Cambodia Calls for Enhanced Media Ethics to Protect Vulnerable Groups

Cambodia's Ministry of Information has called on media professionals to strengthen their ethical codes and enhance their professional knowledge, particularly emphasizing the protection of vulnerable groups' rights and the prevention of secondary victimization. During a preparatory meeting for a workshop on "Reporting for the Advancement of Vulnerable Groups' Rights" held on September 8, 2026, at the Ministry of Information, Tep Asnarith, Undersecretary of State and Spokesperson for the Ministry, urged all journalists to deepen their research on laws, professional ethics, and legal norms within the information sector. The meeting, attended by ministry officials and representatives from international development partner organizations including Plan International, Save the Children, World Vision, UNICEF, and CARE Cambodia, highlighted that strengthening legal knowledge and professional ethics is crucial to ensure that the production and dissemination of information do not violate the rights of others, especially children, women, the elderly, and people with disabilities. This, he noted, will contribute to enhancing the value of journalism and increasing public confidence. Undersecretary of State Asnarith further stressed that journalists and reporters should not use the excuse of not knowing the law, lacking ethical understanding, or insufficient professional knowledge to evade responsibility. He added, "Adhering to the respect for law, social ethics, and reporting regulations is a primary duty to ensure that all broadcasts do not infringe upon the rights, honor, and dignity of vulnerable groups. It is especially imperative to absolutely avoid making them further victims or doubly victimized due to one's reporting or content." It is noted that the Ministry of Information has implemented the "Journalism Professional Charter" as a fundamental cornerstone of journalistic ethics for associations and journalists to apply in their duties, aiming to strengthen quality, promote professional values, and protect against serious legal challenges. Mr. Tep Asnarith further announced that the Ministry of Information will organize a workshop on "Reporting for the Advancement of Vulnerable Groups' Rights" at the end of September, presided over by H.E. Net Pheaktra, Minister of Information. The workshop is planned to include representatives from inter-ministerial bodies, partner organizations, vulnerable groups, journalists, press associations, and content creators to listen to voices and gather input supporting common goals and responding to social needs, aimed at promoting the protection of vulnerable groups' rights and enhancing the value and trust in the journalism sector in Cambodia. He expressed optimism that after the Ministry of Information announces the "Guidelines on Reporting to Protect the Rights of Vulnerable Groups," journalists, content creators, and all relevant parties will strive for deeper understanding and apply them with added responsibility, building upon existing legal standards, to contribute to improving journalistic order, reporting practices, and strengthening professional ethics in Cambodia. As of July 2026, there are approximately over 1,600 media organizations registered with the Ministry of Information, including both traditional and new media, operating across the country.