Media Handbook for National Human Rights Institutions We will advocate respect for national and international human rights laws and standards through the media. We will also be a strong and consistent defender of freedom of expression and the right to information. Our interaction with the media All media enquiries will be addressed promptly. We will provide the media with independent and accurate information. Journalists are to be treated respectfully and courteously by all staff at all times. Every conversation with a journalist should be considered “on the record”. The information provided by NHRI staff and representatives will be truthful and accurate. It will not be based on speculation or personal opinion. All media enquiries, and the response provided by the NHRI, will be logged by the Public Affairs Unit. Authorized spokespeople Public comment to the media will only be made by <insert roles/titles; for example, Chairperson, NHRI Members, Executive Director>. In certain circumstances, a staff member with specific expertise may be authorized to speak on behalf of the NHRI on that particular subject. All contact with the media must be coordinated through the Public Affairs Unit to ensure that a consistent approach is followed at all times. Photo by IRRI Images is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 2.0. Chapter 1: Working effectively with the media | 15