada for their outstanding reporting on human rights issues, recognizing their crucial role in advocacy.

Who were the winners of the 2023/24 Media Awards?

This year’s winners include Kena Shah, Jennifer Chevalier, Megan O'Toole, and many others for their impressive contributions to human rights journalism.

Why is human rights journalism important?

It plays a critical role in raising awareness of injustices and holding power to account, ensuring that the voices of marginalized communities are heard.

What challenges do journalists face today?

Challenges include job insecurity, shrinking budgets in newsrooms, online harassment, and threats to personal safety while reporting.

How does Amnesty International support journalists?

Amnesty International advocates for press freedom and provides platforms for journalists to share their stories and challenges, reinforcing the importance of their work.

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