The Sudanese Journalists Syndicate is its latest recipient UNESCO/Guillermo Cano World Press Freedom Award In recognition of the role it played in condemning the deliberate targeting of media workers in the conflict.
Fighting between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and former allies the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) – which began in April 2023 – has created one of the world’s worst humanitarian emergencies and displacement crises.
courage and dedication
Since then, the Sudanese Journalists Syndicate The deaths of 32 journalists, 556 violations against media personnel, and the closure of several newspapers and radio stations were documented.“Making Sudan one of the most dangerous countries to be a journalist,” UNESCO Said.
UNESCO Director-General Khaled Al-Enany commended the members for their extraordinary courage and unwavering dedication.
“Despite enormous challenges, they continue to provide accurate, life-saving information to their communities day after day, when it matters most,” He Said.
“His commitment is a powerful example to us all and a vital service to truth, accountability and peace.”
Protecting values, amplifying voices
it was already announced World Press Freedom Day, Celebrated every year on 3 May.
For the group’s president, Abdelmoneim Abuedris Ali, the award is “not only a recognition of the Sudanese Journalists Syndicate, but a tribute to all Sudanese journalists who continue to defend the truth and freedom of the press in extremely difficult and dangerous circumstances.”
“This reaffirms,” he said. Important role of independent journalism in protecting democratic values and raising the voice of citizens. Affected by the war.”
Violence in the ‘silent zone’
UNESCO said the conflict has severely disrupted news gathering and worsened the media landscape in Sudan.
Journalists have been threatened with violence and arrest, 90 percent of media infrastructure has been destroyedAnd reporting has been hampered by Internet and telecommunications blackouts.
“These conditions effectively make the country a ‘zone of silence’, with large sections of the population living in an information vacuum,” UNESCO said. While disinformation and propaganda is spreading widely, leading to hatred and polarization.
The UN agency has stood with Sudanese journalists since the war began. Its activities include helping to establish the Sudanese Media Forum – comprising more than 20 media outlets – which advocates for press freedom and focuses international attention on Sudan’s humanitarian crisis.
Safe space and support
UNESCO has also conducted a survey to identify the needs of journalists, resulting in the establishment of two safe spaces for them in the coastal city of Port Sudan. Some? So far 49 journalists have received direct supportWhich also includes assistance in relocating to safer areas within the country and abroad.
World Press Freedom Day, observed annually on 3 May, is also an opportunity to assess the state of press freedom, which is declining not only in Sudan but everywhere.
Protecting freedom of the press protects democracy.
decline in press freedom
A recent UNESCO report shows that freedom of expression worldwide has declined by 10 percent since 2012 – a situation that is comparable to only three other periods, the First World War a century ago, the prelude to the Second World War, and the Cold War period in the late 1970s.
Globally, self-censorship among the press increased by nearly 70 percent between 2012 and 2025, confirming that “the most harmful forms of censorship are now internalized.”
In addition, journalists and others working in the press have faced “various forms of legal harassment”, including multi-million dollar defamation suits, anti-terrorism regulations, and financial laws.
research by un women And other organizations have also revealed an increase in online targeting of journalists, particularly women.
Despite these setbacks, UNESCO highlighted signs of hope, including increasing recognition of community media 2025 global survey It revealed that almost half of the 194 countries reviewed now have a legal framework in place.
UNESCO will host the World Press Freedom Conference in Lusaka, the capital of Zambia, next week, where the agency will call on governments and civil society to recommit to supporting independent journalism and the free flow of information.
About the award
UNESCO/Guillermo Cano World Press Freedom Award Presented annually to an individual, organization or institution that has made an outstanding contribution to freedom of the press, particularly in the face of threats.
The award is named in honor of Guillermo Cano Isaza, a Colombian journalist who was assassinated in front of his newspaper’s office.el espectadorIn Bogotá, on 17 December 1986.
The award was established in 1997 and winners are selected by an international independent jury of media professionals.
Previous laureates include a Palestinian journalist covering Gaza and Maria Ressa of the Philippines, who is joint recipient of the 2021 Nobel Peace Prize with fellow journalist Dmitry Muratov of Russia.
