Sakharov Prize: S&Ds nominate journalists and humanitarian aid workers in conflict areas such as Palestine

The Socialists and Democrats in the European Parliament have nominated Journalists and humanitarian aid workers in conflict zones - represented by the Palestinian Press Association, the Palestine Red Crescent Society, and the United Nations Relief and Works Agency - for the 2025 Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought.

Giving a voice to those silenced and protecting those who protect others is at the core of the S&Ds' values. That commitment is more urgent than ever: over the past 18 months, the toll has been devastating. Since the start of the war, at least 197 journalists have been killed - 189 of them Palestinians - making Gaza the deadliest place for journalism in the last five years. In 2024 alone, 383 humanitarian workers lost their lives worldwide, including 181 in the strip, most of them local staff from the Palestine Red Crescent Society and the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA).

Yannis Maniatis, S&D vice-president for foreign affairs, said:

"We proudly nominate journalists and humanitarian workers - represented by the Palestinian Press Association, the Palestine Red Crescent Society, and the United Nations Relief and Works Agency - for the 2025 Sakharov Prize. In Gaza, where they have been deliberately targeted, their courage is essential to saving lives and making sure the world knows the truth. They represent the values at the heart of the prize: human dignity, freedom of expression, and the defence of human rights."