Natali Prize for Journalism (2003)

The European Commission and the International Federation of Journalists will honour journalists from around the World at a special prizegiving ceremony to be held at the International Press Centre, Residence Palace in Brussels on 24 October. Five journalists from Africa, the Asia-Pacific region, Europe, Latin America and the Arab World, Iran and Israel will receive prizes from Commission Vice-President Neil Kinnock as the winners of The 2003 Natali Prize for Journalism. The prize is presented for the best reporting on human rights, democracy and development. The European Commission established The Natali Prize in 1992 to promote quality journalism and to commemorate the dedication of former Vice-President of the European Commission, Lorenzo Natali. Since 1999 the prize has been administered by the IFJ, the world's largest organisation of journalists, which represents 500,000 journalists in more than 100 countries.

Commission Vice-President Neil Kinnock said: "Freedom of expression must include the right for citizens to be properly informed and press freedom is obviously basic to democracy, to development and to the opportunities for greater prosperity which grow from them. Quality journalism plays a vital role in securing these rights and recognition of that is the prime purpose of the Natali Prize.

Journalists and their support staff continue to take great personal risks in reporting on conflicts and exposing human rights abuses around the World. The courage which they show is worthy of commendation and the Commission's commitment to this Prize clearly demonstrates the value which we attach to advancing liberty, freedom of expression and respect for human rights. The journalists honoured by the award give inspiration to freedom lovers everywhere and their example will, I hope, continue to encourage others to engage in efforts to overcome bigotry, tyranny and poverty"

"This year we have seen a record number of entries and an unprecedented standard of journalism," said Aidan White, IFJ General Secretary. "It is a testament to the continuing value of good reporting on democracy and human rights."

The Natali Prize is awarded to print and on-line journalists who have demonstrated a striking insight and particular dedication to the reporting of human rights issues within the context of development. Each winner will receive a trophy and a cash prize of 10,000 Euro.

The Prizegiving Ceremony will take place as part of a day-long event including a Round Table discussion on globalisation, a benefit jazz concert for the newly established International News Safety Institute, as well as a debate on the media crisis in Algeria and the Arab world.

(On 24 October, the IFJ will promote an international day of solidarity to highlight the growing crisis facing independent journalism in Algeria).

The event begins at 9:30 am and will take place in the POLAK room on the ground floor of the International Press Centre Résidence Palace, Rue de la Loi 155, 1040 Brussels. The prizegiving itself begins at 11.30 am. The event is open to all.

For full programme and list of nominees, please visit:

http://www.ifj.org/
or contact Ann-Christina Hansen at +32.2.235.22.12
or by e-mail: projects@ifj.org

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• VP Kinnock's Speech at Natali Prize for Journalism (2003) (24/10/2003)
• Natali Prize for Journalism (2002) (15/11/2002)
• Natali Prize for Journalism (2001) (17/12/2001)