A Night of Courage, Resilience, and Dedication: The 32nd RSF Press Freedom Awards

In a world where information has never been more accessible, the fundamental freedom to speak, report, and express truth is increasingly under threat.

The tension between press freedom and power — whether governmental, corporate, or societal — has never been more palpable. And yet, it is precisely this tension that gives journalism its critical role in society. Journalists, in their pursuit of truth, serve as both witnesses and advocates, often at great personal cost. This year’s RSF Press Freedom Awards provided us with an unforgettable reminder of why press freedom must be defended, and why the work of journalists around the world deserves our unwavering support.

We had the privilege of attending the 32nd edition of the RSF Press Freedom Awards in Washington, DC, an event that brought together the most courageous voices in journalism — those who, against the odds, continue to expose truths, challenge power, and bear witness to the injustices of our time. As we entered the National Museum of Women in the Arts, we were immediately struck by the sense of community among those present. The room was filled not just with journalists, but with activists, advocates, and thinkers who share a collective commitment to defending free expression.

This night, however, was not just a celebration. It was a reaffirmation of the profound role that journalism plays in our lives and in our societies. The laureates of this year’s awards are not merely reporters; they are beacons of courage, standing in defiance of those who seek to silence them. Their stories were a testament to the resilience of those who, in the face of violence, repression, and adversity, continue to bring us the stories that matter most.

The Laureates: Champions of Press Freedom

The event honored five extraordinary individuals and organizations whose work exemplifies the highest standards of courage and integrity in journalism. Each laureate’s story, though distinct in context and geography, shared a common thread: an unwavering commitment to the truth, no matter the personal cost.

1 Waël al-Dahdouh — The Courage Prize (Palestine)

Waël al-Dahdouh’s name has become synonymous with resilience in the face of unimaginable loss. As head of Al Jazeera’s Gaza desk, al-Dahdouh has continued to report from the heart of one of the most dangerous and volatile regions in the world, even as tragedy struck his own family. The recent Israeli airstrikes that killed his wife, grandson, and three children, including his son, who was also a journalist for Al Jazeera, have not silenced him. Al-Dahdouh’s story is a stark reminder that the fight for truth often comes at an unimaginable cost. His courage in continuing to report, even as he bears the weight of personal loss, is an embodiment of the spirit of press freedom.

2 Nataliya Gumenyuk — The Impact Prize (Ukraine)

The Impact Prize was awarded to Nataliya Gumenyuk, a Ukrainian journalist whose work has been instrumental in documenting the war crimes of the Russian invasion. As co-founder of The Reckoning Project: Ukraine Testifies, Gumenyuk has led efforts to preserve witness statements and evidence in ways that ensure accountability. Her work has been pivotal in bringing the world’s attention to Russia’s war crimes, including the deportation of Ukrainian children, which led to the issuance of arrest warrants for President Vladimir Putin by the International Criminal Court. What struck us most was not just her bravery in the field, but her vision for journalism as a tool for justice — a tool that can help build a future beyond the conflict.

3 Ravish Kumar — The Independence Prize (India)

Ravish Kumar’s journey as a journalist in India exemplifies the importance of independence in the face of governmental pressure. Despite being ousted from NDTV, a channel that was taken over by business interests closely aligned with the government, Kumar refused to be silenced. He transitioned to a YouTube channel, where his sharp, investigative reporting continues to shine a light on critical issues in India. Kumar’s commitment to free expression and his unflinching determination to speak truth to power are a powerful reminder of what it means to be a journalist in a time when independent media is under constant siege.

4 Mariam Ouédraogo — Mohamed Maïga Prize for African Investigative Journalism (Burkina Faso)

Mariam Ouédraogo’s investigative work has focused on one of the most urgent yet underreported issues in contemporary conflict: sexual violence linked to terrorism in Burkina Faso. Her reporting has given voice to the most vulnerable, particularly women and children, caught in the crossfire of a violent security crisis. Ouédraogo’s courage in investigating these sensitive topics has earned her international recognition, including the prestigious Bayeux Prize for war correspondents. Her work stands as a powerful reminder of the role journalism plays in documenting human suffering and giving a platform to those whose voices are often marginalized.

