Educators of the world congratulate Maria Ressa on being awarded the 2021 Nobel Peace Prize
The 2021 Nobel Peace Prize has been awarded jointly to journalists Maria Ressa and Dmitry Muratov “for their efforts to safeguard freedom of expression, which is a precondition for democracy and lasting peace”. Ressa has been a friend and ally of Education International and the global teaching community, joining forces to oppose the brutal regime of Rodrigo Duterte in the Philippines.
Welcoming the award, David Edwards, Education International General Secretary, stated: “Maria and Rappler, the publication she leads, have faced vicious attacks for reporting the truth to the people of the Philippines. Countless bogus court cases and a vitriolic social media campaign powered by the Duterte regime have targeted her personally. Despite terrible odds and at great personal cost, Maria has been unwavering, holding the line for truth and democracy. We are delighted to see the world recognise her and the critical importance of her fight to us all.”
Raymond D. Basilio, Secretary General of the Alliance of Concerned Teachers Philippines and Education International Executive Board Member, stated: "Filipino teachers and educators under the banner of the Alliance of Concerned Teachers Philippines extend our congratulatory greetings to Maria Ressa for being one of the two Nobel Peace Prize laureates for 2021. We thank and salute her for her unwavering stance to defend freedom of expression and of the press despite multiple attempts of the state to clamp her down. Her award signifies and amplifies international recognition of the Filipino people's fight for human rights, civil liberties, and democracy against the tyrannical Duterte regime. With our collective struggle and the support of the international community, we feel that the end is near for Duterte's tyranny and justice will soon be served to the Filipino people."
Maria Ressa addressed the educators of the world during the 2019 Education International World Congress. Her speech highlighted her stand against disinformation in the Philippines and provided precious insights into the mechanisms of propaganda on social media and what is at stake in the fight for truth: democracy, freedom of speech, and the very futures of our societies. Watch her speech below.
