International human rights organization Human Rights First announced that the Zabel Award 2023 will be presented to Gwara Media, a team of independent journalists from Kharkiv, Ukraine. 

Zabel Award is annually presented to organizations and leaders that fight against injustice and for “equality for those suffering persecution and violations of their rights.” 

“There is clear alignment between Gwara Media’s mission and that of Human Rights First,” said Michael Breen, president and CEO of Human Rights First. “Presenting the Zabel Human Rights Award to Gwara Media gives us the opportunity to underscore the organization’s vital role in defending truth and human rights in the face of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. After connecting with Gwara when I traveled to Kharkiv, my respect for their work and their commitment is boundless.”

Since 1978, Human Rights First has worked in the USA and abroad to promote respect for human rights and the rule of law. 

Human Rights First’s celebration dinner announcement

The William D. Zabel Award carries the name of a human rights activist, William D. Zabel. It’s given to “courageous activists and organizations on the frontlines of the struggle for freedom and dignity.” 

“Our media platform underwent a profound transformation to endure the relentless Russian assaults on Kharkiv and Kharkiv region,” said Serhii Prokopenko, managing editor of Gwara Media. “The esteemed Zabel Award reminds us that our commitment to journalism must persist despite our numerous challenges and pressures. Reporting from the frontlines must remain steadfast, and we must keep amplifying the voices of local communities. Furthermore, we aspire to bring greater visibility to Russian human rights violations and the immense suffering endured by people in our region because of the Russian full-scale invasion.”

This year, Human Rights First will hold an award ceremony on October 17 in New York. A short documentary about Gwara Media’s independent reporting will premiere there. 

Since February 2022, Gwara Media journalists have focused on documenting Russian war crimes, reports about the restoration of Ukrainian communities, and providing a platform for Kharkiv activists and artists. Journalists created a fact-checking bot called Perevirka, using which the audience can check if the news or posts in social media they encounter are trustworthy. Currently, Gwara Media team is a part of the International Fact-Checking Network. They consider fighting against disinformation a vital part of their work. 

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