UNICEF calls nominations for regional media awards

[Chief Editor]

UNICEF calls nominations for regional media awards

By MD RASOOLDEEN | ARAB NEWS
Published: Jul 28, 2010 23:52 Updated: Jul 28, 2010 23:52



RIYADH: UNICEF is inviting nominations for its regional media awards honoring those journalists in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region who have contributed to raising awareness of children’s rights.

“The regional media award is an annual prize that UNICEF launched to motivate those working in broadcast and print media to highlight the reality of children’s rights and convey their challenges and suffering to the public,” the organization’s communications chief for the MENA region Abdel-Rahman Ghandour told Arab News.

“This award started in 2004, focusing each year on a different theme. It rewards media practitioners for their efforts to highlight children’s issues and concerns. They are partners and friends with UNICEF in spreading awareness of the reality of childhood.”

This year’s awards marks 20 years since the Convention on the Rights of the Child was signed.

A photography category has been introduced alongside visual, audio, print and online media.

Ghandour expects huge participation this year as the theme encompasses diverse issues of interest in the media — particularly in a region where children’s rights are often violated.

UNICEF’s award coordinator Reem Najjar said interested media professionals should contact their local UNICEF offices before Aug. 20, the deadline for receiving applications.
“Competition this year will be tough since we anticipate a large number of applications from across the region,” she said.

A carefully selected jury including UNICEF experts, a goodwill ambassador and child rights specialists will evaluate the applications.

This year, Egypt will host the UNICEF Sixth Media Forum on Child Rights, where the results will also be announced.
UNICEF’s Gulf Area Office, which covers the UAE, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain and the Kingdom, is located in the UN complex at the Diplomatic Quarter in Riyadh.