The right of everyone to have access to information and ideas, reiterated in Article 19 of the Universal
Declaration of Human Rights, underpins the journalist’s mission. The journalist’s responsibility towards the
public takes precedence over any other responsibility, in particular towards their employers and the public
authorities. Journalism is a profession, which requires time, resources and the means to practise – all of which
are essential to its independence. This international declaration specifies the guidelines of conduct for journalists
in the research, editing, transmission, dissemination and commentary of news and information, and in the
description of events, in any media whatsoever.!!(IFJ)