The IRC Honors Pulitzer Winner Lynsey Addario and Former Youtube CEO Susan Wojcicki with Prestigious Awards

New York, NY, November 6, 2025 - The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is proud to announce that Pulitzer Prize-winning photojournalist Lynsey Addariowill receive the IRC's 2025 Freedom Award, and philanthropist and former Youtube CEO Susan Wojcickiwill be posthumously honored with the IRC's 2025 John C. Whitehead Humanitarian Award.

Lynsey Addariois an acclaimed photojournalist and author whose work has exposed the human cost of war and displacement for over two decades. On assignment for The New York Times, National Geographic, and other leading publications, Addario has documented conflicts and humanitarian crises across Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya, Lebanon, Darfur, South Sudan, Somalia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Yemen, Syria, and Ukraine. Love + War, a feature documentary on Addario's remarkable career, recently premiered at the 2025 Toronto Film Festival. Her powerful images have brought global attention to the experiences of civilians-especially women and girls-caught in the crossfire.

David Miliband, President and CEO of the IRC, said:"Lynsey Addario's work has been fundamental to shaping our understanding of modern conflict and its devastating impact on the world's most vulnerable. Her fearless commitment to bearing witness, telling the stories of those affected by crisis with dignity, humanity, and unflinching honesty embodies the spirit of the Freedom Award. Her images are part of the visual record of the 21st century. We are honored to recognize her both for extraordinary contributions to journalism, and for shaping the public understanding of the human cost of crisis."

As one of Google's earliest employees and the longtime CEO of YouTube, the late Susan Wojcicki (1968-2024) helped shape the digital age. Beyond her visionary leadership in the world of technology, she was a fierce advocate for those in humanitarian need in her local community and around the world. Driven by her family's history as Eastern European refugees to the United States, Wojcicki was devoted to making a meaningful difference for refugees, women and girls, and other vulnerable groups, a legacy that lives on today through her family foundation.

David Miliband added:"Susan Wojcicki was a trailblazer whose legacy extends far beyond her professional achievements. Her philanthropic leadership and her family's deep-rooted dedication to powering positive change in the world have improved countless lives. We are proud to honor Susan's memory and generous spirit with this year's John C. Whitehead Humanitarian Award."

The IRC's Freedom Awardis awarded annually to individuals and organizations who have made outstanding contributions in support of the global refugee crisis and saving and improving the lives of the most vulnerable populations around the world. Past awardees include Winston Churchill, Madeleine Albright, Kofi Annan, and Elie Wiesel.

Named in honor of our longest-serving Board member and Chairman Emeritus, The John C. Whitehead Humanitarian Awardis presented to individuals whose sustained commitment to humanity embodies John's spirit and passion for humanitarian causes, and who have made significant contributions to saving and improving lives around the world.