The Munich Ethics Charter (or Declaration of Journalists' Duties and Rights), signed on November 24, 1971 in Munich and adopted by the European Federation of Journalists, is a European reference on journalism ethics, distinguishing ten duties and five rights.
The ten Charter duties:
1. To respect the truth, whatever the consequences to oneself, and to do so because of the public's right to know the truth.
2. Defend freedom of information, comment and criticism.
3. Publish only information whose origin is known or accompany it, if necessary, with appropriate reservations; do not suppress essential information or alter texts and documents.
4. Do not use unfair methods to obtain information, photographs and documents.
5. Respect people's privacy.
6. Rectify any published information that turns out to be inaccurate.
7. Maintain professional secrecy and not disclose the source of information obtained in confidence.
8. Refrain from plagiarism, slander, libel, unfounded accusations, and from receiving any benefit as a result of publishing or deleting information.
9. Never confuse journalism with advertising or propaganda; never accept direct or indirect instructions from advertisers.
10. Reject all pressure and accept editorial directives only from those in charge of the editorial staff.
The five Charter rights:
1. Journalists claim free access to all sources of information and the right to freely investigate all facts that affect public life. Secrecy of public or private affairs may be invoked against journalists only exceptionally and for clearly stated reasons.
2. Journalists have the right to reject any subordination that is contrary to the general policy of their company, as set forth in writing in their employment contract, as well as any subordination that is not clearly implied in this general policy.
3. Journalists may not be compelled to perform a professional act or express an opinion contrary to their beliefs or conscience.
4. The editorial staff must be informed of any major decision that may affect the life of the company. It must at least be consulted, before a final decision is made, on any measures affecting the composition of the editorial staff: hiring, firing, transferring and promoting journalists.
5. In view of their position and responsibilities, journalists are entitled not only to the benefits of collective bargaining agreements, but also to a personal contract that guarantees their material and moral security and remuneration commensurate with their social role and sufficient to ensure their economic independence.
