CPGNNews

INDEPENDENT INTERNATIONAL PUBLIC INTEREST MEDIA

EDITORIAL INDEPENDENCE 

CHARTER OF CPGNNews

Public Version

PREAMBLE.-

Information is a matter of public interest. In a democratic society, it contributes to the understanding of collective realities, the exercise of citizenship, public debate and the ability of individuals and communities to make informed decisions. Its credibility therefore depends on factual accuracy, source verification, plurality of perspectives, professional integrity and the independence of those who produce it.

The Haitian Humanitarian Action for Inclusion ,Dignity and Empowerment (AAHHIDA),also known in French as Alliance Humanitaire Haïtienne pour l’Inclusion ,la Dignité et l’Autonomisation (HHAIDE), recognizes the need to maintain a clear distinction between its institutional, development, humanitarian, administrative, financial and programmatic activities and the journalistic activity carried out by CPGNNews.

CPGNNews is an international, multimedia and multilingual editorial platform born in the Caribbean. Its Caribbean origin constitutes its point of reference, its perspective and its editorial identity, but not the limit of its field of activity. CPGNNews seeks to cover and understand the realities of Haiti, the Caribbean, the Americas, Africa, Europe, Asia and the wider world in their diversity and interconnectedness.

The institutional affiliation of CPGNNews with HHAIDE constitutes neither an obligation of editorial loyalty, nor an obligation to provide political or institutional support, nor a right of editorial control by HHAIDE over CPGNNews content. This affiliation must not be interpreted as authorization for CPGNNews to present HHAIDE positions as independent journalism.

This Charter establishes the principles intended to protect that distinction. It affirms that editorial independence does not constitute a separation from responsibility, but rather a higher standard of professional responsibility toward the public.

CPGNNews may institutionally belong to HHAIDE without becoming the institutional voice of HHAIDE.

ARTICLE 1

PURPOSE AND SCOPE

This Charter establishes the fundamental principles governing the editorial independence, integrity, accuracy, pluralism, professional responsibility, source protection, conflict of interest management, distinction between journalism and institutional communication, and transparency applicable to the editorial activities of CPGNNews.

It applies to the Editorial Direction, journalists, editors, correspondents, photographers, videographers, researchers, analysts, producers, contributors and any person whose functions may have a direct impact on the editorial content of CPGNNews.

It applies to all journalistic content and activities of CPGNNews, regardless of platform, format, language, territory of distribution or method of production.

ARTICLE 2

EDITORIAL IDENTITY AND INTERNATIONAL SCOPE

CPGNNews constitutes an editorial structure of HHAIDE while remaining distinct from HHAIDE in the exercise of its journalistic responsibilities.

CPGNNews defines itself as Independent International Public Interest Media and as an international, multimedia and multilingual editorial platform born in the Caribbean.

The Caribbean constitutes its point of origin and perspective, but not the limit of its field of activity. CPGNNews may cover Haitian, Caribbean, American, African, European, Asian and international realities, as well as transnational developments affecting societies and citizens.

Its activities may include news reporting, investigative journalism, reporting, analysis, research, documentation, international affairs, geopolitical and strategic analysis, public knowledge production, as well as multimedia, audiovisual, documentary, audio and digital content.

ARTICLE 3

PRINCIPLE OF EDITORIAL INDEPENDENCE

The editorial independence of CPGNNews is based on professional, journalistic and public interest criteria. It shall be exercised without undue political, economic, financial, institutional, commercial or personal interference.

This independence covers, among other matters, the selection of subjects,sources,interviewees,investigations,angles,data,editorial treatment,headlines,illustrations,publication,corrections,rectifications and updates.

Editorial independence entails heightened responsibility toward the public, the facts, the sources, the persons concerned and the professional principles of journalism.

ARTICLE 4

DISTINCTION BETWEEN HHAIDE AND CPGNNews

CPGNNews institutionally belongs to HHAIDE, but its journalistic activity remains distinct from HHAIDE’s programmatic, administrative, financial, institutional and operational activities.

HHAIDE may not impose upon CPGNNews a subject, a conclusion, a political opinion, a favorable formulation, the suppression of information or the modification of content for reasons unrelated to the professional requirements of journalism.

No institutional activity of HHAIDE grants HHAIDE any special right over the editorial content of CPGNNews. Institutional governance and editorial authority shall remain distinct.

