Sudanese Journalists Syndicate wins UNESCO prize amid ongoing civil war

What happened

UNESCO announced that the Sudanese Journalists Syndicate received the UNESCO/Guillermo Cano World Press Freedom Prize in recognition of its commitment to providing accurate, lifesaving information during Sudan’s ongoing civil war. The Syndicate has documented 32 journalist deaths and over 550 violations against media workers, alongside the closure of numerous newspapers and radio stations, making Sudan one of the world’s most dangerous places for journalists.

The conflict, which began in April 2023 between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and Rapid Support Forces (RSF), has created one of the world’s most severe humanitarian emergencies and displacement crises. The war has profoundly disrupted news gathering and has led to the near destruction of 90% of media infrastructure. Internet and telecommunications blackouts have worsened access to information, effectively rendering Sudan a 'zone of silence.'

UNESCO Director-General Khaled El-Enany praised the Syndicate members for their extraordinary courage and vital role in truth and accountability. Abdelmoniem Abuedries Ali, chair of the Syndicate, emphasized the prize as a tribute to all Sudanese journalists risking their safety to uphold press freedom and amplify civilian voices amid war.

Known from the source

• Sudanese Journalists Syndicate received the UNESCO/Guillermo Cano World Press Freedom Prize.
• The Syndicate documented 32 journalist deaths and over 556 violations against media workers during the conflict.
• The fighting between the Sudanese Armed Forces and Rapid Support Forces started in April 2023.
• The conflict has caused extreme humanitarian emergencies and a displacement crisis.
• 90% of Sudan’s media infrastructure has been destroyed.

What remains unclear

UNESCO has supported Sudanese journalists by helping establish the Sudanese Media Forum — a coalition of over 20 media outlets advocating for press freedom and humanitarian focus — and by providing safe spaces and relocation assistance for journalists at heightened risk. Despite global declines in press freedom and rising self-censorship, the prize highlights resilience within Sudan’s media sector.

What remains unclear: Current tally of journalist casualties and violations against media workers to confirm figures. Latest assessment of media infrastructure damage and operational status within Sudan. Information on any recent changes in internet and telecommunications availability. Verification of continued access and functioning of Sudanese Media Forum and safe spaces.

Evidence note

Outside Brief has treated the source material as confirmed within the supplied source context, while retaining attribution to the original publisher.

Original source: UN News Africa Sudan. Open the source.