Chibaya, a correspondent for The Zimbabwean and the Institute for War and Peace Reporting, has reported on the refugee crisis in South Africa in challenging circumstances. A lack of resources and other environmental factors made his work even more challenging.
Chibaya’s articles on refugees attracted international media attention. MO* Magazine, for example, published a special report featuring a series of articles on the difficulties faced by South African refugees with the support of the Pascal Decroos Fund for Investigative Journalism.
The award was presented by the International Institute of Journalism and Communication and the International Catholic Union of the Press.
The jury awarded the prize to highlight its appreciation of the nominee's commitment and dedication to upholding human rights and improving living conditions for the common good. The award recognises the significant contributions of media professionals in preventing civil unrest, conflicts and wars. This is because such conflicts are the most common reason why people flee, sometimes even to other countries.
A maximum of seven prizes are awarded, one to each of the authors of the winning entries, who must be from different continents. Winners are invited to act as consultants on the refugee crisis. They are also given the opportunity to visit refugee camps. Winners can organise activities to help address the crisis.
The prize will be presented at the International Institute of Journalism World Congress, taking place in Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada from 3 to 10 June 2007.
