Kamel Shiaa prize
The European Journalism Centre (EJC) and Kamel Shiaa Foundation are pleased to announce that the first Kamel Shiaa Prize for Iraqi press freedom has been awarded to the Iraqi journalist Maryam Mohammed Jaafar for her article "Violence is spreading among the Iraqi children".
The jury, composed of six international journalists, chose the winner out of 33 candidates. It was unanimously decided that the strengths of Jaafar's article rest on its promotion of childrens' rights and intercultural dialogue. The article depicts the harsh impact war has on children and, in particular, the perceptions between different religious communities. It explains the trauma children have suffered as the nation continues to endure times of conflict.
The prize offers the winner the opportunity to spend 3 months in Brussels. During this period she will be free to report on subjects throughout Europe in addition to receiving skills training to further improve her craft under the auspices of the EJC.
For the three-month fellowship the European Journalism Centre (EJC) will contribute by offering:
- Administrative and technical support for the competition
- The selection of the jury members
- A return flight ticket from Baghdad/Brussels/Baghdad
- The reimbursement of the cost of the visa
- The reimbursement of medical insurance
- Accommodation
- An office space at the International Press Centre - Residence Palace
- A daily allowance
- Assistance with meeting the journalist community in Brussels