Uzbekistan approves the Code of Professional Ethics for Journalists

Uzbekistan has approved the Code of Professional Ethics for Journalists, the Ministry of Justice reported.

The Code consists of an introduction and 10 items defining spiritual-moral directions. Journalists and all media workers are obliged to comply with the principles of objectivity in the preparation of information, taking into account diversity of opinions.

Honesty, objectivity, justice, pluralism of opinions and respect for human rights are the main rules of the activities of journalists.

In case of dissemination of unreliable and unjustified information, the journalist should immediately admit his/her mistake, apologize and take steps to correct this error.

The document defines the formation of a Public Media Council for the purpose of analyzing and giving an opinion on violations of the requirements and norms of professional ethics of a journalist.

The public council is elected for a five-year term at a conference of the Creative Union of Journalists of Uzbekistan and consists of seven people.

The public council will help clarify disputable situations related to journalistic activities.

The decision of the public council is not a reason for attracting the journalist to disciplinary, administrative or other responsibility, and it is of a recommendatory nature.