(New York, NY — December 10, 2024) — Photography 4 Humanity, the photography platform for the Right Here, Right Now Global Climate Alliance, proudly announces Viviane Rakotoarivony as the winner of the 2024 Global Photo Contest. Her arresting photograph, Ambalakondro, Devastated by Cyclone Freddy, provides a powerful visual testament to the human cost of climate disasters and the urgent need for global climate justice.

The announcement, made on December 10th - United Nations Human Rights Day is particularly poignant as it underscores that climate change is not just an environmental issue but a profound human rights crisis. The winning photograph, taken in Mananjary, Madagascar, portrays children sheltering beneath the remnants of their roof after Cyclone Freddy destroyed 90% of homes in their village. Rakotoarivony’s image is accompanied by the evocative description: “In the village of Ambalakondro, Cyclone Freddy devastated 90% of the homes, leaving these residents to take refuge beneath a fragment of their roof.”

As the official photography platform of the Right Here, Right Now Global Climate Alliance, Photography 4 Humanity plays a critical role in spotlighting the intersection of climate change and human rights. Supported by global partner United Nations Human Rights, the competition invites both amateur and professional photographers from around the world to capture stories of resilience and the urgent realities of our changing planet.

“Viviane Rakotoarivony’s photograph not only captures a moment of immense hardship but also the strength and resilience of communities on the frontlines of climate change,” said David Clark, CEO, Right Here, Right Now Global Climate Alliance. “Announcing this year’s winner on UN Human Rights Day is a powerful reminder that climate change is a human rights crisis, and we must act decisively to protect those most vulnerable.”

Cyclone Freddy, one of the longest-lasting and most intense tropical storms in history, devastated southeastern Africa earlier this year, leaving widespread destruction and displacement in its wake. Rakotoarivony’s photograph serves as a stark call to action and reinforces the Right Here, Right Now Global Climate Alliance’s mission to champion climate justice as an essential human right.

This year, Photography 4 Humanity received thousands of submissions from across the globe, showcasing the creativity and passion of photographers committed to illuminating the stories of those most impacted by the climate crisis. Rakotoarivony’s winning image and other top entries will be featured at the United Nations headquarters on UN Human Rights Day, and viewed globally on UN.org. 

For more information about Photography 4 Humanity, the Right Here, Right Now Global Climate Alliance, and this year’s winning entries, visit www.photography4humanity.com.