“I contributed to the collective creation of the Code of Ethics for independent journalists in the Syrian media sector, and I was alongside many other journalists representing Syrian media. The Code of Ethics is collectively produced as an unbiased working document for all journalists across all Syrian media organisations. In the beginning people were reluctant and cautious out of fear and security. But now I see that more and more people are willing to come together and share their opinions. With this ethical code I feel we have a ‘compass’ which makes us equally responsible to be professional, and to promote this culture. We all benefit from strengthening the impact of our news and reaching the most diverse audience possible, where no space should be given to ‘hate speech’ or dividing people.”

“One of the biggest, and ongoing, challenge is gaining trust among individuals who come from different backgrounds – political, social, ethnic, religious divides which can make their work as an activist and journalist sensitive once their identities are exposed. This makes security a priority undergoing dialogue, and can sometimes effect the momentum. Due to the sensitivities, it is hard to gain commitment, produce outcomes and to see the long term affects or bigger picture. Instead, sometimes we need to look at the smaller outcomes and steps that have been made, such as achieving meetings and discussions with people who otherwise would have never had the chance to be involved in such a diverse group. People have gained the perception that dialogue is a useful method to discuss issues of the sector. The more they see eye to eye to each other, then they can understand one another positions. and they can humanize the situations that are happening across divides or in different areas of the country.”