‘100 Lives’ Partners with ICFJ to Launch Reporting Award

‘100 Lives’ Partners with ICFJ to Launch Reporting Award

‘Award for Integrity in Journalism’ Honors Those Who Expose Crimes against Humanity

100 LIVES and the International Center for Journalists (ICFJ) recently announced the creation of an award to recognize courageous reporters who bring humanitarian crises to the world’s attention. The ICFJ Award for Integrity in Journalism, in partnership with the Aurora Prize, will be presented at a 100 LIVES ceremony on April 24 in Yerevan, Armenia.

100 LIVES is an organization that celebrates those who helped Armenians during the genocide 100 years ago and supports people and organizations that keep the legacy of gratitude alive.

100 LIVES will also give its inaugural Aurora Prize for Awakening Humanity to honor heroes who continue the spirit of responsibility and compassion today. ICFJ will join 100 LIVES and Aurora Prize Co-Chair George Clooney to announce the recipient of the journalism award in Yerevan.

“I cannot overstate the impact that journalism can have on illuminating and alleviating human suffering,” said Ruben Vardanyan, 100 LIVES co-founder. “At the time of the Armenian Genocide, sustained commitment and coverage by international journalists helped spur others to act and intervene. Today, we see that commitment continue in places like Syria, Sudan, and other war zones around the world.”

In that same spirit, the ICFJ Award for Integrity in Journalism will be given to a journalist who sheds light on important humanitarian issues in difficult environments. The recipient demonstrates unparalleled courage in covering the plight of imperiled communities and unwavering commitment to integrity, freedom, and justice. The coverage inspires others to take action to save lives.

“ICFJ is honored to work with 100 LIVES to emphasize the crucial role journalists play in telling the stories of persecution in hot spots around the world,” said Joyce Barnathan, ICFJ president. “We’re delighted to recognize journalists in this meaningful way.”

 

About 100 LIVES

 

100 LIVES is a new global initiative rooted in the events of the Armenian Genocide, when 1.5 million Armenians perished. The fortunate few were saved by the courageous and heroic acts of individuals and institutions. A century later, 100 LIVES seeks to express gratitude, to share remarkable stories of survivors and their saviors, and to celebrate the strength of the human spirit.

 

About the Aurora Prize for Awakening Humanity

 

Recipients will be recognized for the exceptional impact their actions have made on preserving human life and advancing humanitarian causes. On behalf of the survivors of the Armenian Genocide and in gratitude to their saviors, an Aurora Prize laureate will be honored each year with a $100,000 grant as well as the unique opportunity to continue the cycle of giving by nominating an organization that inspired their work for a $1,000,000 award.

The Aurora Prize Selection Committee includes Nobel laureates Elie Wiesel, Oscar Arias, Shirin Ebadi, and Leymah Gbowee; former President of Ireland Mary Robinson; human rights activist Hina Jilani; former Australian Foreign Minister and President and CEO of the International Crisis Group Gareth Evans; Carnegie Corporation of New York President Vartan Gregorian; and Academy Award-winning actor and humanitarian George Clooney.

The Aurora Prize will be awarded annually on April 24 of each year in Yerevan. For more information, visit www.100LIVES.com/Prize.

 

About the International Center for Journalists

 

The ICFJ is at the forefront of the news revolution with programs that empower journalists and engage citizens with new technologies and best practices. ICFJ’s networks of reporters and media entrepreneurs are transforming the field, and believe that better journalism leads to better lives. For more information, visit www.icfj.org or contact Maite Fernandez, communications director, by calling (202) 349-7636 or e-mailing mfernandez@icfj.org.

Source: Armenian Weekly Mid-West