Media Note

Syrian Coalition

Istanbul, Turkey

May 22, 2013

The Syrian Coalition, in coordination with Geneva Call (an NGO focusing on engaging armed non-State actors towards compliance with the norms of international humanitarian law and human rights law), releases the "Fighter, not Killer" YouTube and television ads, which aim to educate Syrians about the rules of warfare. These six videos have been used to train military and legal cadres of the Free Syrian Army on the rules of warfare and aims to raise awareness about international human rights laws.

“In light of the recent events that have occurred within the Free Syrian Army, we felt that it is imperative on The Syrian Coalition to outline and educate what is acceptable and what is not. We are working within the ranks of the FSA to ensure this information reaches all levels of the army,” said Khalid Saleh, director of the Syrian Coalition Media Office.

The Syrian Coalition is currently coordinating with various media groups to disseminate these YouTube videos to the citizens and fighters on the ground. We have distributed paper versions of the videos to all brigades in the Free Syrian Army.

The Geneva Call, with the support of the Syrian Coalition, has invited FSA leaders to workshops at the Syrian/Turkish border, to learn about the rules of warfare. These six videos were used as educational tools during the workshops and as starting points for discussion about international and human rights laws and conventions.

The Syrian Coalition strives to ensure human rights for all citizens, in spite of Assad’s widespread violations of these principles.

Khalid Saleh, director of the Syrian Coalition Media Office, is available to speak to media about the “Fighter, not Killer” campaign and other initiatives to protect human rights in Syria.