Updated: 1 May 2026 01:04:42
Sudanese Journalists Syndicate Wins the UNESCO/Guillermo Cano Prize
Moatinoon
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) announced today that the Sudanese Journalists Syndicate has been awarded the UNESCO/Guillermo Cano World Press Freedom Prize for 2026.
The international organization stated that the honour comes “in recognition of the syndicate’s exceptional role in documenting violations and condemning the systematic targeting of journalists amid the ongoing conflict in Sudan.”
The syndicate has documented 32 deaths among journalists and 556 violations targeting media workers, as well as the destruction of 90% of the country’s media infrastructure since the outbreak of war in 2023, making Sudan one of the most dangerous places to practice journalism.
Khaled El-Enany, Director-General of UNESCO, said: “This award is not merely a recognition of the syndicate, but a tribute to all Sudanese journalists who continue to defend the truth under extremely dangerous conditions. Their work embodies the vital role of independent journalism in safeguarding democratic values.”
For his part, Abdelmoniem Abu Idris Ali, President of the Sudanese Journalists Syndicate, affirmed that the award represents recognition of the resilience of Sudanese journalists who remain committed to conveying the voices of civilians affected by the war despite all challenges.
In statements published on the union’s Facebook platform, Abu Idris added that winning the UNESCO/Guillermo Cano World Press Freedom Prize 2026 at a time when journalism is experiencing severe decline sends a message to Sudanese society that there is still serious and responsible journalism capable of conveying the truth and defending the rights of the people.
The UNESCO/Guillermo Cano World Press Freedom Prize, established in 1997, is the only prize within the United Nations system dedicated to journalists. It is named after Colombian journalist Guillermo Cano Isaza, who was assassinated in 1986, and is awarded to individuals or institutions that have made outstanding contributions to the defense of press freedom, particularly under dangerous conditions.
The award ceremony will be held at UNESCO headquarters in Paris on a date to be announced later.
