YOUMNA EL SAYED

Journalism Award | Nominee | Freedom of Expression Awards

Youmna El Sayed an internationally recognised journalist and public speaker, formerly serving as the Al Jazeera English Correspondent in the Gaza Strip.

With over ten years of experience reporting from the frontlines of conflict, she has worked with leading international media outlets including Al Jazeera English, TRT World, TRT Digital, RT, the Kuwait English Channel, CNA, and the Associated Press.

Specialising in stories of war, displacement, identity, and human dignity, Youmna strives to consistently bring global attention to the untold human narratives of those living under siege, occupation, and conflict. Her reporting is distinguished by its deep emotional insight, integrity, and unwavering commitment to truth.

Throughout her career, Youmna has received numerous international awards and honours for her fearless journalism and advocacy for human rights. These include:

The Civil Journalism Award, for the exceptional frontline coverage of the Gaza War.
The World Freedom Hero Award, granted by the International Press Institute (IPI) and International Media Support (IMS), as a collective recognition of Palestinian journalists.
The Maria Grazia Cutuli International Journalism Award, in honour of her brave reporting in conflict zones.
The Award for Courage in Journalism, presented by the Arab Reporters for Investigative Journalism (ARIJ), recognising her dedication to truth in the face of danger.
The Token of Human Rights, presented by the United Nations in recognition of her continuous efforts to defend human rights and dignity through journalism.

“I am deeply honoured to be nominated for the Index on Censorship Freedom of Expression Award. This recognition goes beyond me—it belongs to the people whose stories I carry, to those silenced by war, displacement, and oppression. It affirms the role of journalism not just as a profession, but as a duty to truth and human dignity, even in the face of danger. Our voices matter, and they cannot be erased.”