IMAGE: Ill. Niklas Elmehed © Nobel Prize Outreach
The journalists are receiving the Peace Prize made with Fairmined Gold for their courageous fight for freedom of expression Maria Ressa in The Philippines, and Dmitry Muratov in Russia. At the same time, they are representatives of all journalists who stand up for this ideal in a world in which democracy and freedom of the press face increasingly adverse conditions.
Dmitri Muratov, editor-in-chief of the newspaper ‘Novaya Gazeta’ who has denounced the extrajudicial actions of the Russian government during the Chechen war including abuses by the Russian military forces, dedicated the Nobel Peace Prize to the newspaper he directs, and to the six journalists of the newspaper who were killed. “They are the ones who died defending people’s right to free speech. Since they are not with us, they probably decided that I would tell everyone” said Muratov.
Maria Ressa, on her part, is the founder of the news website Rappler, she is an outspoken critic of Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, and the government’s bloody fight against drugs. She has become a symbol of press freedom in a country where journalists are threatened. Ressa has had to face the authorities, has been arrested and is currently facing 7 legal proceedings instituted against her by the Philippine state, which the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines called “a shameless act of persecution by a bully government”.
Credits: Ill. Niklas Elmehed © Nobel Prize Outreach
FAIRMINED GOLD
The Norwegian Nobel Committee has decided to award the Nobel Peace Prize for 2021 to the two journalists for their efforts to safeguard freedom of expression, which is a precondition for democracy and lasting peace. Also this year’s Nobel Peace Prize award has been fabricated in Fairmined gold which means it has been ethically sourced and made, supporting small-scale mining organizations who promote the wellbeing of their workers through safe practices and working conditions, and contribute to the development of their communities. Also the environmental preservation is one the main topics of the Fairmined standard.
Since 2015 the medal has been casted in certified Fairmined gold from Colombia. Every October the Mint of Norway in Kongsberg has the assignment of casting the medal.
COMMITMENT AND POSITIVE IMPACT
The Mint of Norway is part of the Samlerhuset Group, which has been committed to the Fairmined initiative for 5 years. The Fairmined standard ensures that responsible working conditions and environmental considerations are respected during the gold extraction. By choose Fairmined gold, Samlerhuset makes a statement about their position regarding the artisanal and small scale mining and it’s transformation into a force for good, ensuring social development and environmental protection. This year, the Nobel Prize ceremony shall be an in-person event taking place in Oslo City Hall. The Committee is expecting both Maria Ressa and Dmitry Muratov to attend the ceremony and recive the gold medals.
The growing demand for Fairmined gold has a great impact on the industry, ensuring a better future for mining communities within the framework of the SDG’s.
To join the Fairmined initiative, contact us here, and if you are a jeweler, mint or use gold in your supply chain, you can participate in our Fairmined 100 Challenge