ARTICLE 5

EDITORIAL RESPONSIBILITY

Professional responsibility for the journalistic activities of CPGNNews rests with the Editorial Direction:

1. The Editor in Chief / Editorial Director constitutes the principal professional authority responsible for leading and supervising the editorial function in accordance with the principles of this Charter;

2. The Editorial Direction shall remain accountable for the quality, integrity and performance of journalistic activities within the applicable institutional governance framework, but shall exercise editorial decisions independently;

3. The appointment,evaluation or termination of an editorial leader may not be used as a means of sanction or pressure because of a journalistic decision made in good faith and in accordance with professional standards.

Any governance decision concerning the editorial function must be based on legitimate institutional grounds and may not be intended to control a particular publication.

ARTICLE 6

PROTECTION AGAINST INTERFERENCE

No political, administrative, financial, institutional, commercial, diplomatic or governance actor may intervene in the editorial process for the purpose of advancing a particular interest. This principle also applies to donors, funders, philanthropic or technical partners, advertisers, sponsors, commercial partners and contributors. Financial, material, technical or institutional support does not confer any right of editorial control.

Any member of CPGNNews may report an attempt at interference or pressure that may compromise editorial independence.

ARTICLE 7

FREEDOM OF EDITORIAL CHOICE

CPGNNews shall freely determine its subjects on the basis of public interest, importance, relevance, verifiability, potential impact and regional or international significance.

CPGNNews may cover governments, public institutions, businesses, international organizations, non governmental organizations, political parties, social movements, humanitarian organizations and HHAIDE itself. No institution shall receive a general exemption from coverage, critical examination or investigation. The final decision concerning editorial treatment rests with the competent editorial authority.

ARTICLE 8

ACCURACY, VERIFICATION AND CONTEXTUALIZATION

CPGNNews grounds its journalistic activity in accuracy, reliability and contextualization of information. Published information shall be verified to the extent reasonably possible. Facts and commentary shall be clearly distinguished, sources shall be identified whenever possible and appropriate, and sensitive information shall be verified through multiple sources when circumstances require. Data shall be subject to appropriate checks. Information shall be placed in context, and uncertainties shall be identified when relevant. The pursuit of truth and verification takes precedence over the mere speed of publication.

ARTICLE 9

PLURALISM AND INTELLECTUAL INDEPENDENCE

CPGNNews seeks to present a plurality of perspectives when the nature of the subject warrants it. Pluralism does not mean that all claims possess equal credibility or evidentiary value. Positions and sources shall be assessed in light of available facts, the quality of the data, the evidence supporting them, the coherence of the arguments and the interests that may influence their expression.

CPGNNews shall not engage in unjustified editorial discrimination on the basis of origin, nationality, institutional affiliation, economic status or political affiliation. Where political or institutional affiliation itself constitutes journalistically relevant information, it may appropriately be taken into account in the treatment of the subject.

CPGNNews journalists, researchers and analysts may reach conclusions different from those expressed by institutions, partners, political groups or HHAIDE.

ARTICLE 10

DISTINCTION BETWEEN FORMS OF CONTENT

CPGNNews clearly distinguishes among news reporting, investigation, reporting, analysis, opinion, editorial content and institutional communication. Institutional communications produced by HHAIDE shall not be presented as independent journalism. The nature of a content item shall be sufficiently identifiable to enable the public to understand its status and purpose.

ARTICLE 11

COVERAGE OF HHAIDE

CPGNNews may cover HHAIDE descriptively, analytically, critically or through investigation, depending on the journalistic requirements of the subject.

CPGNNews has no obligation to portray HHAIDE favorably. HHAIDE may not demand favorable coverage or prevent critical coverage when such coverage serves the public interest and complies with professional standards.

HHAIDE’s achievements, successes, difficulties, controversies or potential shortcomings may be examined according to the same principles applicable to other institutions.

ARTICLE 12

SOURCE PROTECTION

CPGNNews shall protect the confidentiality of sources when such confidentiality is professionally justified. The identity of a confidential source may not be disclosed except in circumstances permitted or required by applicable professional and legal obligations.

Source confidentiality does not relieve CPGNNews of the responsibility to verify information obtained from confidential sources and assess its reliability.

ARTICLE 13

CONFLICTS OF INTEREST

Any actual, potential or apparent conflict of interest that may compromise journalistic independence shall be disclosed, assessed and appropriately managed. Where necessary, a relationship capable of affecting independence shall be disclosed to the public. A journalist or contributor may be removed from a matter when personal, professional, financial, political or institutional relationships compromise or could reasonably be perceived as compromising editorial independence.

