Jordan: Muslim Council of Elders, CCSM issue final statement at conclusion of 'Journalists Against Hate' Conference

The Catholic Center for Studies and Media (CCSM) in Jordan has the pleasure to send out the text of the final statement issued at the conclusion of the "Journalists Against Hate" Conference which convened in Amman, Jordan, on August 27-28, 2021. The conference was organized by the Muslim Council of Elders and the CCSM. It was read out by Secretary General of the Muslim Council of Elders Dr. Sultan Al-Rumaithi and CCSM Director Fr. Dr. Rif'at Bader.

 

Following is the text of the statement:

 

We believe in the dignity of humans, and we realize that preserving them is the ultimate goal. We also value endeavor of humans to preserve the dignity of brethren at a time when the ethical and humanitarian responsibility of journalists and media people reaches gargantuan proportions.

 

-Based on the common goals between the Muslim Council of Elders and the CCSM designed to disseminate the culture of common living, tolerance and peace, as well as confronting hatred, racism and discrimination;

 

-Due to their mutual awareness of the important role that the media can play in consolidating these noble values ​​and principles, as well as  in educating the public opinion about its importance with regards to achieving stability, development and social cohesion;

 

- Based on the 20th Code of Media signed in Abu Dhabi, as well as on the media and professional honor codes drawn up by media organizations, unions, and institutions in the Arab world;

 

-In support of the humanitarian responsibility of media;

 

-In continuation of the close cooperation between media actors;

 

-And aspiring to bring about enlightened media that perpetuate humanitarian values ​​and principles, as well as support common living among the various components in Arab societies, the Muslim Council of Elders in cooperation with the CCSM convened the "Journalists Against Hate" Conference on August 27-28, 2021 in the capital of Jordan, Amman, under the patronage of His Royal Highness Prince Ghazi Ibn Muhammad, chief adviser for religious and cultural affairs and personal envoy of His Majesty King Abdullah II, and in the presence of more than a hundred journalists and media people from various Arab countries.

 

The conference issued the following recommendations:

 

First: Activating the articles of the 20th Code of Media signed in Abu Dhabi based on its consideration as a point of reference  and a framework for the values ​​and behaviors of media and journalistic work;

 

Second: Emphasizing the role of the media in materializing reconciliations, in bringing points of views of the Arab peoples closer, and in dedicating a discourse of solidarity and integration as an entry point for resolving differences;

 

Third: Paying more attention to humanitarian issues, especially during periods of pandemics, epidemics, wars and conflicts, as well as supporting displaced people and victims of wars and acts of violence, in addition to drawing attention to their economic problems and daily suffering;

 

Fourth: Encouraging the various media outlets to commemorate the "Day of Human Fraternity" assigned by the United Nations on February 4 every year as well as the World Interfaith Harmony Week, which is also assigned for the first week of February, through sponsoring and organizing activities that disseminate the values ​​of convergence and affection among all people.

 

Fifth: In an endeavor by the participants in "Journalists Against Hate" Conference to transform the common vision of an Arab media capable of turning the confrontation with hate speech into a reality that affects the present and future of our peoples, as well as to contribute to development and to having the renaissance restored, we call for the establishment of an "Arab media coalition" that strives to  activate the 20th Code of Media signed in Abu Dhabi and to benefit from similar codes whether they are local or international.

 

The call to launch this coalition from Amman bears several historical, humanitarian and religious connotations. This land was the meeting point of religions where the Prophets crossed, and on which the divine messages were revealed, and in it the Prophet's companions and the saints were buried. In its modern history, the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan--since its founding 100 years ago--has represented a model of moderation, tolerance, as well as has been a symbol of global peace and common living through its humanitarian, social and religious stances, in addition to being supportive for just causes around the world.

 

The Muslim Council of Elders, the CCSM, and all the participant media people congratulate the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan on its centenary as well as convey gratitude and appreciation to the extended Jordanian family which includes the government and people--under the leadership of His Majesty King Abdullah II Ibn Al Hussein--and to patron of the conference His Royal Highness Prince Ghazi Ibn Muhammad for the support extended to the Muslim Council of Elders, and to the CCSM in addition to their joint  goals which aim at consolidating common living; confronting extremism, racism and discrimination; and for providing all the necessary facilities to hold this conference and ensure its success in the Jordanian capital, Amman, as this leads to the establishment of an Arab media coalition opposed to hatred. This deepened the firm convictions of all participants on the need to benefit from the fertile Jordanian environment in the field of religious harmony and in the quest to bring into reality projects and experiences that serve and enhance human brotherhood.