Over the past year, the Arab Fact-Checkers Network (AFCN) received several complaints from fact-checking members (individuals/initiatives) on some practices that violate AFCN code of principles and professional standards. Considering that AFCN mission is to unify and sustain fact-checking efforts in the Arab world, in order to create a healthy and supportive professional work environment, and based on proposals submitted by AFCN members, as well as research and consultations with international experts in this regard; AFCN would strive to settle complaints submitted only by its signatory members, who signed a memorandum of understanding, and who are committed to AFCN’s code of principles, according to the following policy:
AFCN adjudicates complaints that state clear, repeated and numerous breaches of professional principles. Accordingly, AFCN will not consider any complaints submitted by non-members, or those that include a single incident; in order to save time and effort, and also to leave an opportunity for members to cooperate and provide advice in a friendly and direct manner among themselves.