International Republican Institute (IRI)
Supporting Citizen Voices in the Constitutional Process
$500,000
To increase the transparency of the Syrian constitutional process and ensure citizen priorities are represented, the Institute will strengthen the ability of Syrian civil society to serve as a link between citizens and the constitutional process and will support Syrian civil society in fostering informed, inclusive dialogue on Syria’s future within and beyond the constitutional process.
Syrians For Truth and Justice, aka Centre Verite et Justice pour le Moyen-Orient
Voices for an Inclusive Constitution
$26000
To advance a more inclusive constitution-making process representative of marginalized and minority communities. The organization will lead consultations among individuals from diverse, yet often marginalized, regions of the country to document their priorities for a new constitution. It will also produce and publish a set of recommendation papers on the issues addressed during the consultations.
Freedom of Information
Strengthening the Capacity of Independent Media
$30000
To strengthen the professional standards and capacity of independent media outlets. The organization will work through its membership network to normalize professional standards within independent media outlets. It will conduct a series of professional development events around the issue of freedom of information and the role media plays in ensuring a democratic environment. These will comprise forums on access to information, independent journalism and democracy, and ethical journalism, as well as a workshop on information disclosure. These events will both better connect these members and advance their understanding, and, ultimately practice, of norms around freedom of information.
Freedom of information
Promoting Independent Media
$26800
To promote objective reporting on southern Syria. The grantee will provide independent and fact-based news coverage on a wide array of issues in southern Syria, with a focus on security-related incidents and human rights violations. The outlet will monitor and publish developments throughout the province, and broadcast them regularly through its established web presences.
Promoting Shared Norms
Promoting Democratic Values in North Syria
$30000
To support citizen understanding and action on local priorities during a period of conflict. The organization will lead a youth-centered initiative to deepen activists’ understanding and practice of democracy. It will train the participants in facilitation skills and conduct a series of dialogue sessions on democracy-related priorities for the local community. The participants will apply their training by hosting dialogue sessions with local community members.
The Centre for Legal Studies and Research
Establishing a Rule of Law Culture
$52100
To promote the rule of law, particularly the role of a constitution and legal framework in protecting human rights. The organization will lead webinars on accountability, constitutional reform, human rights, and protection of civic space, as well as a workshop on the constitutional process. In addition, it will develop and launch a web platform to promote discussions on rule of law in democratic society.
Advancing Human Rights/ General
Amplifying Civil Society’s Impact
$50000
To strengthen the advocacy impact of civil society organizations. The organization will mentor Syrian partners in designing and implementing campaigns on human rights protection. It will provide direct support, as well as mentor their staff, in the conduct of stakeholder briefings, media engagements, and campaign strategies. These advocacy efforts will prioritize civil society engagement in enhancing civilian protection, bringing justice to the missing and disappeared, advancing child protection, and prioritizing support for community development that emphasizes youth participation.
Enab Baladi
Strengthening Independent Media
$98000
To enhance the emergence of free, independent media. A weekly newspaper and daily online news service will provide independent public-affairs journalism as an alternative to state-controlled and sectarian media sources. The outlet will focus on professionally reported coverage of local political, military, economic, social, and cultural developments.
Freedom of Information
Informing Citizens During Conflict
$66400
To provide fact-based, real-time public knowledge and analysis of events affecting ordinary citizens. The project will provide independent coverage in a population center with limited access to credible information of news critical to the general public. Coverage will focus on security, economic, and social developments.
Freedom of Information
Strengthening Independent Journalists
$50000
To enhance Syrian media workers’ knowledge of source protection and their skills at protecting these sources while producing reliable reports. The grantee will develop an analytic study of the legal and work environment for Syrian media professionals in the country, conduct a roundtable on the study’s findings, and host a workshop with journalists on navigating the varied media landscapes.
