Journalists for Human Rights honored at Canada's 150th anniversary celebrations in Kinshasa

TORONTO and KINSHASA, Democratic Republic of the Congo, June 29, 2017 /CNW/ - On June 28^th, the Canadian ambassador in Kinshasa, the Honourable Mme. Ginette Martin, recognized Journalists for Human Rights (JHR) for their media development work in the Democratic Republic of Congo. "We recognize by this nomination the importance of press freedom in ensuring respect for democratic values and good governance, » said the Ambassador, Mme. Martin. "We applaud the Congolese journalists, including those in the network created by JHR, for their efforts in this regard."

The ceremony was held in Kinshasa and is among the many festivities celebrating Canada's 150th anniversary.

JDH was selected as the recipient of the Canada's 150th award in the "Exemplary partner in promoting and implementing Canada's priorities" category.

The 150th pin, made of silver and the semi-precious stone ''Ammolite'', gives special emphasis to those who have contributed in some form to promoting Canadian values in the DRC. The pin was presented by the Ambassador of Canada to the DRC, Her Excellency Mrs. Ginette Martin, to JHR DRC's country director Freddy Mata Matundu.

JHR's goal in the DRC is to encouraging Congolese journalists to cover human rights issues effectively and objectively. JHR trains journalists and journalism students in the DRC to produce media on human rights violations, corruption, democracy and good governance.

"Difficult, if not impossible, to win such an award without the support of the media and journalists who have proved themselves in this fight for equality of all," said Freddy Mata Matundu, JHR's Country Director, on the phone from Kinshasa in the DRC.

He went on to say: "This award for JHR delights us enormously as it challenges us to continue our work, this hard work, but work that is beneficial for millions in the DRC. We believe that this award will further collaboration with Canadian media and reinforce our efforts with the Canadian government, whose contribution will enable JHR to strengthen its work not only in the Democratic Republic of Congo, but also in other regions of the world. "

"Journalists for Human Rights International is delighted to see the tough and vitally important work of the team in Kinshasa recognized in this way," said JHR Executive Director Rachel Pulfer in Toronto. "This is the team that, last year, through tense political times, pulled together the first national forum for media in the DRCongo's history. They deserve this recognition – and so much more."

JHR's work in the DRCongo is supported by the Donner Canadian Foundation, the Flatley Family Foundation and the Government of Canada.

• Our thanks to CNW Group for sponsoring this announcement

SOURCE Journalists for Human Rights (JHR)

For further information: on this campaign, please contact Fanta Diaby at 416 413 0240 x 202 or fanta@jhr.ca

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