Parliamentary Call to Strengthen Dialogue and Social Cohesion in Syria
Dr. Dawa Al-Adab, an academic researcher in social psychology and a member of the People’s Assembly, has called for the urgent establishment of a culture of dialogue and a safe environment for public discussion. She stated that these measures are essential foundations for protecting social cohesion in Syria, particularly in light of the challenges posed by hate speech and incitement.
Al-Adab explained that building this culture requires a comprehensive review of existing legislation to close legal loopholes. She emphasized that these updates must ensure the protection of citizens from threats and abuse, while simultaneously safeguarding the right to criticism and differing opinions as core elements of democratic practice.
According to Al-Adab, disagreements can escalate into dangerous exclusionary practices when they take the form of accusations of treason, generalization, or attacks on personal dignity. She asserted that addressing instances of social tension requires revealing the facts and holding those responsible for violations accountable in accordance with the law.
She further advocated for the creation of secure spaces for dialogue governed by clear rules that prohibit insults and preserve the right of all parties to express their views. These discussions, she noted, should be managed by specialized facilitators. Furthermore, she stressed the importance of protecting the rights of those affected, ensuring they are not pressured into waiving their legal rights.
Addressing the roots of marginalization, Al-Adab highlighted the necessity of directly listening to the concerns of individuals and verifying their experiences of perceived injustice. She noted that citizenship serves as the basis for social protection and that responsibility for crimes and misconduct must remain an individual matter.
Al-Adab also called for promoting the value of accepting differences through daily practices within educational curricula and institutions. She noted that the media also plays a vital role in this effort by encouraging a language of dialogue devoid of defamation. Additionally, she pointed to the essential role of civil society institutions in building bridges of communication through joint projects that bring individuals together around common national interests, such as supporting schools and improving local services.
These statements come amid broader institutional efforts to increase public awareness. The Syrian Media Academy, in partnership with the Ministry of Information and the United Nations Development Programme, has launched the “The Word Builds” (Al-Kalima Tabni) campaign. This initiative aims to raise awareness regarding the dangers of hate speech and misinformation while promoting responsible practices in the dissemination of media and digital content across all Syrian governorates.
Source: Syria Focus Arabic
