The winners of this year's edition of the Lorenzo Natali Prize, which showcases the EU's commitment to support journalists around the world, were announced today at a ceremony hosted at the Residence Palace, in Brussels.
The 2024 winners are:
- For the Best Emerging Journalist Prize: Jamaima Afridi was awarded this prize for her investigative work on the challenges Afghan refugees face in Pakistan, particularly Afghan women impacted by the Taliban's return to power. Her reporting sheds light on their struggles with housing, healthcare, and employment. Her impactful investigation, titled ‘As Pakistan begins second phase of deportation, Afghan women fear what lies ahead' was published in Dawn media.
- For the Investigative Journalism Prize: a trio of French journalists formed by Mathilde Cusin, Manon de Couët and Martin Boudot were awarded this prize for their report ‘Armes, l'héritage toxique' aired on France Télévisions. Their investigation focuses on the environmental dangers posed by unexploded ordnance and military waste in Normandy, emphasising the need for urgent action to address this toxic legacy.
- For the Feature Journalism Prize: the journalists Gabriela Ramírez and Tina Xu won this prize for their the article entitled ‘Widowed by Europe's borders' published in Unbiased The News. Their compelling article highlights the personal stories of families affected by challenges faced on European migration routes, emphasising the emotional impact of loss and separation.
- For the Special Award – Photojournalism: Bienvenido Velasco was recognised for his work ‘Las redes sociales, el engaño que anima a miles de migrantes por la selva del Darién' published in Agencia EFE. This piece reveals the harsh realities faced by migrants navigating the dangerous Darién Gap, driven by false promises spread through social media. It emphasises the need for greater awareness and support for vulnerable populations undertaking such risky journeys.
