New York, October
5, 2009—The
Committee to Protect Journalists was honored today with the fourth biennial
Thomas J. Dodd Prize in International Justice and Human Rights. The $75,000
prize is given "to an individual or group who has made a significant
effort to advance the cause of international justice and global human
rights." CPJ was selected for the prize by a committee representing the University of Connecticut, the advisory board of the
“Supporting press freedom is an integral part in the
promotion of human rights and democracy,” said Betsy Pittman, director of the
CPJ Executive Director
“CPJ is honored to receive this prestigious award,” said Simon. “We accept it as a testament to the incredible risks that journalists take around the world to report the news. It is their dedication that serves as a model for all of us.”
CPJ followed the award presentation with a panel discussion about
impunity in the murder of journalists. The panel featured CPJ Europe and
Central Asia Program Coordinator
Past Dodd prize recipients include British Prime Minister Tony Blair and Irish Prime Minister Bertie Ahern, the U.N.’s Office of the High Commissioner of Human Rights, the Center for Justice & Accountability, and Mental Disability Rights International.