SKeyes launches its new report “Journalists’ Security in
Conflict Zones – Lessons from Syria”, in cooperation with the Committee to
Protect Journalists, Reporters Without Borders and the Rory Peck Trust.
When the Samir Kassir Foundation launched the SKeyes Center for Media and
Cultural Freedom in 2007, it intended to establish a resource center that
monitors and denounces violations against journalists, media professionals,
artists and intellectuals in Lebanon, Syria, Jordan and Palestine. It was clear
at the time that Syria would be the most challenging operating environment.
Repression, arbitrary detention and forced exile of journalists were all too
common practices.
The eruption of the Syrian conflict in March 2011 made the situation far more
perilous. Syria has become the most dangerous place on earth for local and
international journalists alike. Yet, foreign reporters, photojournalists and
filmmakers are still going there, braving ever greater risks, to shed light on
one of the most tragic humanitarian emergencies in recent memory.
In this context, SKeyes organized a retreat for international journalists covering
Syria, on July 12-14 in Beit Mery, to reflect on the challenges they face on a
daily basis. They, better than anyone, could answer critical questions: What
are the true security conditions on the ground? What are journalists’
expectations from their employers? What is the best behavior to adopt in case
of abduction? What can journalists expect from their governments? What kind of
assistance is available for freelance journalists? How can war reporters deal
with post-traumatic stress disorder?
The report includes the discussions, recommendations and a document outlining
the “Minimum Working Standards for Journalists in Conflict Zones” that
participants put together.
Finally, SKeyes would like to thank the European Union for supporting this
initiative; Reporters Without Borders, the Committee to Protect Journalists,
the Rory Peck Trust and Human Rights Watch for their trust and active
contribution to the success of the meeting; and Shane Farrell, the author of
this report.
