Introduction
VOS – Voice of Syria is an independent media platform based in New York, USA, owned by the Center for Environmental and Social Development, Inc., a tax-exempt, 501(c)(3) charitable organization, EIN 47-4833759. It focuses on Syrian affairs and covers its political, humanitarian, social, and economic issues, alongside providing analytical and news content related to the Middle East and the world. VOS is founded on an ethical and professional commitment to seeking the truth, supporting the values of freedom, respecting human dignity, and enhancing public awareness through responsible media that respects democratic values and human rights.
The platform commits to operating according to the professional principles recognized in global journalism, striving to provide solid content based on accuracy, neutrality, and integrity, far from misinformation and propaganda, while maintaining full editorial independence without submission to any political, religious, military, or commercial entity.
Editorial Mission
VOS aims to empower the audience to access reliable information, deep analysis, and plurality of viewpoints, focusing on critical issues affecting the lives of Syrians wherever they are, whether inside Syria or in countries of asylum and diaspora. The platform seeks to build a responsible alternative media that contributes to forming a free and aware public opinion and supports the transition towards a society that respects law, justice, and accountability.
Editorial Principles
Accuracy and Objectivity
VOS platform commits to publishing accurate information based on reliable and verifiable sources. News is verified before publication through reviewing multiple sources to avoid errors or misinformation. In case of any unintended error, it is corrected transparently through an official clarification.
Editorial Independence
The platform relies on complete independence in journalistic work and is not subjected to any political, partisan, religious, financial, or military pressures. No entity is allowed to impose its influence on editorial policies or direct the content.
Integrity and Neutrality
VOS maintains neutrality in covering events and various issues and grants all parties the right to respond when necessary. The platform refrains from adopting biased or promotional discourse for any party or conflict side.
Rejection of Hate Speech and Incitement
The platform is committed to rejecting all forms of incitement to violence, discrimination, racism, or hatred based on religion, race, sect, gender, language, political, national, or social affiliation. Publishing or promoting any content that contradicts journalism laws, human rights, or Google Play policies is strictly prohibited.
Transparency
VOS clearly discloses its funding sources and media partnerships without deception and reveals any potential conflict of interest that may affect the published content.
Professional Publishing Standards
Source Verification
- Reliance on primary and reliable sources.
- Prevention of publishing rumors or misleading content.
- Use of professional language free from artificial sensationalism or misleading headlines.
Editorial Methodology
VOS – Voice of Syria follows a clear editorial methodology based on verifying information before publication and carefully reviewing news sources before adopting them in published content. News and analytical materials are built on verifiable facts and their accuracy is confirmed through multiple sources whenever possible. Media materials are prepared by an editorial team with professional experience, and all materials undergo review before publication to ensure accuracy and linguistic and informational standards. The platform also commits to separating news content from opinion and analysis, with each presented clearly according to journalistic editorial rules.
Sensitive Content and Conflicts
In covering armed conflicts, humanitarian crises, or political issues, VOS adheres to the following:
- Avoid promoting any organization or group classified on terrorism lists.
- Refrain from publishing content that glorifies violence or extremism.
- Present shocking or violent content responsibly with prior warning when necessary.
Protection of Children and Vulnerable Groups
The platform strictly prohibits publishing or republishing any content that violates children’s rights, exploits them, or exposes them to danger. It also commits to concealing any personal information that could lead to identifying locations of refugees, detainees, or victims of violence.
Ethical Values
Respect for Privacy
VOS respects individual privacy and prohibits publishing data or images without the consent of their owners except in cases of clear public interest, adhering to law and media ethics.
Intellectual Property and Content Rights
VOS – Voice of Syria platform commits to respecting international laws related to copyright, authorship, and intellectual property and does not republish or use any media, visual, or written material without a legal right or prior permission from the original rights holder or under legally permitted fair use.
All media materials produced exclusively by VOS (including reports, programs, analyses, texts, videos, designs, and logos) are reserved rights of the platform, and their use, republication, or quotation in whole or in part is prohibited without prior written permission.
Regarding external content included within the application (such as videos or playlists from the YouTube platform or other public sources), intellectual property rights belong to their original owners, and each publishing entity bears responsibility for its content according to YouTube’s policy and terms of service. VOS confirms it bears no legal responsibility for opinions or information contained in materials produced or published by third parties, which are displayed within the application through embedding or direct viewing technologies.
VOS reserves the right to remove or disable access to any content proven to violate intellectual property rights or laws based on official notification or documented legal request.
Avoiding Media Misinformation
VOS rejects the use of fabricated media, unverified sources, or reliance on artificial intelligence without precise human editorial review.
Digital Safety Standards
Cybersecurity
VOS protects its users’ data and news sources through digital security protocols that prevent hacking, piracy, and illegal tracking.
User Data Protection
The platform commits to implementing a clear privacy policy in accordance with American and international laws (GDPR) and does not sell or share user data for commercial purposes.
Advertising and Funding
Commercial Transparency
The platform accepts advertisements according to clear ethical guidelines that prohibit:
- Misleading funded political advertisements
- Advertisements promoting violence, drugs, or hatred
- Editorial conflicts of interest
Advertising content is always separated from editorial content to preserve the independence of journalistic work.
Complaint and Correction Mechanisms
Right of Reply and Correction
The platform grants the right of reply to any party mentioned in its journalistic content, also accepting correction requests via its official email and publishing necessary clarifications when needed.
Communication and Complaints
The platform provides a clear channel for receiving audience complaints via email: 📩 info@cesdworld.org
Or By mail:
Box: 423 84th Street, F1
Brooklyn, NY, 11209
Info@cesdworld.org
Tel: +1(917)929-0985
Date of Issue and Update
This editorial policy was issued in: Sep 2025
Last updated: Oct 2025
The platform reserves the right to update or amend this document whenever professional or legal necessity arises, and any changes will be published clearly to ensure transparency with the audience.
Independence and Non-Affiliation
The VOS – Voice of Syria platform affirms its complete independence in its editorial policy, with no affiliation to any political party, government entity, religious organization, military faction, or commercial entity. The platform relies on self-funding and legitimate support that does not impose any political direction or editorial mandates on the content.
VOS believes that free media is the foundation for building democratic societies that respect differing opinions, and the platform is committed to providing independent content that serves the public’s right to access information without submission to political pressures or private interests.
Conclusion
The VOS – Voice of Syria platform reaffirms its ongoing commitment to professional media principles and serving the public by delivering reliable and responsible content that enhances public awareness and respects the values of justice, freedom, and human rights. The platform pledges to continue developing its professional standards and periodically reviewing its editorial performance to serve its independent media mission.
This editorial policy remains a governing reference document for journalistic work within the platform, adhered to by all editorial team members and content producers, ensuring transparency and credibility in media work.
