One World Media announced Wednesday, 25 June, that ARIJ is the winner of its Press Freedom Award, previously known as the “special award”, and is a distinguished recognition that celebrates an independent media organization in the Global South using journalism to spotlight critical social, political, cultural, and economic issues.
This award is a powerful affirmation of ARIJ’s mission: to hold power to account, amplify marginalized voices, and deliver rigorous, evidence-based journalism across one of the world’s most challenging media landscapes.
“This prize belongs to all Arab investigative journalists and fact-checkers who have walked alongside ARIJ in speaking truth to power—and above all, to the journalists of Gaza, who risk their lives daily to ensure that crimes against humanity are never hidden,” said Dr. Zahera Harb, ARIJ Chairperson, and the Director of Journalism Postgraduate Studies at City St George’s, University of London.
The nominations included Addis Standard, an Ethiopia-based independent publication in online and print formats focusing on current socio-political and socio-economic aspects of both domestic and international affairs.
The nomination also included The People’s Archive of Rural India, which is a platform that documents the everyday lives of everyday people.
“In these challenging times, exposing wrongdoing is an act of courage. This award is a tribute to the brave investigative journalists, fact-checkers, and our team who continue to uncover facts and hold power to account for democracy and justice—even when the region around us is on fire,” said ARIJ Director General Rawan Damen.
The award was received by Dr. Zahera Harb, ARIJ Chairperson in London.
Previous winners of the special award by One World Media include TOLOnews of Afghanistan, Myanmar Now of Myanmar, and Rappler of the Philippines.
