In a ceremony hosted by the National Endowment for Democracy (NED) on Tuesday, Amu TV accepted the prestigious 2023 Democracy Award for journalism on behalf of Afghanistan’s independent media.
Nazia Hashimyar of Amu accepted the award on behalf of her colleagues and the entire Afghan independent media community.
The 2023 Democracy Award for Afghan Independent Media recognizes the unwavering commitment to keeping the Afghan people informed, even in the face of Taliban repression.
“This recognition holds a special significance for us. It is a powerful reminder to us journalists that our voices are vital, and our contributions to society are invaluable,” said Hashimyar while accepting NED’s Democracy Award on behalf of Afghan Independent Media.
During Tuesday’s event, the National Endowment for Democracy (NED) commemorated its 40th anniversary with a special presentation of NED’s annual Democracy Awards and Democracy Service Medals, reflecting on the past, present, and future of supporting freedom.
The ceremony brought together guests from the US Congress, the Biden administration, global democracy activists and leaders, members of the media, and diplomatic corps, along with other supporters.
“As we reflect on the four decades of NED’s history, we pay tribute to those at the forefront of the struggle for freedom, adapting to today’s complex challenges to democracy,” stated NED President and CEO Damon Wilson. “Our 2023 honorees affirm the universal aspiration for democracy, demonstrating that even in the most challenging places, ordinary people risk everything for human rights and freedom.”
The Democracy Award, bestowed annually by NED’s Board of Directors, acknowledges the courageous and creative work of individuals and organizations worldwide advancing the cause of human rights and democracy. The award itself is a replica of the Goddess of Democracy, erected during China’s 1989 Tiananmen Square protests.
“The NED Board is proud to support our honorees in their struggle for freedom, human rights, and democracy,” said NED Board Chairman Kenneth Wollack. “NED and our core institutes will continue to stand alongside courageous journalists, activists, and citizens worldwide, working in common cause for democratic renewal.”
NED emphasized that the Journalism: Afghan Independent Media Award, accepted by Amu TV on behalf of the media, ensures that the Taliban cannot isolate the Afghan people.
The National Endowment for Democracy (NED) remains an independent, nonprofit, grant-making foundation dedicated to the development and strengthening of democratic institutions globally. With an annual appropriation from Congress, NED funds over 2,000 grants in more than 100 countries. NED’s grants program is complemented by the International Forum for Democratic Studies, the Reagan-Fascell Fellowships Program, the World Movement for Democracy, and the Center for International Media Assistance.
