YEREVAN, DECEMBER 12, ARMENPRESS. “Suitcase 2019” annual journalism contest on migration issues marks its 10 year anniversary of encouraging and motivating journalists raising awareness and reporting on challenges and opportunities in the field of migration. On 12 December 2019, ICMPD office in Armenia, together with UNHCR office in Armenia and “Repat Armenia” foundation, recognized the winners and rewarded the journalistic excellence, relevance and newsworthiness of press pieces dealing with migration in all its aspects. 

ARMENPRESS reports the jury panel, which consisted of some of the most recognized experts in the field of journalism and migration, picked the 10 winners out of 81 shortlisted entries. This year edition honoured the best journalism in seven categories and offered 250 000 AMD equivalent prize to each winner. There was no winner identified in the category of “The best re-integration story” and Special prize was awarded for the most touching and original story on migration issues. 1. The best TV reportage on migration issues Eliza Zakaryan, Noyan Tapan TV, «This is motherland, it is sweet», https://bit.ly/2LI67ry 2. The best radio reportage on migration issues Satik Isahakyan, Public Radio, « The temple guarding the border of Anipemza and the kids that are not afraid of barbed wire», https://bit.ly/2OJpjac. 3. The best print article on migration issues Ani Gasparyan, www.ankakh.com, «I came, open the door, Armenia», https://bit.ly/36lQbmA 4. The best multimedia reportage on migration issues Sona Martirosyan, www.medialab.am, « 30 years in 30 square meter room», https://bit.ly/2LKwFs3 5. The best photo reportage on migration issues Vaghinak Ghazaryan, 4plus.org, « Tatevik», https://bit.ly/2LI6Ed2 6. The best integration success story Lusine Gharibyan, mediamax.am, «Comrade Tigran who came to Arzni from a world unknown», https://bit.ly/345CjeB 7. Special prize Vahe Nersisyan, www.comics.am, «Deport», https://bit.ly/34a9VYX

UNHCR office in Armenia and “Repat Armenia” foundation awarded the prizes in the following categories: 1. Challenges and integration success stories of displaced Syrians in Armenia, Anush Khachatryan, Public TV, Aravot Luso program, “Address: Armenia. Nerses Arslanyan”, https://bit.ly/2sfocX7 2. Integration prospects of refugees in Armenia Urbanista team, www.urbnews.com, “The sounds of Moldovakan street”, https://bit.ly/2LIjM1w 3. The best material on Repatriation Piruza Khalapyan, 4plus.org, «Natasha», https://bit.ly/2YGuo6G

The Member States of the European Union have decided to link together their know-how, resources and destinies. Together, they have built a zone of stability, democracy and sustainable development whilst maintaining cultural diversity, tolerance and individual freedoms. The European Union is committed to sharing its achievements and its values with countries and peoples beyond its borders. The International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD) is an international organisation with 17 Member States and about 300 staff members. Active in more than 90 countries worldwide, it takes a regional approach in its work to create efficient cooperation and partnerships along migration routes. Priority regions include Africa, Central and South Asia, Europe and the Middle East. Its three-pillar approach to migration management - structurally linking research, migration dialogues and capacity building – contributes to better migration policy development worldwide. The Vienna-based organisation has a mission in Brussels, a regional office in Malta and project offices in several countries. ICMPD receives funding from its Member States, the European Commission, the UN and other multilateral institutions, as well as bilateral donors. Founded in 1993, ICMPD holds UN observer status and cooperates with more than 200 partners including EU institutions and UN agencies.