The Humanitarian Storytelling Award recognises the work of an individual, team or news organisation that highlights the impact of conflict on people and communities.
Examples might focus on the impact of conflict and climate change, sexual violence, migration, displacement, detention, gender or disability in war, as well as emerging trends in conflict, including new weapons technologies, and humanitarian action.
Eligible formats include rolling coverage, a series of news reports or features, or a single longform piece. Entries can be of any medium (text, radio or visual) and published on any platform (print, broadcast, online and social media).
Entries must demonstrate how the reporting was realised, how the below criteria were considered and represented and provide evidence of impact. Judges will also consider deadlines, resources and other pressures or dangers faced by entrants.
Judges will evaluate submissions according to the following criteria:
- Focus on people affected by or the impact of conflict, rather than the politics of conflict.
- Representation of people that is inclusive, compassionate, preserves dignity, and does no harm.
- Participation by communities or individuals featured in the story in aspects of the storytelling itself – we want to see the diversity of experiences of people living through armed conflict.
- Opportunities to elevate diverse voices, prioritising those of marginalised groups and communities.
- Awareness of and sensitivity to the risks people made vulnerable by conflict may be exposed to when sharing their story.
- Focus on neutral, impartial and non-political storytelling.
- Impact and public benefit.
- Adherence to ethical standards.
- Time constraints and resources available.
- Innovation, enterprise or courage.
- Highlight stories in other countries around the world, with less of a focus on Australia or Australian involvement.