As you walk through the slums, projects and streets of Kolkata, keep in mind that you are in fact walking through people’s homes and daily lives. You will of course want to take pictures to show everyone at home but always ask yourself the question “would I like my photo to be taken if I were asleep, if I were washing or eating on the street or if I was trying to study?”- Always ask if you can take a photograph- a gesture towards your camera will help overcome language barriers.

Be VERY sensitive if uploading pictures to Facebook etc. Never post names or location. Many of the children whom we work with have been rescued from lives of trafficking and child labour and may have someone trying to find them. Pictures on the internet can provide those looking for the children with information about where children are living and it can lead to increased risk for the children.

The Hope Foundation has signed up to the Dóchas Code of Conduct on Images and Messages. By signing the Code, we have agreed to abide by the following principles in all of our communications:

• Respect for the dignity of the people concerned in the use of images and messages.
• Belief in the equality of all peopl
• Acceptance of the need to promote fairness, solidarity and justic

Accordingly, we strive to:

★ Choose images and related messages based on values of respect, equality, solidarity and justice;

★ Truthfully represent any image or depicted situation both in its immediate and in its wider context so as to improve public understanding of the realities and complexities of development;

★ Avoid images and messages that potentially stereotype, sensationalise or discriminate against people, situations or places;

★ Use images, messages and case studies with the full understanding, participation and permission of the subjects (or subjects’ parents/guardian);

★ Ensure those whose situation is being represented have the opportunity to communicate their stories themselves;

★ Establish and record whether the subjects wish to be named or identifiable and always act accordingly;

★ Conform to the highest standards in relation to human rights and protection of the vulnerable people.