The Syrian Information Ministry today on Sunday organised the launching of a new code of professional and ethical conduct for journalists and content creators, a move aimed at strengthening media standards and safeguarding responsible freedom of expression.
In the post-war context in Syria, and following a prolonged period in media landscape in Syria was exposed to polarization, propaganda, politicization, and conflicting narratives, alongside the widespread circulation of false and misleading information that has come to pose a serious threat by fueling tensions and exacerbating a heavy legacy of divisions resulting from years of authoritarianism, sectarianism, systematic violence, and displacement, in this post war context of Syria, the Code of Professional and Ethical Conduct emerged as an initiative from within the Syrian journalistic community to realign journalistic practice in line with responsible, professional, and ethical standards, and to counter misinformation and propaganda.
The significance of this Code lies not only in its content, but also in the manner in which it was developed. It is not a transient or symbolic document, but the outcome of a broad participatory process led by journalists from diverse professional backgrounds. Some have worked with local media outlets, while others have contributed to regional and international platforms. The Code was not a government product; rather, the Ministry of Information’s role was limited to facilitating the process, while a wide group of independent journalists and experts assumed responsibility for drafting and preparation, involving more than 5 months of work and over 1,000 journalists.
This experience represents a practical effort to establish professional standards from within the field itself, not through political directives or external pressure, but through open dialogue among practitioners who are directly familiar with the challenges and constraints of journalism in Syria.
The Code also implicitly acknowledges the extent of harm caused by years of misinformation, propaganda, and hate speech, whether originating from local, regional, or international actors. It seeks to uphold press freedom by linking it to responsibility, and to restore public trust in the media by reinforcing objectivity and professionalism.
Furthermore, the Code adopts standards that align with shared global principles of freedom of expression, protection of vulnerable groups, and respect for human rights.
It provides a reference framework for foreign journalists, international correspondents, and external media organizations working in Syria or with Syrian journalists, helping to reduce misunderstandings and establish clear professional and ethical benchmarks for cooperation and joint work.
In light of the widespread dissemination of false and misleading content about Syria, the Code represents an internal effort to build professional resilience against rumors and disinformation, and to develop self-verification mechanisms that strengthen the relationship of trust between media and audiences.
Finally, the Code reflects a growing shift in awareness among a broad segment of Syrian journalists regarding their role in this new phase of the Syrian history. It stems from an understanding that journalism and media possess genuine capacity to shape public perception of contested issues, contribute to social recovery, foster dialogue, and promote peace amid ongoing tensions.