The Media Council of Kenya (MCK) is urging investigative journalists to uphold ethical reporting as a critical approach to exposing and addressing human rights violations.
MCK Mombasa Regional Coordinator Maureen Mudi says journalists should refresh their understanding of key ethical principles and prioritise responsible decision-making in their reporting.
“As journalists and human rights defenders, we have a responsibility not only to expose injustices but also to contribute to meaningful change”, she said during a forum for investigative journalists and human rights defenders in Kwale organised by the Human Rights Agenda (HURIA).
She highlighted the importance of empathy in storytelling, while referring to the “do no harm” principle in journalism.
Addressing concerns raised by journalists, including threats and intimidation by county officials and restricted access to information, Mudi expressed concern that many reporters fail to report such incidents for intervention and follow-ups.
“Part of our mandate as the Council is to intervene in such circumstances, hold productive discussions with relevant stakeholders and address these challenges. Do not take such issues lightly report them to us”, she urged.
She further emphasised key ethical considerations when reporting on human rights violations, including respect for victims and survivors, cultural sensitivity and gender-sensitive storytelling. She cautioned against sensationalism and underscored the importance of fact-checking to combat misinformation and disinformation before publishing stories.
HURIA Programmes Officer Zahra Lumumbah stressed that credible investigative stories must be evidence-based and thoroughly researched. She noted that incorporating human rights defenders into the process enhances both depth and credibility.
“Investigative journalism and advocacy share a common goal of uncovering human rights violations, abuses and corruption”, she said.
The forum provided a platform for journalists and human rights defenders to engage in meaningful discussions on ethical reporting, digital advocacy and strategies for strengthening investigative journalism in the fight against human rights violations.