GLOBAL CODE OF ETHICS AND PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT
Information Office of Independent Journalists (IOIJ)
Independent journalism is founded on public trust, professional integrity and respect for the public’s right to receive accurate information.
Every holder of an IOIJ PRESS Card agrees to comply with the following principles of professional and ethical conduct.
1. Accuracy and Responsibility
PRESS Card holders strive to publish truthful, verified and fact-based information.
They distinguish verified facts from personal opinions, commentary or speculation.
If published information is found to be materially inaccurate, reasonable efforts should be made to correct it.
2. Respect for Human Rights and Privacy
PRESS Card holders respect:
- human dignity,
- privacy,
- personal rights,
- and applicable laws governing the collection and publication of information.
3. Professional Conduct
PRESS Card holders conduct themselves professionally and respectfully towards:
- the public,
- public authorities,
- emergency services,
- judicial authorities,
- institutions,
- and all persons involved in events they document.
The PRESS Card shall never be used for intimidation, coercion or obtaining improper advantages.
4. Proper Use of the PRESS Card
The PRESS Card serves exclusively as professional identification of a person engaged in journalistic or media activities.
It shall not be used:
- to impersonate a public official,
- to misrepresent authority,
- for advertising, lobbying or concealed commercial activities,
- or in any manner that could damage the reputation of IOIJ.
5. Public Interest
Journalistic activities should primarily serve the public interest by informing society, documenting events and contributing to transparency and public accountability.
6. Respect for the Rule of Law
While performing journalistic activities, PRESS Card holders shall not:
- interfere with emergency operations,
- obstruct law enforcement or judicial proceedings,
- endanger public safety,
- or violate applicable laws.
7. Protection of Sources
PRESS Card holders handle information and journalistic sources responsibly and seek to protect confidential sources in accordance with applicable law.
8. Integrity and Independence
PRESS Card holders shall maintain editorial independence and avoid conflicts of interest that could compromise the credibility of their work.
Journalistic activities should not be primarily conducted for political propaganda, commercial promotion or personal gain.
9. Breach of the Code
Compliance with this Code forms part of the conditions for holding an IOIJ PRESS Card.
Any alleged breach of this Code may be reviewed by IOIJ or its authorised issuing office based on the available facts and circumstances.
Depending on the seriousness of the breach, IOIJ may:
- issue a warning,
- request an explanation or corrective action,
- temporarily suspend the validity of the PRESS Card,
- suspend registration,
- or revoke the PRESS Card.
Final Statement
IOIJ supports independent journalism, freedom of expression, the public’s right to information and responsible media conduct worldwide.
The IOIJ PRESS Card represents a commitment to professional standards, transparency and ethical journalistic practice, regardless of nationality, country of residence or media platform.