ICFJ Voices: Sarmad alJilane, Putting Human Rights in Syria Front and Center

By: Taylor Dibbert |08/05/2024

In addition to his journalistic work, Sarmad alJilane is an outreach and advocacy consultant. Originally from Syria, he's based in Berlin. He covers a range of topics pertaining to Syria, including human rights, governance, media and civil society. He describes his participation in an ICFJ program as "one of the most beneficial experiences in my professional life."

This interview has been edited slightly. It has also been translated from Arabic.

How have you been involved with ICFJ over the years?

I first got involved with ICFJ through its IJNet Mentoring Center after submitting a proposal to develop the work of Sound and Picture, a local media network that documented human rights violations in Syria and Iraq.

The training program with the Mentoring Center lasted for a year, including a media advisor for each participant, a week-long workshop in Jordan, and a three-day conference coordinated by the Arabic Reporters for Investigative Journalism (ARIJ) network and involving over 50 media networks and organizations worldwide.. Throughout the training period, the Mentoring Center provided all possible assistance to develop and improve ideas, which helped me personally and the media network I was working with.

What was the biggest outcome from participating in the program(s)?

Participating in the Mentoring Center was one of the most beneficial experiences in my professional life.

For the media network I was with, we reached an agreement with the UN's International Commission of Inquiry to provide the commission with original documents, photos, and videos that the network had, to assist them in documenting and preparing evidence of human rights violations in Syria. This was a significant achievement for us. Additionally, I was chosen to be one of the speakers at the 34th session of the UN Human Rights Council in 2017 to discuss the human rights situation in Syria and highlight the violations.

Later, I decided to engage in various other work, such as independent media projects and documentary films. For example, I assisted in a documentary film about a mother searching for her daughters who joined ISIS, by conducting online research and working with sources on the ground. Subsequently, I transitioned from working with local networks to international organizations and networks such as Internews and Creative.

What is something impactful you have worked on since participating in an ICFJ program that you are proud of and would want to highlight?

One of the most impactful things I've worked on since joining IJNet Arabic is the journalistic materials I publish on the site. For me, this site serves as a daily source, both for staying updated on the latest journalism news worldwide and for learning about the tools used by journalists. Therefore, I decided to contribute to this resource. Since 2017, I have been publishing journalistic materials that I believe are beneficial to journalists because they are primarily based on my personal experiences, including tips for journalists working in conflict zones, field reporters, and a written guide on launching successful media and advocacy campaigns.

Why is it so important right now to provide the kind of support to journalists that ICFJ does, especially in Syria and the Middle East?

Providing support to journalists in the Middle East, particularly in Syria, is extremely important. Journalists and media workers in this region often face significant challenges, such as restrictions on freedom of expression, security censorship, arrests, threats, and even physical and psychological violence, which have sometimes led to death.

Organizations like ICFJ can provide the necessary support for journalists in these areas, helping them overcome these obstacles and continue their work to ensure their voices are heard and important issues are highlighted, ensuring free and accurate information access to the world.

Additionally, Syria and other parts of the Middle East are hotspots of complex geopolitical conflicts and humanitarian crises. Journalists play a crucial role in documenting these events and holding authorities accountable.

Supporting journalists covering these regions contributes to promoting transparency and accountability, which is essential for fostering peace and stability. Furthermore, providing support to journalists from these regions helps amplify diverse voices and perspectives, enrich media coverage, and enhance understanding between cultures and communities, which is particularly important in areas where media narratives are biased or dominated by certain interests.

What are you currently working on, or what do you want to work on, that you're excited about?

One of the latest projects I worked on was drafting and preparing a series of awareness campaigns to highlight the work and projects of local councils in areas outside the control of the Syrian regime. I enjoyed working on this project because it highlighted the remarkable efforts made by communities despite the difficult conditions they live in.

Currently, I am participating in a master's program in data analysis, expected to graduate by the end of this year. I am genuinely excited to leverage my journalistic experience and the skills I am developing in data analysis to enhance the role of data journalism in Syria. This is particularly important given the significant trust crisis in journalism and media in the Arab region, with many biased media outlets and unprocessed or inaccurate data flows. Therefore, rebuilding trust with the people is crucial.

I am excited to combine my journalistic experience with data analysis skills, as I believe it will help me better analyze and present journalistic data more accurately. Ultimately, I aim to restore trust between journalism and the people, enabling communities to access more accurate and objective information, creating a more informed and engaged society.

Do you continue to use what you learned or utilize ICFJ resources today? If so, please explain.

As a journalist, I see IJNet in all its available languages, especially Arabic, as one of the most useful sites for any journalist, whether new or experienced, due to the information published on it. It has provided journalists like me a platform to share experiences and advice and enabled me to learn from the experiences and practices of other journalists published on the site. This exchange of knowledge has undoubtedly enhanced and improved the quality of the journalistic materials I produce.

Since my mother tongue is Arabic, I will specifically talk about the Arabic section. The site's sections are diverse, attracting any journalist, whether for regular updates on journalistic materials, following news, keeping up with technologies, finding tools to assist in their work, or exploring the latest media innovations. It also provides coverage for local or community media and other sections.

I always find it beneficial to explore IJNet and what is published on it, whether for reading journalistic materials or as a starting point for further research. Sometimes, I find a topic or a new tool in journalism published on the site and decide to conduct my research and delve deeper into the subject.

Why did you choose to become a journalist?

I believe that sometimes you are chosen for something rather than choosing it yourself, and that's exactly what happened to me. I was studying petroleum engineering in Syria when the Syrian revolution began. Given my previous experience in photography and writing, I decided to cover events and developments. Over time, I became more committed to journalism than engineering until I fully dedicated myself to journalism and media. Therefore, I see that journalism chose me.

For me, journalism is not just a profession; it is a duty, and we must give this duty its due right. Just as a doctor carefully selects his tools because any mistake can cost the patient's life, in journalism, every word has its cost, and words remain and endure. As they say, "The pen is mightier than the sword."

What's one piece of advice you'd give to an aspiring journalist?

Firstly, I would like to tell any aspiring journalist that journalism can sometimes be exhausting, challenging, and often leads to constant fatigue. However, these efforts are always fruitful, and every setback is an opportunity to learn and refine skills, so perseverance is crucial.

The primary advice is to prioritize integrity and accuracy above all else. In today's fast-paced media landscape, the pressure to be the first to report an event can sometimes overshadow the importance of ensuring the accuracy of facts, or even being part of the community we cover might push us to overlook some facts. Do not fall into this trap. Integrity, accuracy, and credibility are among the essential pillars of journalism. Be meticulous, verify your sources, maintain ethical standards, and uphold your reputation as a journalist.

Is there anything you would like to add?

I would like to emphasize the importance of staying curious and open-minded as a journalist. The world is constantly evolving, and there is always something new to learn and explore. Do not be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and pursue stories and topics that sometimes do not align with your personal views. Engage with diverse voices, as journalism is not only about reporting news but also about understanding the world and communities. Therefore, never stop asking questions, seeking the truth, and aiming to make a positive impact through your work.