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Code of principles

Africa Check is a non-partisan organisation that exists to promote accuracy and honesty in public debate and the media in Africa.

To do this effectively, we follow the best practices in fact-checking, recognised by leading non-partisan fact-checking organisations around the world. We adhere to the fundamental operating principles of commitment to impartiality, transparency and accuracy.

This code of principles is the result of broad consultations between Africa Check and other non-partisan fact-checkers from around the world.

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A commitment to non-partisanship and fairness

Africa Check fact-check claims using the same standard for every fact check. We do not concentrate our fact-checking on any one side. We follow the same process for every fact-check and let the evidence dictate the conclusions. Africa Check does not advocate or take policy positions on the issues we fact-check.

 

A commitment to standards and transparency of sources

Africa Check wants our readers to be able to verify findings themselves. We provide all sources in enough detail that readers can replicate our work, except in cases where a source’s personal security could be compromised. In such cases, we provide as much detail as possible.

 

A commitment to transparency of funding and organisation

Africa Check is transparent about our funding sources. If we accept funding from other organisations, we ensure that funders have no influence over the conclusions we reach in our reports. Africa Check details the professional background of all key figures in the organisation and explains the organisational structure and legal status. We clearly indicate a way for readers to communicate with us.

 

A commitment to standards and transparency of methodology

Africa Check explains the methodology we use to select, research, write, edit, publish and correct our fact checks. We encourage our readers to send us claims to fact-check and are transparent on why and how we fact-check.

 

A commitment to an open and honest corrections policy

Africa Check publishes our corrections policy and follows it scrupulously. We correct clearly and transparently in line with the corrections policy, seeking so far as possible to ensure that readers see the corrected version.

Should you believe that we are violating the IFCN Code, you may inform the IFCN of this using the complaints page on the IFCN site.

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