International Principles of Professional Ethics in Journalism

Name of code

International Principles of Professional Ethics in Journalism

Originator of code

United Nations (UN) - United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)

Country

International

Original language

English

Year of creation

1980

Type of code

Journalism

Main frame of accountability

Professional

Transparency

Public

Legal and regulatory context

Non-mandatory

Implementation and enforcement

Voluntary

Diversity

Yes

AI/automation

No

Abstract

Multiple organisations of professional journalists have been meeting under the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) since 1978 to develop ten International Principles of Professional Ethics in Journalism, which are intended as a common ground and inspiration for national and regional Codes of Ethics. These principles include people’s right to truthful information, the journalist’s commitment to objective reality, and the social responsibility of the journalist to inform the public. Voluntary implementation is at the discretion of the respective organizations.

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