A participatory guide on inclusive communication will soon be published to set professional and ethical standards in the monitoring process of the High Independent Audiovisual Authority (HAICA), as well as in the editorial and ethical charters of the media through the Press Council.
Launched by the UNESCO office in Tunisia in partnership with the Ministry of Social Affairs and organisations of disabled people's organisations, the guide aims to build a culture of inclusive, effective and fair communication based on the universal principles of human rights, said Neji Bghouri, head of communications at the UNESCO office in Tunisia, on Monday.
A study on media coverage of disability-related issues is currently being discussed with stakeholders.
"The aim is to launch a reflection on a new inclusive communication strategy on the rights of persons with disabilities," he said.
This new strategy is based on developing the skills of journalists and the media to ensure balanced and respectful media coverage by breaking stereotypes that often portray people with disabilities as victims, while strengthening their representation and integration in the media, Bghouri added.
In this regard, Bghouri pointed out that the study showed that people with disabilities still face difficulties in accessing and being represented in the media and information.
The guide was produced in collaboration with the Press and Information Sciences Institute (IPSI) and HAICA.
"It sheds light on the legal texts that require the media to respect the dignity and privacy of citizens, in addition to prohibiting discrimination based on gender or religion," he said.
Source: Agence Tunis Afrique Presse
