10 basic principles of journalistic ethics and security while conducting interview with trafficked women

10 basic principles of journalistic ethics and security while conducting interview with trafficked women

In continuation of its activities in the frames of development of anti-trafficking information platform “Association of Audio-Visual Reporters” NGO presents 10 basic principles of adhering to the journalistic ethics and security while conducting interview with trafficked women.

Principles are represented based on the recommendations provided by the World Health Organization (WHO)

1. Do not harm!
In each situation treat the woman so, as if you can cause irreparable damage to her, before being sure in the contrary. Don’t conduct such interviews which can make a woman’s condition worse in the nearest and distant future.

2. Realize your aim and evaluate risks properly.
Before conducting an interview, find out what type of risks trafficking is associated with in general and an individual woman’s case.

3. Prepare information on aid organizations. Don’t give unrealistic promises.
Be prepared to provide information to a woman by her native language and dialect (if it is another language), information about corresponding legal, medical services, shelters, social assistance and security services, as well as information about diverted applicable aid service, if desired.
4. Choose adequate translators and partners and properly prepare the latter. .
Weigh all the risks and benefits of translators, business partners and other involved parties before hiring to work and develop appropriate methods of selection and training.

5. Ensure the impossibility of revealing a person’s identity and privacy.
Secure the victim’s identity confidential and keep it throughout the interview started from the moment of contact with the victim till the moment when case details are announced.

6. Make sure you have received the interviewed person’s agreement based on the awareness of her own rights.
Make sure that each victim clearly understands the nature and purpose of the interview, how the information is going to be used, and her right not to answer to the questions, to stop the interview at any time, and to limit the use of information.

7. Respect the fact how each woman evaluates her condition and risks related to her self-safety.
It is necessary to admit that different issues can bother a woman and her vision can vary depending on how those issues are assessed by others.

8. Avoid causing double damage to a woman.
Do not ask questions with expectations of emotional responses: Be prepared to respond to the suffering of a woman compassionately and emphasize her strong points.

9. Be prepared for emergency situations
Be prepared to respond to the fact, that a woman can tell you about the danger threatening her.

10. Use the received information properly.
Use the received information for the benefit of an individual woman and apply it for the development of respective policies addressed at trafficking prevention and provision of assistance.