Canada and United Kingdom announce recipient of the 2022 Media Freedom Award

February 10, 2022 – Ottawa, Ontario – Global Affairs Canada

Today, during the third Global Media Freedom Conference in Tallinn, Estonia, the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon, Minister of State for South Asia and the Commonwealth and the Prime Minister’s Special Representative on Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict, awarded the 2022 Canada-United Kingdom Media Freedom Award to Vietnamese journalist Pham Doan Trang.

The Canada-United Kingdom Media Freedom award recognises the work of those who have defended journalists, or championed media freedom at a local level, honouring less recognized organisations, campaigns and individuals in their fight against impunity. Established in 2020, it provides recognition to those who advocate for media freedom, whether directly or indirectly.

Ms. Trang is known for her books on democracy and her articles on civil society and dissidents in Vietnam. An advocate for human rights and the rule of law, Ms. Trang has written about the important environmental issues. Reporters Without Borders awarded the Press Freedom Prize to Ms. Trang in 2019, in recognition of this work.

In December 2021, Ms. Trang was sentenced to nine years in prison for “propaganda against the State.” She spent 434 days in detention leading up to her sentencing.

Quotes

“Journalists play an essential role in any democracy by shining light on the critical issues of our time. On behalf of all Canadians, I salute Ms. Trang’s courage and determination to inform and educate her fellow citizens. Canada will continue to stand up for media freedom around the world.”

– Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada

“Democracy is under attack around the world, and journalists who shine their lights into those dark corners are paying a heavy price. The truth is always worth pursuing and that’s why UK and Canada established the Media Freedom Award. This award recognises the journalists, individuals and organizations who work tirelessly to promote and protect media freedom. I am delighted to announce that this year’s winner of the Media Freedom Award is Pham Doang Trang. I congratulate Pham Doang Trang as a courageous, award-winning independent journalist and human rights defender from Vietnam.”

– Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon, Minister of State for South Asia and the Commonwealth and the Prime Minister’s Special Representative on Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict

Quick facts

• The Canada-United Kingdom Media Freedom Award was started in 2020 at the second Global Conference for Media Freedom, which was hosted by Canada and Botswana.

Thanks To Director of Communication Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Media Relations Office Global Affairs Canada Press Release.