100 LIVES will also give its inaugural Aurora Prize for Awakening Humanity to honor heroes who continue the spirit of responsibility and compassion today. ICFJ will join 100 LIVES to announce the recipient of the journalism award in Yerevan.
“I cannot overstate the impact that journalism can have on illuminating and alleviating human suffering,” says 100 LIVES co-founder Ruben Vardanyan. “At the time of the Armenian Genocide, sustained commitment and coverage by international journalists helped spur others to act and intervene. Today, we see that commitment continue in places like Syria, Sudan and other war zones around the world.”
In that same spirit, the ICFJ Award for Integrity in Journalismwill be given to a journalist who sheds light on important humanitarian issues in difficult environments. The recipient demonstrates unparalleled courage in covering the plight of imperiled communities and unwavering commitment to integrity, freedom and justice. The coverage inspires others to take action to save lives.
“ICFJ is honored to work with 100 LIVES to emphasize the crucial role journalists play in telling the stories of persecution in hot spots around the world,” says ICFJ President Joyce Barnathan. “We’re delighted to recognize journalists in this meaningful way.”
About 100 LIVES
100 LIVES is a new global initiative rooted in the events of the Armenian Genocide, during which 1.5 million Armenians perished. The fortunate few were saved by the courageous and heroic acts of individuals and institutions. A century later, 100 LIVES seeks to express gratitude, to share remarkable stories of survivors and their saviors, and to celebrate the strength of the human spirit.
Further information is available at www.100LIVES.com.
About the Aurora Prize for Awakening Humanity
Recipients will be recognized for the exceptional impact their actions have made on preserving human life and advancing humanitarian causes. On behalf of the survivors of the Armenian Genocide and in gratitude to their saviors, an Aurora Prize Laureate will be honored each year with a US$100,000 grant as well as the unique opportunity to continue the cycle of giving by nominating organizations that inspired their work for a US$1,000,000 award.
The Aurora Prize Selection Committee includes Nobel Laureates Elie Wiesel, Oscar Arias, Shirin Ebadi and Leymah Gbowee; former President of Ireland Mary Robinson; human rights activist Hina Jilani; former Australian Foreign Minister and President and CEO of the International Crisis Group Gareth Evans; President of the Carnegie Corporation of New York Vartan Gregorian; and Academy Award-winning actor and humanitarian George Clooney.
The Aurora Prize will be awarded annually on April 24 of each year in Yerevan, Armenia.
Further information is available at www.100LIVES.com/Prize.
About the International Center for Journalists
The International Center for Journalists (ICFJ) is at the forefront of the news revolution with programs that empower journalists and engage citizens with new technologies and best practices. ICFJ's networks of reporters and media entrepreneurs are transforming the field. We believe that better journalism leads to better lives. For more information, go to www.icfj.org or contact Maite Fernandez, Communications Director, at 202-349-7636 or mfernandez@icfj.org.
