Six courageous journalists covering conflict zones around the world honored at Doha Forum-2024

Six journalists were honoured at the Doha Forum for Political Dialogue in recognition of their "collective courage and unwavering dedication" in covering conflict zones around the world. 

The award honours journalists who have lost their lives in the pursuit of the truth, and underlines the importance of press freedom and the urgent need to protect journalists working in conflict zones. Funds from these awards, established by Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani to recognise those working to support journalists in conflict zones, will be donated to the Rory Peck Trust, a non-profit organisation that supports independent journalists.

The six journalists honoured at the Doha forum include Al Jazeera's Gaza bureau chief Wael al-Dahdouh, whose wife, children and Al Jazeera colleagues were killed in Israeli air strikes. Also honored were AFP's American photojournalist Dylan Collins, Motaz Azaiza, whose photographs of Gaza at the start of the war with Israel reached millions on social media.

The #DohaForum Award 2024 honors renowned journalists, including Wael Al Dahdouh, Motaz Azaiza, Carmen Joukhadar, Dylan Collins, Sadaf Popalzai, and Christina Assi, for their courageous sacrifices in pursuing truth through journalism. 🌍✒️ pic.twitter.com/yxfGhhADyF

— Doha Forum (@DohaForum) December 7, 2024

Also honored were AFP journalists Christina Assi and Dylan Collins in Lebanon. Assi and Collins were injured a year ago while reporting in Lebanon, and received the award alongside Al Jazeera journalists Wael al-Dahdouh and Carmen joukhadar, Palestinian photojournalist Motaz Azaiza and Afghan radio journalist Sadaf Popalzai.

"I felt we should keep sharing our story, for me, for us, for Issam and all our colleagues who were targeted this year," Assi said of slain Reuters journalist Issam Abdullah. He was killed in the same incident in which Assi and Collins were injured on October 13, 2023, while they were covering cross-border clashes between the Israeli army and armed groups in southern Lebanon.

An in-depth AFP investigation found that tank rounds fired by an Israeli unit killed Abdullah and injured six other journalists at the scene, including Assi, Collins and Joukhadar. Assi had to have his right leg amputated.

"I am still in a wheelchair, and I need another year to start walking. However, I cannot wait for that day because that is how we will get our justice back," Assi said. "You keep fighting until you can actually stand up, hold your camera and do what you love, because that is our duty, and that is our job," he said. Collins was injured shortly after being hit in Ukraine.

"I lost many friends in Ukraine. I lost many friends in Gaza. I lost friends in Lebanon. I think sadly this time has been more dangerous than ever to be a journalist," he said. "We have seen ... this press label across our chest. It's supposed to protect us, and sadly it has turned us into a target."

John Williams, Executive Director of the Rory Peck Trust, said: "I join the Doha Forum in recognising the courage and commitment of Vial and his colleagues. From Gaza to Afghanistan, Sudan and now again in Syria, journalists often pay a terrible price to ensure we know the truth. Supporting the Doha Forum Prize will transform our ability to assist independent journalists working in conflict zones around the world – and help them continue their vital work, enable accountability and ensure justice."