We are thrilled to announce that the DDLD Living Archive – Defensores de la Democracia (DDLD), a 2018-2019 Magic Grant, has been awarded the prestigious Council of Europe’s Democracy Innovation Award at the World Forum for Democracy. This recognition is a testament to the remarkable work and dedication of Alejandra Ibarra Chaoul in preserving the legacy of journalists who have risked their lives to promote democracy.
The World Forum for Democracy is a unique platform that brings together political decision-makers and activists from around the world to address critical challenges facing democracies today. It identifies and analyzes experimental initiatives and practices that strengthen the foundations of democratic societies. By highlighting grassroots democracy innovations and their potential for systemic impact, the Forum contributes to the evolution of more participatory and inclusive democratic structures.
Each year, the Council of Europe presents the Democracy Innovation Award to the most popular initiative showcased at the World Forum for Democracy. This initiative is determined through votes cast by Forum participants, making it a true reflection of the collective recognition and appreciation from a diverse group of democracy advocates.
The DDLD Living Archive is a project born out of a deep commitment to democracy and a profound respect for the journalists who have dedicated their lives to the cause. In Mexico, more than 100 journalists have tragically lost their lives since 2000. Rather than being victims of random violence, they were specifically targeted for their work. The DDLD Living Archive, spearheaded by Alejandra Ibarra Chaoul, a dedicated journalist, seeks to provide a home for the work of these courageous reporters.
The archive aims to shed light on the rich context and history of the places these journalists lived and reported from, the social forces they confronted, and the stories they told. It is through this repository that their fight for democracy continues, and their invaluable contributions are preserved for future generations.
Being shortlisted as one of the three finalists out of 39 initiatives at the World Forum for Democracy is a remarkable achievement in itself. Winning the Council of Europe’s Democracy Innovation Award is a testament to the significance and impact of the DDLD Living Archive. This recognition reinforces the importance of preserving the legacy of journalists who have risked their lives in the pursuit of democracy.