Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) has been rightly challenged in recent weeks, both internally and externally, about the use of sensitive photography involving patients in our care. As the global directors of communication for MSF, we want to thank those who have highlighted problematic images and questioned our practices. This scrutiny has prompted us to take some immediate action, as noted in a statement last month by MSF’s International President. We are also engaging in deeper reflection about the ways we portray people caught in crisis.
Our vital work of bearing witness must be guided by humanitarian principles and medical ethics. We must always respect the dignity and agency of the people we treat.
We are now working across multiple fronts to better manage the collection, use, dissemination, and storage of photographs and video taken at our medical projects. This includes visual material commissioned by MSF as well as content gathered by news organisations and independent photographers. We have a clear duty to protect the safety and wellbeing of patients in our care.
Here’s an update on some of the actions we are taking: