UNHCR Ethical Communications Guidelines
UNHCR Ethical Communications Guidelines
![A man wearing a blue vest operates a camera in front of a blackboard with the writing: "I am Achouth. I was a refugee. And I am a filmmaker."](/sites/default/files/RF2315666.jpg "Achouth, wearing a blue vest, operates a camera in front of a blackboard with the writing: "I am Achouth. I was a refugee. And I am a filmmaker."")
What are the Ethical Communications Guidelines?
Ethical communications mean safeguarding the rights and well-being of people forced to flee and stateless people, and being prepared to share the process of editorial decision-making.
What do the guidelines cover?
These guidelines cover the process of editorial decision-making, getting ethical and informed consent, the production of communications materials, their distribution and storage, and UNHCR’s accountability and ongoing commitment.
The new set of guidelines also covers additional practical toolkits to help practitioners. They include a new consent form, practical cheat sheets and check lists on consent, and a glossary on inclusive language.
Why does UNHCR have these guidelines?
We are honored that communities of refugees, stateless people, and other individuals who have been forced to flee their homes place their trust in us by sharing their stories with us. Equally, it is our shared responsibility to receive and pass those stories on, respectfully and authentically.
Ethical communications checklist
Text and media 3
☑ UNHCR will prioritize the mental and physical well-being and safety of people forced to flee above all other considerations
Text and media 3 - Copy
☑ We will ensure dignified representations by including people forced to flee as our partners in decisions on how to communicate their stories
Text and media 3 - Copy - Copy
☑ UNHCR's communications will actively seek to challenge stereotypes and biases to better represent people forced to flee and their stories
Text and media 3 - Copy - Copy - Copy
☑ When we work with external partners and prominent supporters, we will prioritize the telling of stories as a shared experience.
Text and media 3 - Copy - Copy - Copy - Copy
☑ We recognize informed consent to be the keystone in ethical communications
Text and media 3 - Copy - Copy - Copy - Copy - Copy
☑ UNHCR will be accountable to these guidelines
