Swedish human rights organization receives National Award for Protection of Free Speech

The work of journalists in conditions of the full-scale war is critically important for the protection of freedom of speech, human rights and documenting war crimes

This was stated by the First Secretary of the National Union of Journalists of Ukraine (NUJU), Lina Kushch, during a meeting with the management and employees of the Civil Rights Defenders organization in Stockholm, Sweden. The reason for the meeting was the presentation of the Ihor Lubchenko National Award for Protection of Free Speech for 2023. The decision to present this award was made by the Board of the NUJU in January 2024.

“We are very honored to receive the Ukrainian National Award for the Protection of Free Speech. Ukraine’s brave journalists stand on the front lines in defense of the free word—not just for their own country but for anyone who believes in an open world. Since the beginning of the war, Civil Rights Defenders has provided support in every way we can so that these brave defenders of democracy can continue their important work. We are glad to receive this award as it confirms that our efforts have an effect and are needed,” said Hanna Gerdes, Chair of the Board at Civil Rights Defenders.

The NUJU emphasizes that Civil Rights Defenders is making great efforts to protect Ukrainian journalists, as well as to document the testimonies of journalists about war crimes. With the support of Civil Rights Defenders, the NUJU documents the testimony of journalists about war crimes, submits reports on violations, and draws the attention of the international community to crimes against media workers during the war.

“Support from international partners allowed Ukrainian journalists to carry out their work in dangerous conditions. The NUJU provides media personnel with protective equipment and tactical first aid kits and conducts war-zone-safety training sessions,” the NUJU‘s First Secretary said.

“In the first weeks of the Russian invasion, we realized that it is important not only to support the work of journalists but also to record what is happening to the journalists themselves. Thanks to cooperation with Civil Rights Defenders, the Union’s team was able to record and disseminate more than 100 video stories of Ukrainian journalists who became victims or witnesses of war crimes. We persistently draw attention to the punishment of those guilty of these crimes and believe in justice,” Lina Kushch emphasized.

“This is not just a recognition of our work but of the important efforts of Ukraine’s brave journalists. I had the privilege of meeting some of these journalists in Kyiv in December. They are doing an incredible job. The international community must stand with those who stand up for the free word even during the current extreme circumstances in Ukraine,” said Anders L. Pettersson, the Executive Director of Civil Rights Defenders.

The National Award is presented annually by the NUJU in honor of Ihor Lubchenko, the long-time head of the National Union of Journalists of Ukraine, who made a huge contribution to the protection of freedom of speech and the development of the press in Ukraine.

NUJU Information Service