Afarand journals allow readers to raise concerns about published work and correct the record promptly and transparently.

• Post-publication discussion. Each article page gives a clear way to contact the editors (for example, a link or email address) and, where the platform allows, to submit letters to the editor or comments. Criticism of published work is assessed by editors, and the authors are invited to respond. Discussion is moderated for relevance and courtesy.

• Types of notices. The journal publishes corrections for errors that affect the interpretation of the work, expressions of concern when serious concerns are under investigation or cannot be completed, and retractions when findings are unreliable, misconduct is proven, or there is serious redundant publication or plagiarism. Minor typographical errors are corrected silently only when they do not affect meaning, and the correction is logged.

• Process. Editors assess concerns following the COPE flowcharts and the retraction guidelines, ask authors and, where needed, their institutions to respond, and aim to complete the first assessment within 30 days. Decisions are not delayed because authors object.

• Publication of notices. Every notice states the reason, the person or body that requested it (where this is appropriate), and links to the original article. The original is marked with the notice and remains accessible, and the notice is registered with a DOI and sent to indexing services.

• Authors' obligations. Authors who discover errors in their own published work notify the journal promptly. Journals do not penalize authors for honest errors that are reported in good faith.

• Withdrawal and removal. Articles are removed only in exceptional circumstances (for example, for legal reasons or serious risk to health), and the record then states why.

This page is part of the Afarand Best Practice Statement, which contains the complete text of all sections.