Overview
Anonymous artists created mock postage stamps honoring people and places that had a profound effect on the Syrian Revolution.
"Stamps of the Syrian Revolution" was a Facebook page featuring artistically designed mock postage stamps. The stamps featured photos of events from the headlines or influential people in the uprising. The subjects of the stamps could be chosen by the artists, but sometimes they were suggested by fans of the Facebook page themselves. Eventually the page had over 400 mock stamps, offering a major visual archive and timeline documenting the unfolding of the Syrian Revolution and paying tribute to its supporters.
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Image: One example from the Stamps of the Syrian Revolution Facebook page
New Tactics in Human Rights does not advocate for or endorse specific tactics, policies or issues.
The use of Facebook to document and tell the story of the conflict in Syria creates a more interactive archive of human rights abuses. It provides a way for community members to contribute their voices, honor victims, and participate in the monitoring and documentation process.
By using the symbolism of postage stamps, the site also sends an implicit message that the group is sending the story of the Syrian revolution to the world.
Organizations looking to use this tactic should be aware, however, that online activism is not without risks. Anonymity can help to mitigate those risks, and activists should take the time to learn about digital security before engaging in any online activities.