(YRA), Metro Center sign a cooperation agreement

A cooperation agreement was signed between the Free Media Union (YRA) and the Metro Center for the Defense of Journalists' Rights in Southern Kurdistan. The agreement was announced during a press conference held at the Union's headquarters in Qamishlo, inal- Jazira region of Rojava.

At the beginning of the conference, YRA Co-Chair Avin Ibrahim welcomed the head of the Metro Center and commemorated Rojava Martyrs' Day and all media martyrs.

Avin Ibrahim read the articles of the agreement, noting that it stemmed from the desire of both parties to protect journalists' rights, develop freedom of expression, strengthen cooperation and coordination among journalists throughout Kurdistan, raise professional standards, and protect the rights of media workers.

The terms agreed upon by the Free Media Union and the Metro Center are:

- Ongoing coordination and cooperation between the two parties to adopt common positions in order to protect freedom of expression and freedom of the press.

- Developing journalists' skills through training, workshops, and the exchange of professional expertise.

- Enhancing and supporting participation in media conferences and activities, and providing support for the Free Media Union's membership in international press organizations.

- Supporting the right to access information and upholding the principles of transparency and freedom of information dissemination.

- Preventing hate speech, fake news, and incitement to violence, and working together to promote a professional media discourse that adheres to journalistic ethics and serves the public interest.

-The Metro Center for the Defense of Journalists' Rights will provide technical and professional support to the Free Media Union and will seek to secure additional resources in coordination with relevant parties, within available means.

The agreement was signed by the Union's co-chairs and the head of the Metro Center, Rahman Gharib.

Following the signing, journalists raised questions. When asked why such an agreement had taken so long to be finalized, Rahman Gharib replied, "We held a cooperation meeting in 2021, where we discussed the form of the agreement and how to support journalists in Rojava. As a result of those discussions, we have reached this agreement today."

The press conference concluded after a question-and-answer session.

ANHA