ARTICLE 14

FUNDING AND EDITORIAL INDEPENDENCE

No source of funding may control or determine the editorial decisions of CPGNNews. Grants, donations, partnerships, philanthropic contributions, advertising revenue, subscriptions and other resources may not determine subjects, conclusions, treatment, opinions or decisions to publish. Conditions attached to funding or partnerships must remain compatible with this Charter.

CPGNNews seeks to diversify its resources in order to reduce dependencies that could undermine public trust or editorial independence.

ARTICLE 15

COMMERCIAL ACTIVITIES AND SPONSORED CONTENT

Commercial activities and editorial content shall remain clearly separated. Advertisers, sponsors and commercial partners shall have no right of control over editorial decisions. Any paid content or content benefiting from commercial support shall be appropriately identified. No commercial relationship may justify the abandonment of journalistic standards. A commercial relationship with an economic actor may not prevent CPGNNews from covering that actor when public interest warrants such coverage.

ARTICLE 16

HHAIDE INSTITUTIONAL COMMUNICATION

HHAIDE remains responsible for its own institutional communication. It may produce press releases, reports, statements, campaigns, advocacy materials and other communications relating to its programs and activities. Such content shall not be confused with the journalism of CPGNNews. Information originating from HHAIDE may be used as institutional information and as a journalistic source, subject to normal verification standards.

HHAIDE communication personnel may not impose the publication, modification or deletion of journalistic content produced by CPGNNews.

ARTICLE 17

CORRECTIONS, RECTIFICATIONS AND UPDATES

CPGNNews recognizes the need to correct substantive errors promptly and clearly when such errors are identified. Where a correction, rectification or update substantially changes the understanding of published content, it shall be presented in a sufficiently clear manner to enable the public to understand its nature. Corrections shall be determined according to applicable editorial rules and may not be imposed through external intervention unrelated to professional requirements. Acknowledging and correcting an error is a journalistic responsibility and not an institutional weakness.

ARTICLE 18

COMPLAINTS, RIGHT OF REPLY AND PUBLIC ACCOUNTABILITY

CPGNNews shall maintain accessible mechanisms through which members of the public and affected parties may report factual errors, request corrections, provide contradictory evidence, request a right of reply or raise concerns regarding professional standards. A complaint does not automatically create a right to modify or remove published content. The final decision concerning editorial content rests with the competent editorial authority after consideration of the relevant information. A right of reply does not constitute a right of prior editorial control over publication.

ARTICLE 19

HUMAN DIGNITY AND RESPONSIBILITY

CPGNNews shall give particular attention to the dignity of persons exposed to vulnerable circumstances, including children, victims of violence, displaced persons, persons with disabilities and populations affected by disasters or humanitarian crises. Journalistic treatment shall seek an appropriate balance between public interest and the prevention of unjustified harm. Human dignity may not be sacrificed for spectacle, sensationalism, virality or audience growth.

ARTICLE 20

DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES AND ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE

CPGNNews may use digital tools and artificial intelligence systems to support research, translation, data analysis, transcription, accessibility, multimedia production, verification or content distribution. The use of such technologies must not compromise accuracy, transparency, authenticity, confidentiality, source protection, human dignity or editorial independence.

An artificial intelligence tool shall not constitute a substitute for journalistic and editorial responsibility. Where artificial intelligence generates or substantially transforms content, CPGNNews shall, where relevant, apply specific transparency rules. Final responsibility for content remains human and rests with the competent editorial authority. A specific policy governing the use of artificial intelligence may subsequently supplement the provisions of this Charter.

ARTICLE 21

PROTECTION OF JOURNALISTS AND CONTRIBUTORS

CPGNNews shall protect its journalists and contributors against intimidation, threats and undue pressure arising from the exercise of their professional responsibilities. No adverse action may be taken solely because of a good faith critical publication, a professional investigation, a refusal to publish unverified information, a legitimate professional disagreement or the reporting of an attempted interference. This protection does not prevent normal evaluation, management or disciplinary procedures when they are based on legitimate professional grounds.

ARTICLE 22

INSTITUTIONAL GOVERNANCE AND EDITORIAL INDEPENDENCE

The Board of Directors of HHAIDE remains the supreme institutional governance body of the organization. In this capacity, it may adopt and protect this Charter, exercise appropriate institutional oversight, request information necessary to fulfill its responsibilities and take institutional measures necessary to protect editorial independence. The Board of Directors may not, however, control a particular editorial decision or impose a subject, title, source, angle, conclusion, suppression or modification for reasons unrelated to professional journalistic requirements. Governance protects the institutional framework. The newsroom exercises journalistic authority.

