Media outlets in Yemen remain under the influence of the war and are used for mobilization, incitement, and inflammatory messaging to an extent that undermines their credibility, neutrality, and objectivity. This has turned some media platforms into vehicles for promoting violence and discrimination and into propaganda channels that contribute to concealing and distorting the truth, while serving agendas that run counter to the humanitarian principles expected of free journalism and professional media. Against this backdrop, there was a need to promote free journalism and transparent media that recognize the importance of conflict-sensitive reporting and remain independent from the parties to the conflict. This would contribute to presenting an objective picture of the daily humanitarian realities experienced by the country. Achieving this requires developing a group of media professionals and journalists and training them in the principles of conflict-sensitive journalism. Accordingly, Sheba Youth Foundation for Development implemented a capacity-building program targeting this important group of young and experienced media professionals. The program brought participants together with a media expert and specialized trainer, followed by a field-based program through which the trainees shared their experiences and knowledge with students at faculties of media and journalism in Taiz Governorate. The initiative aimed to instill the principles of conflict-sensitive journalism among the next generation of media professionals and resulted in approximately 16 journalistic stories produced in accordance with conflict-sensitive journalism standards and principles.
