This programme supports freedom of expression, human rights and democratic reform in Syria.

Objective

The aim of this project is to support democracy and reform in Syria by strengthening independent media, civil society and human rights groups; and assist women, minority and youth participation in public life.

The project will build local capacity, support the production and dissemination of independent reports and perspectives via innovative distance-learning and apprentice-style mentoring – working with sensitivity in an extremely delicate political environment – and provides immediate impact through information and outreach.

Activity Outline

Training

A central project objective is to strengthen independent civil society and media. Participants are instructed in highly intensive one-week sessions in a number of key skills to improve their abilities as reporters or activists. The training focuses on the following areas:

• basics of independent research and reporting and balanced and fair presentation;
• enhanced research and investigative skills, especially within controlled societies;
• safety and security, and new communications technologies;
• media and advocacy skills for activists;
• international human rights, minority rights and free expression laws and norms.

Reporting & Dissemination

The project will produce a number of unique, detailed, locally-produced reports and podcasts relating to human rights and democratic reform. The reports will cover a wide range of political, social and economic issues, with a strong focus on political issues. News reports will provide an alternative perspective as a balanced information source on a range of crucial socio-economic and political concerns in order to promote civil society and democratic development.

The production process will be part of the intensive training process linking people on the ground with commissioning and training editors and fact-checkers to produce reliable, balanced and influential reports. These will be published and widely disseminated through the website, via email and across the internet in Arabic as well as in English.

Beneficiaries

A wide range of individuals and groups will benefit from this project, including:

• local Syrian journalists;
• local NGOs and activists;
• human rights workers and civil society organisations inside and outside Syria;
• the country’s general population will gain access to objective and reliable information;
• an expert international audience of journalists, academics, activists and diplomats will also gain access to reliable information.