Press Release
African Centre for Media & Information Literacy (AFRICMIL) has been admitted as a member of the International Ellsberg Whistleblower Award (EWA).
The International Ellsberg Whistleblower Award (EWA) honours the integrity and courage of whistleblowers and their allies for disclosing information that significantly enhances free public or scientific debate to bolster democracy and the public’s right to know.
The recently launched Ellsberg Whistleblower Award (EWA) is an initiative of the Reva and David Logan Foundation, the Wau Holland Foundation, the taz Panter Foundation and Whistleblower-Netzwerk. Through this initiative, these organizationswork to continue the legacy of Daniel Ellsberg, whose family supports the award as patrons.
EWA Associated Member Organizations
As a member of EWA, AFRICMIL is entitled to nominate potential awardees and help shape the award.
The network of organizations actively contributes to the implementation of the goals and objectives of EWA to honour courageous whistleblowers and stimulate public discourse on the crucial issues they bring to light. Together, they build regional and cross-regional alliances to protect and strengthen whistleblowers and their supporters.
Furthermore, EWA associated organizations will identify and nominate suitable candidates for the award, e.g. from their respective home regions. This way, they can create networks of support for whistleblowers and raise awareness for the grievances they have brought to light – grievances that otherwise may have gone unnoticed in other parts of the world.
Daniel and Patricia Ellsberg
Daniel Ellsberg was the first and most important whistleblower of his time. By disclosing the McNamara report on US decision making in Vietnam (1971), later publicly known as the ‘Pentagon Papers‘, he exposed the lies of several US governments and contributed to ending the Vietnam War.
Despite severe repercussions, the Ellsbergs maintained their unwavering dedication to integrity and democratic responsibility. The International Ellsberg Whistleblowing Award pays tribute to their enduring legacy.
The Forefather of Whistleblowing
Daniel Ellsberg (1931-2023) was a former US-military analyst who became a whistleblower of unparalleled significance. In 1971, Daniel Ellsberg disclosed the McNamara report on US decision making in Vietnam (1971), later publicly known as the ‘Pentagon Papers‘, thereby exposing the lies of several US governments. While the disclosure helped to accelerate the end of the war, Daniel Ellsberg was subjected to a fierce campaign of prosecution and character defamation.
The international Ellsberg Whistleblowing Award honours his legacy by supporting individuals and organizations who courageously disclose information that enhances public or scientific discourse, thereby strengthening democracy and upholding the public’s right to know.
Before his death, Daniel encouraged his friends to continue his quest for peace and for the democratic and political empowerment of civil society. With his approval, this award was established by the four founding organizations in his memory and in the spirit of his legacy. The prize is intended to show the world that whistleblowers can make a difference. That they can make an important contribution to peace and democracy and that whistleblowers are often indispensable to hold power to account.
Credit: https://ellsberg-award.org/
