Arena for Journalism in Europe is committed to creating a welcoming, inclusive environment and continuously works to prevent and address harassment and discrimination for all, regardless of race, colour, gender and trans status, sexual orientation, age, ability, nationality, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and beliefs.
Our goal is to create an environment where harassment is actively prevented.
We maintain a Code of Conduct not because we expect harmful behaviour, but because we recognise that we live in a world structured by racial capitalism, patriarchy, and intersecting systems of oppression and inequalities. Therefore, we strive to act with awareness, care, and accountability within those structures.
All participants agree to:
- Be considerate in speech and actions, and respect the boundaries of others
- Refrain from discriminatory, harassing, or demeaning behaviour
- Respect confidentiality and obtain consent before recording
- Support each other and alert a member of the Arena team if you notice an uncomfortable or dangerous situation, someone in distress, or violations of this code of conduct, even if they seem inconsequential.
If the Code of Conduct is violated, the Arena awareness team will respond, prioritising de-escalation, support for those affected, and appropriate follow-up measures.
Why an Awareness Approach?
Dataharvest aims to create a collective space for discussion, networking, and exchange. However, such spaces are not neutral. They are shaped by broader social inequalities, power relations, and different lived experiences.
“To be aware” means to be conscious of these dynamics and how they shape our interactions. We understand awareness as a practice that challenges power and questions current societal power dynamics, and as a shared responsibility to address discrimination, boundary-violating behaviour, and exclusion—while supporting those affected.
We all come to this conference shaped by social structures that normalise inequality. Discrimination and violence operate not only individually, but structurally and institutionally, and can be reproduced—often unintentionally—in our everyday interactions.
Participants bring diverse experiences, perspectives, and positions, many of which are not immediately visible. Awareness, therefore, also requires reflecting on our own position and how we relate to others.
We want to create a space where people feel able to speak, question, and disagree. At the same time, this requires a willingness to listen, to be challenged, and to take responsibility when harm occurs. This includes addressing sexist, racist, antisemitic, islamophobic, homophobic, transphobic, ableist, or other forms of discriminatory behaviour—openly, collectively, and constructively.
Awareness is a shared ongoing responsibility—not only of organisers, but of all participants.
Respectful Interaction and Communication
A respectful environment depends on how we communicate.
We encourage participants to:
- be mindful of how much space they take up in discussions
- avoid interrupting or dismissing others
- reflect on discriminatory language and assumptions
- actively create space for different perspectives – actively listen to others, actively invite others to share their viewpoints and experiences, don’t assume, …
Dominant communication patterns—such as repeated interruptions, dismissiveness, or space taking can exclude others, even unintentionally.
Anti-Discrimination and Power Awareness
We encourage all participants—especially those in more privileged positions—to reflect on structural discrimination and power relations.
This includes:
- being aware of your representation and voice
- avoiding tokenisation – making a symbolic effort while not really including and supporting underrepresented voices – or speaking over others
- engaging respectfully
Discriminatory behaviour—including racist, antisemitic, islamophobic, sexist, homophobic, transphobic, or ableist actions—is not tolerated and will be addressed in line with the Code of Conduct.
Awareness Team / Support
We have a dedicated Code of Conduct, and our Awareness Team will be present throughout the conference, wearing pink lanyards. You can contact them via phone, Signal, or in person anytime during the conference days if:
- you feel uncomfortable or unsafe
- you experience or witness inappropriate behaviour
- you need support
How Incidents Are Handled
If an issue arises, the following principles guide our response:
- Safety first
- Confidentiality
- Support for those affected
- Proportionate response
Possible actions include:
- De-escalation and mediation
- Facilitated conversation
- Warning
- Removal from a session or event
- Exclusion from future Arena activities
In serious cases, further steps may be taken, including involving relevant authorities.
All incidents are documented confidentially.
Fire Safety / Building Regulations (Thomas More Campus)
- Leave the building immediately in case of an emergency
- Do not use elevators
- Follow marked exits and staff instructions
- Keep emergency routes clear
- Assist others if possible
- Do not re-enter until declared safe
- Report hazards to organisers immediately.
Emergency Numbers in Belgium:
- 112 → Ambulance and fire brigade
Accessibility and Care
We aim to make the conference as accessible as possible. If you have specific needs, please contact the organisers. Quiet spaces and childcare are available. The Elevator functions through a special key which can be picked up at the registration desk on the ground floor.
Limits of the Awareness Team
The Awareness Team consists of trained but non-professional members. They are not therapists, legal advisors, or security personnel.
They may not share all lived experiences and may refer to additional support if needed.
The awareness team is not responsible for reprimanding problematic speech, political negotiation processes, moderation, or psychotherapeutic interventions. The awareness team should not be understood as a controlling authority, security service, or expert body.
Their role is to support—not to enforce.