Syria: Journalists’ protection must be a national priority

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), in coordination with one of its affiliates in the country, the Syrian Journalists' Association (SJA), organised a conference on 12 February in Damascus to promote a safe working environment for journalists and media workers. Representatives of the IFJ and media institutions attended the conference, where discussions focused on the challenges of rebuilding professional journalism in Syria, after the fall of Bashar Al Assad's regime in December 2024.

Credit: Nadir Senhadji / IFJ

The event addressed the growing risks that journalists face in the workplace and when reporting on the ground. The concept of 'institutional duty of care' was introduced, setting out the legal and ethical obligation of media organisations to protect their staff from physical, psychological, digital and professional risks, whether they are permanent employees, contributors or freelance journalists.

Participants emphasised that protecting journalists is a shared commitment requiring clear occupational health and safety policies, regular physical and digital safety training, psychological and legal support, insurance coverage and social protection, rather than an individual responsibility. Additionally, IFJ representatives highlighted the importance of establishing safe and confidential complaint mechanisms at the national level to safeguard whistleblowers and ensure that journalists can carry out their duties without fear of retaliation.

Discussions also reviewed relevant international frameworks for prevention, protection and accountability. These included the International Labour Organisation (ILO) Convention 190, which tackles violence and harassment in the world of work, and the UN Plan of Action on the Safety of Journalists.

During the meeting, the SJA launched its annual report, 'Press Freedom in Syria 2025: Transformations in the Landscape and Protection Challenges', and presented its main findings. The report documents 49 violations of media rights in 2025, including the killings of two journalists: Ibrahim Ajajand Sari Majid Al-Shoufi. Other restrictions on press freedom included arrests, assaults and the prevention of coverage, which underscores the urgent need to strengthen legal provisions that guarantee press freedom.

"The safety of journalists is at the heart of credible and professional journalism," says IFJ General Secretary Anthony Bellanger."Protecting journalists is neither optional nor a matter of symbolic solidarity; it is a legal and ethical obligation incumbent upon institutions and states alike. We call on the Syrian government to align national legislation with relevant international standards, and to implement reforms to the media sector that guarantee the safety and accountability of journalists".