ARTICLE 23

INDEPENDENT ADVISORY AND OVERSIGHT MECHANISM

CPGNNews may rely on an independent advisory and oversight mechanism intended to strengthen international standards relating to press freedom, ethics, public accountability, governance and editorial independence. Such a mechanism may assess the general conditions necessary to preserve editorial independence and issue institutional recommendations.

It does not constitute a parallel newsroom and has no decision making authority over individual publications. It may not order the publication or non publication of content, require its removal, determine its title or angle, impose a source or conclusion, order or terminate an investigation, or replace the Editor in Chief / Editorial Director.

Detailed provisions concerning its composition, operation, responsibilities and procedures shall be established in the applicable governance documents.

ARTICLE 24

INSTITUTIONAL AND FINANCIAL SEPARATION

HHAIDE shall develop mechanisms to ensure appropriate traceability of resources allocated to its different categories of activity. Such categories may include HHAIDE programs, CPGNNews public interest journalism and editorial development activities, commercial activities, and digital, technological, audiovisual and infrastructure activities.

This structure is intended to strengthen traceability, transparency and independence. Detailed arrangements governing such separation shall be established in the applicable institutional and financial frameworks.

ARTICLE 25

TRANSPARENCY AND PUBLIC ACCOUNTABILITY

CPGNNews and HHAIDE, within their respective areas of responsibility, shall seek to make relevant information available concerning governance principles, editorial standards, independence mechanisms, partnerships, corrections, complaints and activity reporting. Where public interest warrants it, information concerning funding and partnerships may be disclosed within the limits imposed by confidentiality, source protection, privacy and applicable law. Public accountability does not mean surrendering editorial independence.

ARTICLE 26

PROHIBITED FORMS OF INTERFERENCE

The following constitute, among other forms of conduct, incompatible forms of interference under this Charter:

1. Censorship of information in order to protect HHAIDE, a partner or a funder;
2. Editorial favoritism toward an advertiser or partner;
3. Imposition of a political or institutional position;
4. Suppression of verified information for reasons unrelated to public interest and professional standards;

5. Imposition of unverified information.
6. Modification of an analysis for personal, institutional, political, financial or commercial reasons.

7. Obstruction of a legitimate journalistic investigation.
8. Exchange of an editorial decision for an institutional, financial or personal benefit.
9. Pressure placed upon a journalist to alter professional work for nonprofessional reasons.

Any attempt to prevent the reporting of interference or editorial pressure.

ARTICLE 27

PROFESSIONAL DISTANCE FROM ALL ACTORS

CPGNNews shall maintain professional distance from all actors it covers, including HHAIDE. Institutional affiliation creates no obligation to provide political support, institutional defense or promotional support to HHAIDE.

CPGNNews may recognize the positive achievements of an institution just as it may examine its difficulties, controversies or potential shortcomings whenever public interest warrants such examination.

CPGNNews may institutionally belong to HHAIDE without becoming the institutional voice of HHAIDE.

ARTICLE 28

INFORMATION INTEGRITY AND DISINFORMATION

CPGNNews shall apply particular scrutiny to sensitive information or information likely to have a significant impact on the public. It seeks to identify manipulated content, contextualize contested claims, distinguish facts from allegations and identify uncertainties when relevant.

CPGNNews shall not knowingly disseminate false information. Efforts to combat disinformation must respect pluralism, freedom of expression and the distinction among facts, opinions, disagreement and evidence. A minority opinion or dissenting position does not automatically constitute disinformation. The fight against disinformation may not be used as an instrument of editorial censorship.

ARTICLE 29

EVOLUTION AND REVISION OF THE CHARTER

This Charter may evolve in order to reflect changes in journalism, technology, artificial intelligence, professional standards, operational practices, regulatory developments and independent governance mechanisms. Any substantive revision shall be undertaken through the applicable institutional procedures, with the participation of the Editorial Direction when the proposed changes directly concern the exercise of journalism.

No revision may have the purpose or effect of subjecting CPGNNews to political, financial, administrative, institutional or commercial interference. No subsequent policy, procedure or decision may be interpreted as weakening the independence guarantees established by this Charter.

ARTICLE 30

INTERPRETATION AND PROTECTION OF INDEPENDENCE

The provisions of this Charter shall be interpreted consistently with the principles of editorial independence, freedom of the press, professional integrity, public interest and journalistic responsibility.

