The Press Council of Tunisia has released a set of guidelines for the media's handling of child abuse, harassment, and sexual assault cases. These guidelines aim to ensure that media outlets and journalists adhere to professional and ethical standards when reporting on such sensitive topics. The guidelines are based on the Convention on the Rights of the Child, the Lanzarote Convention, and relevant Tunisian laws and regulations.
The guidelines emphasize the importance of protecting the child's dignity, best interests, and right to privacy. Media outlets are urged to refrain from publishing the child's name, image, voice, or any other identifying information. Additionally, they should avoid publishing details about the child's family, school, or social environment that could lead to the child's identification or expose them to stigma or retaliation.
The Press Council also stresses the need to avoid sensationalism, alarmism, and inflammatory headlines that may exploit the child's suffering to attract audiences. Journalists are advised to refrain from blaming the victim or questioning their behavior or attire. Furthermore, they should avoid any discourse that justifies or downplays sexual violence and not pressure the child to give interviews or recount the abuse.
The guidelines also highlight the importance of verifying information and sources, distinguishing between allegations and proven facts, and respecting the presumption of innocence and the rights of the defense. Journalists are encouraged to use precise and neutral language, avoid defamation and discrimination, and apply these principles to all forms of publication and broadcasting.
The Press Council considers any breach of these guidelines a violation of journalistic ethics, warranting professional evaluation and appropriate action. The council also reminds media outlets that revealing the identity of a child victim of abuse or publishing information that could lead to their identification may constitute a crime under Tunisian law.
The guidelines apply to all forms of media, including traditional outlets, online platforms, and social media. The Press Council emphasizes that protecting the child's dignity, safety, and well-being should be the top priority in any media coverage, without compromising the public's right to information or the legal guarantees of the parties involved.
By issuing these guidelines, the Press Council aims to promote responsible and respectful reporting on child abuse cases, ensuring that the rights and dignity of child victims are protected and that the media's role in raising awareness about these issues is carried out in a responsible and ethical manner.
Key points
- The Press Council of Tunisia has issued guidelines for media outlets and journalists on handling cases of child abuse, harassment, and sexual assault.
- The guidelines emphasize the importance of protecting the child's dignity, best interests, and right to privacy.
- Media outlets are urged to refrain from publishing the child's name, image, voice, or any other identifying information.
