Cambodia Urges Media to Uphold Ethics, Protect Vulnerable Groups' Rights

The Ministry of Information in Cambodia has called on journalists to strengthen their adherence to laws and professional ethics. This initiative aims to ensure that reporting strictly avoids violating the rights of vulnerable groups, including children, women, the elderly, and people with disabilities, thereby preventing secondary victimization. During a preparatory meeting for a workshop on "Reporting for the Promotion of Vulnerable Groups' Rights" held at the Ministry of Information on September 8, 2026, H.E. Tep Asnarith, Secretary of State and Spokesperson for the Ministry of Information, emphasized the need for journalists to pursue a deeper understanding of relevant laws, professional ethics, and regulatory documents within the information sector. At the meeting, attended by ministry officials and representatives from international development partners such as Plan International, Save the Children, World Vision, UNICEF, and CARE Cambodia, H.E. Tep Asnarith highlighted that enhancing knowledge of laws and professional ethics is crucial to ensuring that the production and dissemination of information do not infringe upon the rights of others, especially vulnerable individuals. This effort is also expected to boost public confidence in the media. H.E. Tep Asnarith stressed, "As journalists and reporters, they cannot use the excuse of not knowing the law, not being aware of ethical codes, or lacking professional understanding to evade responsibility." He further emphasized, "Adherence to laws, social ethics, and reporting regulations is a primary duty to ensure that all broadcasts do not violate the rights, honor, and dignity of vulnerable groups, and crucially, to absolutely avoid making them further victims or double victims due to their reporting or content." The Ministry of Information has already implemented the "Journalism Professional Charter" as a fundamental basis for journalistic ethics, which associations and journalists are expected to follow in their duties. This aims to enhance the quality and professional value of journalism and mitigate legal risks. H.E. Tep Asnarith announced that a workshop on "Reporting for the Promotion of Vulnerable Groups' Rights" will be organized at the end of September, under the chairmanship of H.E. Net Pheaktra, Minister of Information. The workshop is planned to include participants from inter-ministerial representatives, partner organizations, representatives of vulnerable groups, journalists, journalism associations, and content creators. The event aims to gather input and listen to voices to support common goals and respond to societal needs, thereby promoting the protection of vulnerable individuals' rights and enhancing the value and credibility of the Cambodian media sector. He expressed optimism that after the Ministry of Information announces the "Guidelines on Reporting Aimed at Protecting the Rights of Vulnerable Groups," journalists, content creators, and all relevant parties will strive for a deeper understanding and implement them responsibly. This, in addition to existing regulations, is expected to further improve media order, reporting quality, and professional ethics in Cambodia. As of July 2026, approximately 1,600 media organizations, encompassing both traditional and new media, are registered with the Ministry of Information and are operating across the country. Source: AKP Khmer