This article will go through the main five Human Rights Principles, which are very essential to know for those who rely on user-generated content on digital platforms. It is also essential to know these principles for the coverage of religious minorities.
Accuracy
Journalists should always strive to get the facts right. This is the most important principle of journalism and applies to all platforms. In an age when journalists get their “facts” from digital formats, it is crucial that media practitioners check and verify information rigorously. This impacts the credibility of both the journalists and their institutions. In cases where journalists cannot corroborate information but need to break the news, this should be expressly stated in their report.
In the ever-evolving landscape of journalism, accuracy remains the bedrock of credibility and trust. This fundamental principle holds true across all platforms, from traditional print and broadcast media to the rapidly expanding digital realm. In an era where information flows freely and often instantaneously, it is more critical than ever for journalists to uphold the highest standards of verification and fact-checking.
The advent of digital technologies has undoubtedly transformed the media landscape, providing journalists with unprecedented access to information sources and enabling them to reach a global audience with unprecedented speed. However, this abundance of information also presents challenges, as journalists must navigate a sea of unverified claims, rumors, and misinformation.
Independence and transparency
Journalists must be independent voices, meaning their work should be free from formal or informal influence of political, corporate, or any other special interest. Their work must not be influenced by political affiliation, financial considerations, or any personal information that might constitute a conflict of interest.
In a world grappling with misinformation and undue influence, journalists stand as guardians of truth and independence. Their commitment to ethical reporting is essential for maintaining a healthy democracy, where citizens have access to accurate and unbiased information to make informed decisions about their lives and their communities.
Fairness and impartiality
This principle requires that journalists report everything free from bias or opinion. Everyone has an opinion, but as a journalist, it is improper to express one’s opinion in a news story. In fact, each statement in a story other than well-known facts, immediate context, and background should clearly be attributed to a source. Linked to impartiality is the obligation to be fair. There are at least two sides to every story, and it is the job of a journalist to publish the full story, with both sides, so the public can read it and make a fair opinion for themselves.
Do no harm
Media practitioners must be aware of the political and social history and reality of the communities that may be impacted by their reporting. In an environment where blasphemy accusations and issues around religious minorities’ rights can lead to “mob justice,” the media should not, in the name of reporting, provide a platform to anyone to spew hatred.
Accountability
Media professionals have the obligation to do no harm. They must always be mindful of the impact that their words and images can have on the lives of others. Countless books and quotes on the influence of the media testify to the significant role of the news media, which can be both positive and negative. The influence of the media is well documented, such as in the case of Salman Taser’s stance on blasphemy law.
With such potent power at their disposal, media professionals must be accountable. They should provide a fair and prompt reply to inaccuracies and stereotypes regarding religious beliefs or institutions or affected members when reasonably called for. They must also acknowledge and correct any mistakes at the earliest, accompanied by genuine regret and leading to improved processes to prevent or reduce the possibility of similar things happening in the future.
In conclusion, these five ethical human rights reporting principles provide a framework for journalists to report accurately, independently, fairly, without causing harm, and accountably. By adhering to these principles, journalists can play a vital role in promoting human rights and ensuring that all people are treated with dignity and respect.
