The Tunisian Press Council has called on media institutions and journalists to adhere to professional and ethical principles when reporting on cases of rape, harassment, and sexual assault against children. This appeal is based on the Convention on the Rights of the Child, the Lanzarote Convention, and relevant Tunisian regulations. The council emphasized that protecting the child's dignity, safety, and well-being should be a top priority in all media coverage.
The Press Council has published a set of guidelines for the media's handling of child abuse cases. These guidelines stress the importance of safeguarding the child's privacy and identity. Journalists are advised against publishing the child's name, image, voice, or any other information that could directly or indirectly reveal their identity. Additionally, they should refrain from sharing details about the child's family, school, or social environment that could lead to the child's stigmatization or retaliation.
The council also highlighted the need for journalists to respect the child's dignity and prevent further harm. This can be achieved by avoiding sensational and provocative headlines, as well as intimate details that exploit the child's suffering for the sake of attracting an audience. Journalists should not blame the victim or question their behavior or clothing. Furthermore, they should avoid any language that justifies or downplays sexual violence.
The Press Council urged journalists to exercise professional responsibility when reporting on child abuse cases. This includes verifying information and sources, distinguishing between allegations and proven facts, and respecting the presumption of innocence and the rights of the defense. Journalists should use precise and neutral language and avoid defamation, discrimination, and media trials.
The council's guidelines apply to all forms of publication and broadcasting, including talk shows and digital platforms. Journalists are also encouraged to monitor comments that may violate the child's privacy or incite abuse. Failure to comply with these principles will be considered a breach of journalistic ethics, subject to professional evaluation and relevant action within the council's jurisdiction.
The Press Council noted that revealing the identity of a child victim of rape or sexual harassment, or publishing information that could lead to their identification, may constitute a crime under Tunisian law. Journalists must also respect legal restrictions on the confidentiality of investigations and judicial inquiries.
The council's initiative aims to promote responsible reporting on child abuse cases in Tunisia. By upholding professional and ethical standards, journalists can help protect child victims and their families from further harm. The guidelines are expected to contribute to a safer and more respectful media environment for all.
Key points
- The Tunisian Press Council has issued guidelines for journalists to follow when reporting on child abuse cases.
- Journalists are urged to protect the child's identity and dignity, and to avoid sensationalism and exploitation.
- The guidelines apply to all forms of publication and broadcasting, including digital platforms.