Where an institutional decision may compromise editorial independence, the competent structures shall seek a solution that preserves both legitimate governance responsibilities and journalistic integrity. HHAIDE retains its legal, statutory and fiduciary responsibilities, but the exercise of those responsibilities shall respect the limits necessary to protect journalistic independence.

ARTICLE 31

ADOPTION AND ENTRY INTO FORCE

This Charter shall be adopted by the competent governance body of HHAIDE and shall constitute an official governance instrument concerning the editorial independence of CPGNNews. It shall be incorporated, as appropriate, into relevant policies, procedures, institutional practices and agreements.

Any subsequent policy, regulation or procedure applicable to CPGNNews shall be interpreted and implemented consistently with the independence guarantees established by this Charter. This Charter shall enter into force upon adoption and shall remain applicable until amended or replaced through a procedure consistent with the principles of independence established herein.

EDITORIAL INDEPENDENCE DECLARATION

HHAIDE recognizes that editorial independence constitutes both an institutional responsibility and a public guarantee. CPGNNews is committed to serving the public through information that is reliable, verified, pluralistic, responsible, independent and accessible. The institutional affiliation of CPGNNews with HHAIDE creates no obligation for CPGNNews to defend, promote or protect HHAIDE in its journalistic activities.

HHAIDE commits to protecting the institutional conditions necessary for the independence of CPGNNews. CPGNNews commits to protecting that independence through professionalism, fact checking, ethics, accountability, pluralism, professional distance and respect for human dignity. Editorial independence is not a privilege granted to the newsroom. It is a responsibility owed to the public. In exercising that responsibility, the public remains the primary reference of CPGNNews.

DOCUMENT STATUS

Organization: Haitian Humanitarian Alliance for Inclusion, Dignity and Empowerment (AAHHIDA / HHAIDE);

Editorial Structure: CPGNNews: Independent International Public Interest Media;

Institutional Designation: An international, multimedia and multilingual editorial platform born in the Caribbean;

Document: CPGNNews Editorial Independence Charter;

Version: Public Version;

Nature: Public Reference Instrument;

Institutional Authority: Board of Directors of HHAIDE;

Implementation: Editorial Direction and competent institutional structures;

Scope: Journalism, news reporting, investigation, reporting, analysis, opinion and multimedia editorial activities of CPGNNews.

REFERENCE PRINCIPLES

Independence

CPGNNews protects its editorial autonomy against undue interference.

Truth

CPGNNews pursues accuracy, verification and contextualization of facts.

Pluralism

CPGNNews recognizes the diversity of perspectives while assessing claims according to facts, evidence and credibility.

Responsibility

CPGNNews assumes responsibility for its editorial decisions and corrects its errors when necessary.

Integrity

CPGNNews acts with honesty, rigor and professional consistency.

Professional Distance

CPGNNews maintains editorial distance from all actors it covers, including its institutional parent organization.

Transparency

CPGNNews provides appropriate accountability regarding its principles, mechanisms and responsibilities within the limits necessary to protect sources, privacy and the law.

Human Dignity

CPGNNews places respect for human dignity at the heart of its journalistic activity.

Technological Responsibility

CPGNNews uses digital technologies and artificial intelligence with judgment, transparency and human responsibility.

Public Interest

CPGNNews conducts its activities in service of the public’s right to reliable, pluralistic, independent and relevant information.

INSTITUTIONAL DECLARATION

HHAIDE / AHHIDA affirms that:

The editorial independence of CPGNNews is an institutional responsibility and a guarantee to the public.

CPGNNews exists to serve the public through journalism that is:

1. Reliable,
2. Verified,
3. Pluralistic,
4. Responsible,
5. Independent,
6. Accessible.

Its institutional relationship with HHAIDE provides an organizational foundation, but does not create an obligation for CPGNNews to defend HHAIDE’s institutional interests in its journalistic work.

HHAIDE protects the independence of CPGNNews.

CPGNNews protects its independence through professional journalism.

And the public remains the primary purpose of its journalistic work.

OFFICIAL DOCUMENT INFORMATION

Organization: HHAIDE / AHHIDA
Media Division: CPGNNews, Independent International Public-Interest Media;
Document: Charter of Editorial Independence;
Version: 1.4.
Status: Official Institutional Policy;
Approved by: HHAIDE Board of Directors on September 11^th, 2026;
Effective: Upon Board Approval;
Responsible Authority for Implementation: CPGNNews Editorial Leadership;
Institutional Oversight: HHAIDE Board of Directors;
Review: As required by institutional and editorial developments.