Rubryka, Lviv Media Forum, and Ukrainian PEN receive prestigious award from World Movement for Democracy in South Africa

This award recognized Ukrainian civil society's "courageous activities during the war"

The 12th Global Assembly of the World Movement for Democracy took place in Johannesburg, South Africa, from November 20 to 22. On the event's final day, three Ukrainian organizations, namely Ukrainian PEN, Lviv Media Forum, and Rubryka media outlet, were honored with the Democracy Courage Tribute award. By granting this award, the organizers acknowledged "the courageous activities of Ukrainian civil society during the war, in particular, documenting Russian war crimes against Ukraine, promoting democratic reforms, providing humanitarian assistance, and promoting awareness and engagement of Ukrainians."

The award recipients were Tetyana Teren, executive director of Ukrainian PEN, Olga Myrovych, head of the Lviv Media Forum, and Anastasiia Rudenko, editor-in-chief of Rubryka media outlet.

"The people of Ukraine have come together, to resist Russian aggression, reject autocracy, and stand up for democratic principles and values to determine their own destiny. Ukrainian civil society—which has driven much of Ukraine's democratic development since independence—has shown remarkable resilience and dedication, finding new value and meaning in its mission during wartime. Civic initiatives, independent media, business associations, trade unions, and political actors have pivoted and even scaled up their work throughout the country," said the organizers of this year's Assembly of the World Movement for Democracy.

"It is such an honor for me, our team, and the PEN community in Ukraine to receive this award in the presence of so many bright leaders from around the world devoted to the values of democracy. But I have to tell you that the majority of our cultural and human rights projects and campaigns since 2022 have been related to the legacy of our colleagues and friends killed by Russia. This is the work of remembrance, pain, and love. I want to dedicate this award to Ukrainian journalists, writers, and artists who were supposed to create a new Ukrainian culture, develop independent media, and build our democratic country after a long history of repressions — but who were taken by Russia, the same country that has worked for centuries to erase our culture and identity," Tetyana Teren said in her speech.

"The common truth is that peace is only possible as a triumph over evil, not a series of compromises with it. Otherwise, we would not live in peace but rest in it.

We accept this tribute on behalf of Ukraine's civil society—those who defend rights, volunteer, fight, and those we have lost. Your solidarity reminds us we are not alone. Together, we will prove that democracy and dignity are worth every effort," Olga Myrovych added. 

"For us, this is not a local war. We fight against the aggressor who seeks to rewrite the rules of the world and destroy the order founded on respect for human rights, freedom, and sovereignty. This is a war that will define not only the future of Ukraine but also that of the entire democratic world. This tribute is to the resilience and strength of Ukrainian society. Our resilience comes from hope—but not idle hope, waiting for things just to happen. No, hope is action, hope that makes us stand against the aggressor and defend our values. It's about our people but also about global humanity. It's about every human being on earth hoping for a better future. I'd like to thank everyone who understands this and stands with us as we stand with you. Ukraine and Democracy will win," Anastasiia Rudenko stressed.

The World Movement for Democracy is a global network of individuals and groups actively committed to protecting democratic principles and promoting the development and fortification of democratic systems in their respective nations. In February 1999, the National Endowment for Democracy (NED) and various civil society organizations in India collaborated to establish the World Movement for Democracy Forum. This event brought together activists and experts from more than 80 countries in New Delhi to engage in dialogue on strategies for enhancing democracy worldwide.

The Democracy Courage Tribute was initially given out at the 2nd Global Assembly in 2000. In 2006, Mustafa Dzhemilev was honored with the award on behalf of the Crimean Tatars and the Mejlis of the Crimean Tatar People.

It's worth mentioning that this year, Anastasiia Rudenko, the editor-in-chief of Rubryka, was named one of the recipients of the "Leadership" category of the 30 Under 30 Awards by the International News Media Association.

Rubryka is the first Ukrainian online media that focuses on solutions journalism and highlights constructive approaches to address not only problems but also their solutions, grassroots initiatives, environmental protection, equal rights, community development, and encouraging public dialogue on problem-solving.