Syria Takes Action Against Hate Speech with Comprehensive Media Code Reform
DAMASCUS — Syria is intensifying efforts to combat hate speech and promote responsible journalism, marking the UN’s International Day for Countering Hate Speech on June 18 with a series of measures anchored in a newly introduced media code of conduct.
The Professional and Ethical Code of Conduct for the media sector, introduced earlier this year, aims to raise professional standards, counter inflammatory rhetoric, and reinforce respect for diversity. Officials say implementation is already underway.
Omar Haj Ahmad, director of press affairs at Syria’s Ministry of Information, said the ministry is embedding the code’s principles into editorial policies and developing early‑detection mechanisms for hate speech. He said the approach prioritizes awareness and professional guidance over punitive action.
Mahmoud Shahoud, head of Syria’s Journalists’ Union, said the union has translated the code into binding professional commitments, requiring members to pledge adherence to ethical standards — including explicit rejection of hate speech. He stressed the need for accountability and professional self‑regulation within the industry.
Akram Al‑Ahmad, chairman of the Syrian Charter of Honor for Media Professionals and a member of the code’s drafting committee, said the next phase will focus on implementation through newsroom policies, training programs, and complaint mechanisms. He noted that promoting responsible discourse is especially critical as Syria works to rebuild trust and social cohesion after years of division, and that success will depend on professional awareness and institutional engagement.
The code was developed through a consultative process involving nearly 1,000 journalists across the country and is grounded in national and international legal frameworks on freedom of expression and professional responsibility. The UN General Assembly established the International Day for Countering Hate Speech in 2021 to drive global efforts to prevent and address hate speech in all its forms.
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