Update

Media-NGO Meeting

In July, Search for Common Ground in the Middle East - with support from the European Commission - held a workshop in Istanbul, Turkey, that brought together Arab leaders of human rights NGOs and journalists from Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, the Palestinian territories, and Yemen. During the three-day meeting, the participants reflected on the current nature of the relationship between journalists and human rights activists, as well as the possibilities for future cooperation between the two groups to better educate the public about human rights, civil rights, and democracy. Participating in the gathering were representatives from some of the most active NGOs and most prestigious newspapers in the Middle East.

The group discussed a number of timely topics and, most importantly, had very candid discussions about how they perceive one another. A representative from each country laid the groundwork for the meeting by explaining the current status of human rights NGOs and the media in his/her country. Participants then proceeded to discuss past confrontation between the two groups and ways to improve the relationship moving forward.

Sharing Perceptions and Critiques
The workshop included a joint training in which NGO leaders learned from journalists what they should know about working with the media, and journalists learned about working with NGOs. The group started out by presenting their perceptions of one another. NGO leaders commented on the negative role that the media has played in advancing human rights in the region; they encouraged journalists to do more investigative reporting and said that the Middle East media tended to be overly critical of NGOs. The NGO leaders felt that journalists were too loyal to the authorities, were superficial in their gathering of information and checking sources, and were not committed to the ethics of journalism.

Journalists explained that media professionals tend not to be educated about human rights issues and have difficulty obtaining precise information from NGOs. The journalists also expressed a concern about the professionalism of some NGOs in the region, adding that they perceive certain organizations as not being active, lacking in popular support, and not working to address the needs of the people.

All agreed that a better relationship between the two groups is needed in the region and that NGOs must improve how they communicate information to the media. In addition, both sides agreed that independence, objectivity, trust, and initiative are necessary for successful cooperation in achieving their goals. There was recognition of the need for constructive criticism on both sides as well. Finally, the group expressed the need for an assurance that one of the goals NGOs have is to protect the freedom of journalists.

Specialized Sessions
Several specialized topics related to the media and human rights were also addressed. One session, for example, focused on "defending the rights of the other." A guest speaker from Turkey spoke in detail about how his human rights organization worked to promote the rights of the Kurdish population in Turkey. He also explained how the media in his country both hindered and helped him in his work. In another session, a Lebanese participant examined the situation of Palestinian refugees in Lebanon and the difficulties the media face there in covering the human rights violations experienced by those refugees. On a more personal level, a Palestinian participant described the unique relationship he has had with an Israeli journalist to help that journalist give the Israeli and Palestinian publics a clear picture of the current circumstances of Palestinians living in the West Bank and Gaza.

A session was also devoted to a case study of Prof. Saad Eddin Ibrahim, the imprisoned director of the Ibn Khaldoun Center in Egypt. The session focused on how the Egyptian and other Arab media reported on the case and the impact that coverage had on the situation. The participants reflected on the way that western media covered the case as well. Other sessions covered the Internet and how it has changed the Arab media; how NGOs can utilize the Internet and web-based news outlets to better educate the public about civil society; and the role of the regional media and international NGOs.

More Education Needed
The group concluded by saying that much more education was necessary on both sides. Training is needed for journalists on the principles of human rights, while NGOs need training both on how the media works and how to plan a media strategy. It was also suggested that an honor code be developed for NGOs, similar to the one that exists for journalists.

Other more concrete suggestions included developing a website that would maintain discussions on these issues; publication of newspaper supplements devoted to NGOs; publication of NGO newspapers; forming a permanent committee to coordinate between the two sides; and having more meetings such as this one with expanded participation and more sessions to cover issues in greater depth.

For additional information,
contact Search for Common Ground in the Middle East,
1601 Connecticut Avenue, NW, Suite 200,
Washington, DC 20009, USA;
phone 202-265-4300; fax 202-232-6718;
e-mail .

Bulletin of Regional Cooperation in the Middle East Summer 2001 Copyright 2004 Search for Common Groun