Calls to Strengthen Professional Solidarity in Yemeni Journalism to Confront Division
On World Press Freedom Day, a number of journalists called for restoring the values of professional solidarity and reinforcing commitment to journalistic ethics. They emphasized that political division and polarization have contributed to the fragmentation of the journalistic body and the rise of hate speech, threatening the role of journalism in society and undermining public trust in it.
Speakers stressed that restoring professionalism requires prioritizing professional identity over political loyalties, enhancing cooperation among journalists, and building a media environment based on accuracy, independence, and responsibility.
These remarks were made during a panel discussion organized by the Yemeni Media Freedoms Observatory (Marsadak) and the Media Village for Development and Information, in conjunction with World Press Freedom Day, under the title: “Professional Solidarity in Yemeni Journalism: Between Individual Responsibility and the Role of Institutions,” with the participation of a number of journalists and academics.
In his intervention, Abdullah Bakhash, Head of the Media Department at Al-Mahrah University, noted that political polarization has created deep rifts within the journalistic community and has turned some journalists from active contributors to public opinion into affiliates of political actors. He called for building a professional identity that transcends divisions, promoting collaborative journalism, and fostering mutual support among journalists.
For her part, Thuraya Dammaj, Editor-in-Chief of the “Yemen Future” website, emphasized the importance of media institutions in reducing polarization by adhering to professional standards, neutralizing media discourse, combating rumors, and strengthening editorial independence, thereby contributing to calming the public sphere.
Meanwhile, journalist Fadl Mubarak pointed to the decline in adherence to professional ethics amid the war and the entry of non-specialists into the media field, which has weakened professionalism. He noted that journalists face complex challenges between political pressures and difficult living conditions.
Bassem Ghabar, Chairman of the Media Village for Development and Information, addressed the impact of digital transformations, warning of the dominance of algorithms and the spread of misinformation, and stressing the need to uphold professional values and enhance verification and accuracy in journalistic work.