A proposed Journalists' Professional Ethics Charter has been issued by the Bahrain Journalists Association (BJA) for feedback from journalists and members of the media.

The BJA is urging its members and journalists to contribute their opinions before a final draft is drawn up.

They are given four days from yesterday to submit their comments.

The draft says the BJA is the sole legal representative of Bahrain's Press, which has a mission to raise awareness to spur development in line with His Majesty's reform project.

It says the BJA is committed to boosting the role of a free, independent national Press in supporting democracy and respecting fundamental rights and liberties, including freedom of expression and opinion "under ethical and professional discipline".

It is also committed to enforcing the Constitution and the National Action Charter to ensure freedom of the Press and the media in compliance with related laws and respecting Islamic creed and the unity of the people as part of the kingdom's commitments under international conventions and legislations.

The draft recognises the role of honest work and constructive opinions in contributing to the development of the community and promoting national unity, while respecting opinions of others, impartiality and the rule of law.

It also stresses mutual respect among journalists and the need to protect their rights.

It includes principles to regulate professional practices and rights and obligations of journalists, promote privacy of individuals, preserve journalists' personal safety, democracy, transparency, the freedom of expression and opinion as well as promote national security. – TradeArabia News Service