Highland News & Media journalists shortlisted for 2024 Refugee Festival Scotland Media Awards
Highland News & Media journalist Val Sweeney has been shortlisted for an award recognising media coverage of asylum and refugee issues in Scotland.
Ms Sweeney has been nominated in the local media category at the Refugee Festival Scotland Media Awards for her coverage of displaced Ukrainians in Inverness.
Also shortlisted in the same category is Jonathan Clark, of The Northern Scot which is part of Highland News & Media.
Displaced Ukrainians in Inverness face another Christmas away from their war-torn homeland
Displaced Ukrainian mum in Inverness hopes for peace in 2024 but remains pessimistic
'I know my son will be safe here' – life as a Ukrainian refugee in an Inverness hotel
The awards, which also include broadcast, radio, news and features categories, are coordinated by the Scottish Refugee Council in partnership with the National Union of Journalists Scotland.
The winners will be announced at a ceremony in Glasgow on Thursday.
Ms Sweeney’s shortlisted entry highlighted the reflections and resilience of Ukrainians as they faced their second Christmas and New Year away from their war-torn homeland, separated from family members by thousands of miles.
One woman spoke about her life in limbo after fleeing the Russian bombs and rockets flying overhead while another spoke about a short heart-breaking visit back to her homeland.
Scottish Refugee Council chief executive Sabir Zazai said: “Responsible journalism has the power to challenge misinformation, change perceptions and give a platform to marginalised voices.
“This year’s shortlist is an impressive and varied selection that showcases powerful journalism in Scotland and the bravery and resilience of people rebuilding their lives here.”
Refugee Festival Scotland is an arts and community festival which takes place every year in the lead up to World Refugee Day, on June 20.
Events help to shine a light on the cultural richness and diversity of our communities and are a celebration of the food and drink, music and poetry, art, dance, language and ideas that people bring with them when they settle in Scotland.
