Media:

International Committee for Free Journalism

The “Journalists’ Companion” is a publication by the International Committee for Free Journalism, aimed at supporting and guiding journalists in their profession.

Published by ASK Organization, 2002

Written and Prepared by: Dr. Salah Aziz

Translated from Arabic by: Mohsen Adib

ASK Organization published the “Journalists’ Guide” in 2002. The guide was written and prepared by Dr. Salah Aziz, with Mohsen Adib translating it from Arabic to Kurdish.

Published by ASK Organization, 2002

Prepared and Edited by:

Dr. Salah Aziz

Mohsen Adib

ASK Organization published “The Practical Guide for Journalists” in 2002, a handbook aimed at providing essential tools and guidelines for journalists. The guide was prepared and edited by Dr. Salah Aziz and Mohsen Adib.

The workshop held in Erbil from May 27-29, 2003, brought together media officials, editors, and legal experts to discuss freedom and censorship in the media. Organized by the Ministry of Culture in cooperation with ASK, the workshop aimed to foster group discussions and encourage active participation rather than just lectures. The event emphasized the importance of open, objective dialogue and featured speeches from key figures like Mr. Mohsen Adeeb and Mr. Barzan Mulla Khalid. The three-day workshop gathered around 40-50 participants from various fields.

The Media Workshop held in Sulaymaniyah from April 26-28, 2003, gathered media professionals, editors, legal experts, and intellectuals to discuss the critical concepts of freedom and censorship in media. The event, attended by key figures such as Minister of Culture Mr. Fatah Khalil and ASK’s Mr. Mohsen Adeeb, involved group discussions aimed at promoting active participation. The workshop highlighted the importance of open dialogue and objective contributions, while also reflecting on the challenges faced by journalists in the past year.

The introduction to the Association of Professional Journalists’ guidelines highlights that raising public awareness is essential for justice and democracy. Journalists are tasked with seeking truth, presenting news fairly, and maintaining professional integrity. Their mission includes verifying information from credible sources, ensuring transparency in news reporting, and avoiding distortion or exaggeration in any media format. Ethical conduct and honesty are central to the trust that journalists must build with their audience.

In 2005, the Kurdistan Journalists’ Union drafted a law to regulate journalism in the region, which was passed by parliament in 2007 after much debate. However, concerns arose, leading to the president returning the law for revisions. ASK facilitated discussions among stakeholders, organizing workshops and consulting legal experts to review the law according to international standards. One proposed amendment focused on guaranteeing journalistic freedom while ensuring it complies with the law, with specific suggestions to modify phrases related to public morals and order.

ASK received several proposals, including a social magazine, a Women’s Day celebration, and a media club. While the first two do not align with ASK’s current interests, the media club is a future priority. The next steps involve determining cooperation from the governments of Sulaymaniyah and Erbil. Additionally, there are two projects in progress: a practical manual and a journalists’ handbook. The manual should be reviewed and ready for printing by mid-February, while the handbook will include basic media-related content and should be finalized in both Arabic and Kurdish by the same deadline.