In an effort to uncover the fate of irregular migrants who perish attempting to reach the European Union, eight freelancers identified more than 1,000 unmarked graves in 65 cemeteries across Europe.
The jury lauded the team’s humane approach and strong visual storytelling that relied on powerful photography and virtual reality, complementing the investigative work.
The freelancer team brought attention to an underreported issue and highlighted the failure of EU migration policies and the right to truth for hundreds of affected families.
The jury also acknowledged the investigation’s contribution to transforming public understanding of the issue. The Border Graves Investigation is the only winner this year who has received IJ4EU funding.
“This project is a perfect example of how to do investigative journalism with boots on the ground, while shining a light on individual stories and humanising victims,” jury member Manuli said.
“What makes it more exemplary, is that it was conducted by a very small cross-border team. Out of the eight reporters, six of them are full-time freelancers, and the other two are affiliated with small newsrooms. And all this significant reporting was done with very little resources, in a period of over six months.”