MAHARAT has established an observatory monitoring the media practices related to the right for freedom of expression in Lebanon. It contributes to initiating a watchdog group on freedom of expression in Lebanon. Censorship and self- censorship are also being monitored, documented and addressed through various civic actions and in collaboration with active civil society NGO’s.
The major objectives of the observatory are:
- Initiating a watchdog group on the freedom of expression in Lebanon
- Tracing the “growth” or “regression” rate of freedom of expression of media in Lebanon;
- Creating a team of observers who would analyze the database and issue reports on the state of freedom of expression in Lebanon.
In fact, Maharat issues an annual report on Freedom of Expression in addition to a monthly news letter through which it is monitoring the status of freedom of expression in Lebanon.
The news letter also includes an update on Maharat’s work and is periodically sent to a contact list prepared by Maharat including 400 people that might be interested. Additionally, it is posted on Maharat’s website.
Alerts are additionally issued and circulated through IFEX aiming to highlight free expression violations.