defamation & disinformatio
FFC believes that true safety and resilience require protection from both physical and social harm, including defamation, rumors, and disinformation that can undermine trust and dignity within communities. Guided by this principle, the Fighting Against Disinformation and Defamation project combined awareness sessions, community dialogue, and legal consultations to empower Syrian refugees; particularly women, youth, and families; to protect their rights, challenge harmful narratives, and strengthen social cohesion.
This integrated approach reflects FFC’s broader strategy of linking legal aid, education, and community engagement to foster accountability, build trust, and promote inclusive, resilient communities in both Lebanon and Syria.
FIGHTING AGAINST DISINFORMATION AND DEFAMATION
FFC recognizes that safety includes protection from both physical and emotional harm. In response to the rise of defamation, rumors, and disinformation targeting Syrian refugees in Central Bekaa and Damascus,
FFC launched the Fighting Against Disinformation and Defamation project to raise awareness, provide legal support, and empower individuals to defend their rights. Through dialogue, education, and access to justice, the initiative strengthened community resilience, promoted accountability, and reinforced dignity within
refugee populations.
In Lebanon, the project focused on combating disinformation spread through social media and local
networks. FFC implemented a comprehensive campaign that included social media posts, distribution of informative flyers, and dialogue workshops in shelters. Twelve interactive awareness sessions engaged
180 participants, illustrating the harm caused by defamation and promoting responsible communication.
Dedicated legal consultation days supported 40 individuals with cases related to defamation, residency,
and missing documentation, providing concrete pathways for legal recourse and protection.
In Syria, awareness sessions were conducted in Damascus following the departure of the previous regime,
addressing the widespread spread of rumors about security and governance. These sessions helped
participants distinguish facts from misinformation, rebuild trust within communities, and strengthen resilience against harmful narratives.
Across both Lebanon and Syria, over 1,220 individuals were directly reached through awareness, dialogue, or legal services. Women, youth, and refugee communities gained confidence to speak out, protect their dignity, and engage in community advocacy. The initiative established a model for integrating legal aid, digital campaigns, and participatory dialogue to counter disinformation, promoting stronger accountability, access to justice, and social cohesion among vulnerable populations.
By combining legal support, community dialogue, and digital advocacy, the project strengthened trust, empowered vulnerable populations to assert their rights, and created a sustainable model for countering disinformation in post-conflict communities.
THE CAMPAIGN INVOLVED THREE KEY COMPONENTS:
AWARENESS CAMPAIGN
A series of social media posts were published addressing key topics such as
the psychological and social impact of rumors, the weakness of cybercrime laws, and the need for solutions that include awareness, psychological support, and the enforcement of stricter legal penalties.
Awareness flyers were distributed in Bar Elias and Saadnayel, highlighting the consequences of defamation and the importance of verifying information before sharing it.
Dialogue workshops were held inside the shelters with displaced families, where separate sessions were conducted for men and others for mixed groups, with the aim of promoting responsible communication, mutual respect, and breaking the cycle of silent violence
AWARENESS SESSIONS
12 interactive sessions engaged 180 participants (men, women, and community members), using real-life examples, videos, and discussions to explore the personal and societal harm of defamation and false information.
LEGAL CONSULTATIONS
The dedicated legal days in September 2024, provided 40 individuals with one-on-one legal support from a lawyer, addressing issues like defamation, residency problems, and missing birth certificates.
LOCATION
Central Bekaa, Lebanon & Damascus, Syria
DURATION
January – December 2024
BENEFICIARIES
1,220 individuals