Dignity guidelines

The people we help are people, not props. These guidelines are based on the Dóchas Code of Conduct on Images and Messages, which many European aid organisations follow.

Consent comes first

• Ask before you film or photograph anyone, in a language they understand, and explain where it will be shown.
• Help must never depend on agreeing to be filmed. Someone who says no still gets the same help.
• People can change their mind. If someone asks us to remove their image or story, we do, without needing the organiser's agreement.

Show people with respect

• No filming of people in medical crisis, undressed, grieving or humiliated.
• No staged reactions to receiving help that expose someone who did not agree.
• Tell stories in people's own words where you can, with their names and their plans, not only their needs.

Children

• A parent or guardian must agree. Use first names only.
• Never show a child's school, home or anything that makes them easy to find.
• Show children with dignity, never as the face of suffering.

Be honest about money

• Say exactly what the money pays for, and post receipts.
• Before you upload a receipt or document, cover everything personal except the name: account numbers, addresses, email, phone, and other people's details. Proof is public the moment you post it.
• If you keep any part for costs, say so and list them.
• If a company sponsors your content, label it clearly as advertising.

Pictures made with AI

• If a picture was made or changed with AI, tick the AI box when you upload it. It then carries a small AI badge wherever it appears.
• Never present an AI picture as a real photo of the people or animals you help. Unlabelled AI pictures can be reported, and we add the label or remove the picture.