What principle requires interpreters to treat all parties with fairness and without personal bias?

Impartiality is crucial in the field of interpretation because it ensures that interpreters remain neutral and do not allow their personal beliefs, opinions, or feelings to influence their work. This principle is fundamental to establishing trust among all parties involved in the communication process, as it assures them that the interpreter will provide an accurate and unbiased representation of what is said.

By adhering to the principle of impartiality, interpreters help to create a balanced environment where each party can be heard and understood equally. This is particularly important in community settings where sensitive issues may arise and where the parties may come from diverse backgrounds, potentially bringing inherent biases or assumptions into the conversation.

In contrast, confidentiality focuses on maintaining privacy and protecting sensitive information shared during the interpretation process, professionalism emphasizes ethical behavior and competence, and advocacy involves supporting a party's interests, which could conflict with the need for impartiality. Hence, while all these principles are important in their own right, it is the principle of impartiality that directly addresses the necessity of treating all parties fairly and without bias.