Ethical considerations before an interview

The issue of human trafficking is delicate and involves real individuals who have gone through serious emotional pain and trauma. There are lots of misunderstandings and countless factors and individuals involved. Journalists reporting on human trafficking must follow an ethical process of investigating and sharing information. Remember these things to consider:

  • As a journalist, you must understand the impact of words on an extremely vulnerable person who has experienced servere trauma over a prolonged period. It is crucial to be mindful of the terms and language you use. The distinctions between migrant smuggling and human trafficking should be nuanced (please read the information on the website). Still, your chosen words can impact political agendas, news coverage, and people's comprehension of your story. Not the least on the trafficked person, who might experience PTSD- related trauma as you are questioning them on graphic details of their assaults.

    Use clear and straightforward language, especially when addressing unfamiliar subjects. Avoid using overused phrases and biased words. Please read the information on our website. https://www.hopenow.dk/basics-of-human-trafficking

  • Human trafficking is a violent crime that causes trauma. Journalists should stick to the facts when reporting on such cases and avoid speculating. It's unnecessary and unethical to focus on explicit or gruesome details to provoke a reaction from the audience. Judging the victims and perpetrators should be avoided. News coverage of migrants often includes stereotypes based on nationality, ethnicity, and gender. It's essential to be aware of your own biases and avoid unethical practices in journalism.

    When covering graphic crimes like sexual assault, Intern, HopeNow suggests asking yourself the following questions:

    a) Do you need to include explicit descriptions of the rape and injuries to tell the story?

    b) Can graphic explanations of violence and injuries benefit the trafficked individual?

    c) Will disclosing the specific information about the rape cause additional harm to the survivors?

    d) Can this article expose the identity of the trafficked person, who seeks to move with their life?

  • Personal opinions should only be used in opinion pieces and it should be clear to the audience that what is expressed is an opinion and not a fact. When it comes to serious crimes like human trafficking, it's possible to let a strong feeling of anger prevent proper investigation. Think about why you are writing the story. Look at your own biases and protect the identity of the trafficked person.

  • To cover human trafficking, it's important to protect the victim's identity. There are other times when you might want to use anonymous sources. Safeguarding your sources' anonymity is an ethical duty.

  • Positive news about human trafficking can raise awareness and engage a wider audience. By covering the efforts against trafficking, partnerships, success stories of survivors, social workers, and law enforcement, we can inspire people to focus on solutions. These stories have the power to reach the public and make a difference.

    Please click here on efforts to combat human trafficking

    https://www.hopenow.dk/globally-connected

  • Without presented solutions, audiences feel hopeless. The media can educate and empower people about human trafficking, prompting them to take action and protect victims. Journalists can help by:

    Provide your readers practical advice on how to help trafficked people and HopeNow.

    Once people learn about human trafficking, they often feel angry and want to help. Journalists can direct individuals towards specific actions, such as joining campaigns, becoming a member of HopeNow and spreading awareness about human trafficking.

    When investigating a specific story, consider ways to involve the audience. Become a member here!