5 Gaël Turine — The Lucas Dolega-SAIF Photo Prize (Belgium)

Gaël Turine’s photo series, “The Ravages of Tranq Dope,” captured the devastating effects of the opioid epidemic in the United States, with a particular focus on the drug known as tranq dope. His images, taken in Philadelphia’s Kensington neighborhood, brought a haunting clarity to the public health crisis that has claimed countless lives. What made Turine’s work stand out was not just his technical skill, but his ability to convey the human cost of addiction and the devastation of communities torn apart by the epidemic. His photographs serve as a reminder of the power of photojournalism to bring attention to issues that are often overlooked or ignored.

Reflections on the Evening

The event was hosted by the distinguished Lulu Garcia-Navarro, co-host of The Interview series for The New York Times Magazine and a contributor to CNN. She guided us through a program that was both poignant and inspiring, with moving speeches from figures such as Michel Martin, an Emmy-winning journalist, and Aïssa Maïga, the French actress and director who is also the daughter of the courageous Malian journalist Mohamed Maïga.

It was particularly moving to hear Maïga’s reflection on her father’s legacy, as the newly established Mohamed Maïga Prize for African Investigative Journalism honors his commitment to social justice and his courage as a reporter. The emotional resonance of Aïssa Maïga’s words served as a reminder that the fight for press freedom is not just a professional battle, but a deeply personal one for the families of those who dedicate their lives to this cause.

As we sat in the room listening to these remarkable individuals, it became clear that their stories were not just individual triumphs; they were collective calls to action. The RSF Press Freedom Awards not only honored those who have faced personal and professional challenges to report the truth but also underscored the importance of protecting the free press. The speakers, including Michel Martin and Aïssa Maïga, reminded us that the fight for press freedom is deeply personal — it is about the loss of loved ones, the threat of violence, and the erosion of the rights we often take for granted.

The evening was a sobering reminder that while we may live in an era of unprecedented access to information, that very access is under constant threat. From Gaza to Ukraine, from India to Burkina Faso, the battle for press freedom is being fought on every continent, in every newsroom, and on every front line.

A Call to Action

Throughout the evening, I was struck by the global nature of the challenges facing journalists. From Gaza to Ukraine, from India to Burkina Faso, and from the streets of Philadelphia to the warzones of Africa, the threat to press freedom is universal. Yet, so too is the resilience and determination of those who continue to stand up for truth, often at great personal risk.

Leaving the ceremony, we felt both inspired and deeply moved. The laureates’ stories reminded us that journalism is not a neutral profession. It is a vital force for social change, accountability, and justice. And it is a force that is under constant attack, whether from repressive governments, violent extremists, or economic interests that seek to control the narrative.

The 32nd RSF Press Freedom Awards served as both a celebration and a clarion call for action. The courage of these laureates inspired me deeply, not only to reflect on the challenges facing journalists but also to reaffirm the importance of supporting their work. We cannot take press freedom for granted, especially as many governments continue to target journalists, label them as enemies, and silence their voices through violence, censorship, and repression.

In the words of the late Mohamed Maïga, whose legacy was honored with the newly established Mohamed Maïga Prize for African Investigative Journalism, “The truth is not always beautiful, but it is always necessary.” And it is through the work of these courageous journalists that we are reminded that, no matter how difficult the circumstances, the truth must always find a way to be heard.

ABOUT THE AUTHORS

Juan David Campolargo and Aaryaman Patel are the creators of The UIUC Talkshow, a platform that brings you captivating conversations, compelling stories, and unique experiences with some of the most intriguing thinkers, artists, scientists, entrepreneurs, and storytellers. Whether you’re looking to cover an event, feature a speaker, or explore fresh ideas, reach out to us for more details.