Helsinki Declaration
Mindful of the considerable and increasing influence and importance of public relations, ICCO members commit at all times to abide by the following 10 principles:
- To work ethically and in accordance with applicable laws;
- To observe the highest professional standards in the practice of public relations and communications;
- To respect the truth, dealing honestly and transparently with employees, colleagues, clients, the media, government and the public;
- To protect the privacy rights of clients, organisations, and individuals by safeguarding confidential information;
- To be mindful of their duty to uphold the reputation of the industry;
- To be forthcoming about sponsors of causes and interests and never engage in misleading practices such as “astroturfing”;
- To be aware of the power of social media, and use it responsibly;
- To never engage in the creation of or knowingly circulate fake news;
- To adhere to their Association’s Code of Conduct, be mindful of the Codes of Conduct of other countries, and show professional respect at all times;
- To take care that their professional duties are conducted without causing offence on the grounds of gender, ethnicity, origin, religion, disability or any other form of discrimination.