Free human rights guide launched to help improve reporting

A new human rights guide published by the Media Trust, in partnership with the Society of Editors, aims to improve reporting and understanding of legislation.

"Journalists don't need to be legal experts, but they need to get their facts right," its editor, Alison Whyte, told Journalism.co.uk.

"There has been a lot of confusion and a lot of misinformation about the Human Rights Act in particular. It's fine to have a debate about human rights, but it needs to be an informed debate," she added.

The guide includes information about what rights are protected under the Human Rights Act and 10 'key things' about human rights.

A 'Reporting Human Rights' section looks at the importance of accuracy, getting the balance right, politicising human rights and improving reporting.

"Human rights are fundamental freedoms to which all people are entitled. They are about being treated with dignity and respect. They are especially important to vulnerable or less powerful people - children, those in ill health or in care," said Bob Satchwell, executive director, Society of Editors, in a release announcing the guide.

"But they apply to all and this guide is designed to help journalists explain just what they are," he said.

Previous guides in the series include Reporting Diversity and Reporting Poverty.

A copy of the guide is available at www.mediatrust.org/reporting or email joannai [at] mediatrust.org for a printed copy.

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