Some Guiding Principles

Misean Cara chooses images and messages 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.

We want our communications to reflect the true reality of issues, and we try 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.

Misean Cara adheres to the Guide by seeking verbal and written permission from individuals in photos/stories to ensure that everyone is comfortable with their image/story being used and where and how it will be used. In our communications, we document the following information in the photo and/or story we use:

• Name and title of the individual(s);
• Project name;
• Brief project description;
• Member organisation name; and
• Name of person/organisation credited with taking the photo.