Palestinian Journalists Awarded UNESCO Press Freedom Prize
The Palestinian journalists reporting on the war in Gaza have been honored with the prestigious UNESCO/Guillermo Cano World Press Freedom Prize. This award recognizes their bravery in documenting the destruction caused by the ongoing conflict.
Recognition of Courage
The international jury of media professionals recommended the journalists for the award, acknowledging their courage and commitment to freedom of expression. Mauricio Weibel, the jury chair, highlighted the importance of solidarity and recognition for the journalists working in challenging circumstances.
Support for Journalists in Conflict Zones
UNESCO has condemned the deaths of 26 journalists and media workers in Gaza since October. The organization is providing support to journalists in conflict and crisis zones, including distributing essential supplies and offering emergency grants in regions like Ukraine and Sudan.
Call to End Detention of Child Migrants in EU
Independent rights experts have called for an end to the detention of children of migrants and asylum-seekers entering the European Union. They emphasized that detaining children based on their parents’ migration status violates their rights.
EU’s Response to Migration
The European Union is preparing to implement a new Pact on Migration and Asylum, aiming to create national mechanisms to monitor human rights during the screening of migrants at borders. The experts stressed that seeking asylum should not be penalized, and migration should not be criminalized.
WHO Launches Vaccination Campaign in Niger
The World Health Organization has initiated a mass vaccination campaign in Niger’s Niamey region to combat a deadly meningitis outbreak. The epidemic has caused over 2,000 cases and 123 deaths, with a mortality rate exceeding six percent.
Fighting the Meningitis Epidemic
Niger is among the African countries facing a persistent risk of meningitis outbreaks. The new single-dose vaccine being administered by WHO protects against five strains of the infection and aims to curb the spread of the disease in at-risk communities.