Phnom Penh: The Ministry of Information continued to review and evaluate the progress of the preparation of the “Guidelines on Reporting News to Protect the Rights of Women, Children and Persons with Disabilities” aimed at ensuring the promotion of values, dignity and protection of individual rights and strengthening the practice of journalism in accordance with the law and the code of ethics of the media profession.
The meeting was held on June 4, 2026 at the Ministry of Information, under the leadership of Mr. Tep Asnarith, Undersecretary of State and Spokesperson of the Ministry of Information, with the participation of experts from the Ministry of Information and representatives of international organizations. Key partners include: Plan International Cambodia, Save the Children Cambodia, World Vision International, UNICEF Cambodia and Care.
Mr. Tep Asnarith stated that during the working meeting, the Ministry of Information collaborated with ministries, institutions, and relevant parties in drafting the guidelines and carefully reviewed all inputs for inclusion in the draft during the work process to ensure that the content of the draft is comprehensive. The Undersecretary of State emphasized the importance of the initiative to develop these guidelines, which aim to provide a further basis for shaping the direction of professional conduct and ethics for journalists as well as media and audiovisual practitioners in the Kingdom of Cambodia.
The Undersecretary of State further emphasized that responsible and ethical news reporting is a participatory process. In promoting citizens’ rights, a safe environment for quality of life, and promoting social morality, especially in protecting the rights, honor, dignity, and safety of vulnerable people in society.
On that occasion, representatives of international partner organizations expressed their appreciation and gratitude for the efforts and commitment of the Ministry of Information in preparing these guidelines in addition to the existing standards to strengthen the order of the press and the code of professional ethics. Representatives of international partner organizations stated that the spirit of cooperation in developing these guidelines greatly contributes to creating a safe and ethical information environment and contributes to reducing any negative impact, discrimination or stigmatization that may ultimately affect vulnerable groups in society.
Please note that the meeting discussed and agreed on the activities and modalities for organizing future consultations on the draft guidelines with journalists, vulnerable groups and relevant actors in the field of protecting the rights of women, children and persons with disabilities in Cambodia. This consultation meeting will be organized with the aim of listening to the voices, collecting ideas, opinions and inputs of all stakeholders, especially journalists, women, children and people with disabilities, to ensure that these guidelines respond to the common objectives and needs: to promote the protection of the rights of vulnerable groups and to promote the value of journalism, increasing trust in society.
