Humannet.am is a fully independent, impartial, and self-funded media outlet that values freedom of speech, the public’s right to know, the rights and freedoms of individuals, and the best interests of children. Journalists at Humannet.am are free to choose facts while ensuring proportionality and accuracy in news reporting. When preparing analytical materials, they may provide commentary on the topic, acknowledging that their views might not align with the media outlet’s stance.

• • Impartiality

  Information should be presented factually, ensuring pluralism. Facts should be selected in proportion: if, in reality, 3 out of 10 facts are positive and 7 are negative, this ratio should be reflected in the coverage. The journalist should strive to represent the views of all parties; if any party refuses to provide information, this should be noted in the publication. Information should be presented impartially, without regard to the interests of any political party, religious group, commercial entity, or other interested organization.

• • Respect for human and civil rights

  Broadcasts and publications must uphold human rights and freedoms while considering the cultural environment, local customs, traditions, and unwritten norms in which they operate. They should adhere to the principle of “do no harm.” However, in war zones or other disaster environments, it is essential to remember that their role is to report the situation, not to become a party to the conflict. Broadcasts and publications must not include content that insults any person or group based on religion, ethnicity, socio-economic status, or culture. Additionally, they must avoid materials that could incite conflict, provoke hostility, or encourage violence.

• • When covering tense situations, consider the rights of participants and their relatives

  When reporting on wars and natural disasters, it is essential to respect the rights of those affected and their family members. Avoid displaying graphic scenes of blood or showing the faces of the wounded and victims. However, if the scale of the disaster and the public’s right to information justify it, such images may only be shown after consulting with the editorial team.

• • Respect the rights and best Interests of children

  In all publications involving children, their best interests must always take priority. Publications must not endanger children or expose them to public scrutiny as a result of the content. When faced with the choice between showing a child’s face to enhance the impact of the material or protecting the child’s identity, the decision must always prioritize avoiding harm to the child. Regardless of the legal requirements in a specific country, any publication about children must have written or verbal consent from at least one parent or guardian before proceeding.

• • Respect for the rights of women and minorities

  As vulnerable and often under-protected groups, women and national, religious, sexual, racial, and other minorities must have their rights safeguarded in all publications. Efforts should be made to amplify their voices, ensuring they are not lost in the “Spiral of Silence.”
  When preparing publications, every precaution should be taken to protect them from potential harm resulting from the content. If necessary, this includes concealing their faces or using only their voices to maintain their safety and dignity.

• • Avoiding advocacy of any party Interest

  When preparing materials and publications, our journalists must uphold democratic values and human rights without expressing support for any legislative norm, political agenda, or candidate, even if they appear to promote these values. Impartiality must be maintained in all publications.
  Our materials must respect the right of all peoples to self-determination, as outlined in the Helsinki Final Act, but they must not advocate for separatism. Similarly, while respecting freedom of travel and migration, our publications must avoid encouraging individuals to leave a specific country.

• • Participation in public life

  Our journalists are not only professionals in their work but also citizens and family members of the community. Humannet.am respects their right to actively participate in social life, hold civic positions, vote in elections, practice their religion, and educate their children according to their values. However, they must not mention the name of Humannet.am in their private activities. No employee of the media outlet may engage in actions that could harm Humannet.am’s reputation, strict neutrality, or accountability policies. In particular, employees must not wear symbols with election-related messages or display any other signs of political partisanship while on duty. They are also required to exercise caution on social media. They must avoid referencing the media outlet in their posts, ensuring it is clear that the opinions expressed are their own and not those of Humannet.am.

• • Advertisers, marketing, and promotion

  In our media outlet, news and advertising are strictly separated. Each department has distinct responsibilities and interests, and one group must not attempt to influence the other. News staff are required to maintain impartiality and objectivity, steering clear of discussions about advertising needs, goals, or issues, except in cases where these are directly connected to the activities of the news department.
  Occasionally, with the approval of the editorial team, news staff may participate in events organized for marketing or promotional purposes. However, they must remain committed to their professional responsibilities and avoid involvement in commercial matters. No one in the news department, unless specifically authorized by the editor, may share information with the advertising department or advertisers regarding the timing or content of advertisements, the timing or content of articles, or matters related to the assignment of staff or freelancers.

• • Copyright

  Any employee planning to write a non-fiction book based on material obtained during their assignments must notify the editorial staff in advance and secure permission. Employees are prohibited from accepting any publishing offers without prior approval from the media outlet.
  Additionally, employees must not publish any material derived from their work that could harm the reputation of the media outlet. All information gathered in the course of their professional duties must be used responsibly and in accordance with the organization’s standards.

• • Journalistic work outside of Humannet.am

  Our journalists generally have the right to accept assignments from other media outlets, provided those outlets do not directly compete with Humannet.am. Working with competitors is strictly prohibited.
  With a presence across online, text, video, and audio formats, we see it as our mission to serve a discerning audience that values journalism aligned with our principles. We aim to deliver quality content through the mediums most convenient for our audience.