Editorial Policy

Last Updated: September 13, 2025

Mission

We aim to provide accurate, balanced, and timely reporting on issues affecting South Asia and beyond. Our role is to empower readers with reliable information, strengthen democracy, give voice to underrepresented communities, and foster understanding of complex issues.

Accuracy and Fact-Checking

• Every article undergoes fact-checking before publication.
• Data, statistics, and quotes are verified against credible sources.
• Anonymous sources are used only when essential and must be corroborated by senior editors.
• Where possible, at least two independent sources confirm key information.
• Errors are corrected quickly and transparently (see Corrections Policy).

Fairness and Impartiality

• Coverage must be free from political, financial, or personal bias.
• Controversies include all relevant viewpoints.
• Headlines, images, and captions must reflect content accurately.
• Opinion pieces are clearly marked and separated from factual reporting.

Independence

• Editorial decisions are independent of advertisers, sponsors, governments, or special-interest groups.
• Journalists do not accept gifts, favors, or payments from sources.
• Sponsored content is clearly labeled.

Transparency and Accountability

• Authors’ names and publishing dates are displayed when possible.
• Conflicts of interest must be disclosed to editors and, when relevant, to readers.
• Readers may raise concerns or correction requests at corrections@southasianaffairs.com.

Ethical Reporting

• We respect privacy and human dignity.
• Victims of crime, survivors of trauma, and minors are treated with sensitivity.
• Graphic content is used only when necessary and with warnings.
• We do not publish hate speech, discriminatory content, or unverified rumors.

Use of AI and Technology

• AI tools may assist research, translation, or drafting.
• All content is reviewed and edited by humans before publication.
• AI-generated material, if used, will be disclosed.

Corrections and Updates

• Mistakes are corrected transparently with a note in the article.
• Major updates include a timestamp: “Updated on [Date/Time].”
• Deletions occur only for legal or ethical reasons.

Diversity and Inclusion

• We reflect the cultural, linguistic, and political diversity of South Asia.
• We include voices from marginalized or underreported communities.
• We seek diverse contributors for fair representation.

Accountability to Readers

• We value feedback and encourage reader engagement.
• Editorial staff respond to serious concerns in a timely manner.

Contact: editor@southasianaffairs.com

Enforcement

All staff and freelancers must adhere to this policy; violations may result in disciplinary action, including retraction, reassignment, or termination.