The Lorenzo Natali 2011 Prize has recognized the work of 17 journalists from around the world who have excelled in the coverage of development issues, human rights and democracy. The Lorenzo Natali Prize is part of the development policy of the European Commission.

As pointed out by the European Commissioner for Development, Andris Piebalgs, the Lorenzo Natali Prize is a recognitions for the outstanding commitment and professionalism shown by the 17 winner journalists in performing their work to transmit events in a truthful and accurate manner. In recognition of this informative work which is often carried out under hostile circumstances, the Lorenzo Natali Prize has highlighted for twenty years now, the work of these professionals.

This year, Danish journalist Tom Heinemann has received the Grand Prize for his television documentary on microcredit, which has been described by the Lorenzo Natali jury as a brilliant example of investigative journalism. In this occasion, besides the main issues on development, human rights and democracy, other issues have also covered such as microcredits, corrective rape and the double life of African homosexuals, the sex ratio in India, trafficking children, witchcraft, female genital mutilation, or slavery, among others.

On this occasion more than 1300 participants responded to the invitation of the European Commission to participate in the Lorenzo Natali Prize 2011. In organizing the Prize, the Commission has worked closely with the Reporters without Borders, which in 2005 was awarded the Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought.