The North American Punjabi Association (NAPA) urges all volunteers and staff to refrain from taking photographs while distributing relief items to flood victims. In these difficult times, countless families have lost their homes, possessions, and sense of security. Taking photos during such vulnerable moments can add to their distress and undermine their dignity, when what they need most is compassion and respect.
Many flood victims are coping with trauma, displacement, and emotional suffering. They may not be in a position to give informed consent for photographs, and images taken without their knowledge could easily circulate without their permission. Protecting their privacy must remain our highest priority so that humanitarian efforts do not inadvertently cause additional harm or embarrassment.
Our mission is to provide immediate relief and meaningful support. When the focus shifts to taking pictures or creating content for social media, it distracts from genuine human connection and the urgent care that victims deserve. The priority should remain on helping people with empathy and effectiveness, not on publicity.
Flood victims often include children, the elderly, and families who have lost everything. These groups deserve extra protection from exploitation and unwanted exposure. By avoiding photography, we can create a safer and more respectful environment, where survivors receive assistance without fear of being displayed in their most painful moments.
If documentation is required for reporting or funding purposes, it will only be carried out by designated personnel trained in ethical photography practices. These individuals will ensure proper consent and maintain the dignity and privacy of those affected, while still capturing the broader impact of relief efforts.
Respecting privacy and dignity builds trust within affected communities. This trust is essential for effective relief work and reflects NAPA’s commitment to serving people as human beings—not as subjects for promotional material.