Dóchas Guide to Ethical Communications

The ILCU International Development Foundation is a member of Dóchas, the umbrella organisation for Irish international non-government organisations (NGOs). 

As a development NGO we commit to a set of principles, ensuring that we will avoid stereotypical or sensational images. The Guide to Ethical Communications and its predecessor the Code of Conduct on Images and Messages stipulate that choices of images and messages will be made based on the paramount principles of:

• Respect for the dignity of the people concerned;
• Belief in the equality of all people;
• Acceptance of the need to promote fairness, solidarity and justice

Accordingly, in all our communications and where practical and reasonable within the need to reflect reality, we strive to:

• Choose images and related messages based on values of respect equality, solidarity and justice;
• Truthfully represent any image or depicted situation both in its immediate and in its wider context so as to improve public understanding of the realities and complexities of development;
• Avoid images and messages that potentially stereotype, sensationalise or discriminate against people, situations or places;
• Use images, messages and case studies with the full understanding, participation and permission of the subjects (or subjects’ parents/guardian);
• Ensure those whose situation is being represented have the opportunity to communicate their stories themselves;
• Establish and record whether the subjects wish to be named or identifiable and always act accordingly;
• Conform to the highest standards in relation to human rights and protection of vulnerable people.

For more information click on the following Guide to Ethical Communications.

Feedback

If you have any issues, or general feedback, regarding our use of images and messages, either online or offline, please get in touch.

Email: foundation@creditunion.ie

Phone: +353 1 614 6700

Post: International Development Foundation, Irish League of Credit Unions, 33-41 Lower Mount St., Dublin 2