Syria
The fall of the Assad regime in December 2024 marked a turning point for Syria. After more than a decade of war and repression, the country entered a new and uncertain phase. For independent journalists, new opportunities to report have emerged, but so have new challenges. Political uncertainty, deep social divisions and economic hardship continue to threaten access to reliable information.
Since 2012, Free Press Unlimited has supported Syrian independent media and journalists. Today, we work with 13 local partners to strengthen ethical journalism, foster collaboration across divides and help build an independent media sector that contributes to a peaceful and democratic future for Syria.
A changing media landscape
The end of Assad's rule created new possibilities for Syrian journalism after years of severe repression. Journalists can report more openly than before, but the country's transition remains fragile. Political tensions, insecurity and economic instability continue to shape the media environment. Years of conflict have left the Syrian media landscape deeply fragmented. Many independent media organisations operate across Syria, neighbouring countries and the diaspora, making collaboration difficult. Misinformation, political polarisation and competing interests continue to undermine public trust in the media.
Building a professional, independent and sustainable media sector therefore remains essential for supporting informed public debate and strengthening social cohesion.
Our work in Syria
Free Press Unlimited has been working in Syria since 2012. Together with support from the European Union and the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida), we strengthen independent Syrian media and promote ethical journalism. Our current programme, Ethical Journalism for Sustainable Peace III (EJSP III), runs from 2026 until the end of 2027 and builds on earlier programme phases launched in 2021.
Ethical journalism as a foundation
Ethical journalism is at the heart of our work in Syria. Together with Syrian partners, Free Press Unlimited has helped strengthen the Ethical Charter and the Syrian Journalists' Code of Ethics. These shared professional standards help journalists report accurately, responsibly and in a conflict-sensitive way, while supporting accountability and public trust. Newsrooms increasingly use these standards to strengthen verification, editorial decision-making and reporting on sensitive issues.
Our long-term vision is that Syrians enjoy a cohesive and inclusive civil society and media environment for a democratic, peaceful and accountable Syria through access to non-polarising and ethical information across all divides.
Figures below as of July 2026
