AKP Phnom Penh, September 9, 2026 --

Cambodia’s Ministry of Information has called on journalists to strengthen their professional ethics and improve their understanding of laws and legal regulations governing the media sector in order to better protect the rights and dignity of vulnerable groups.

The call was made by Undersecretary of State and Spokesperson for the Ministry of Information H.E. Tep Asnarith during a preparatory meeting for a workshop on “Reporting to Promote the Rights of Vulnerable Groups,” held at the Ministry on Sept. 8.

H.E. Tep Asnarith urged journalists to conduct further research into relevant laws, professional codes of ethics and legal instruments related to journalism and information reporting.

The spokesperson stressed that stronger knowledge of legal and ethical standards is essential to ensure that the production and dissemination of news does not infringe upon the rights of others, particularly children, women, older people and persons with disabilities.

"Adherence to the law, social ethics, and media norms is a primary obligation to ensure that all media coverage does not violate the rights, honour, and dignity of vulnerable groups, especially by strictly avoiding making them additional or double victims due to its reporting or content,” he said.

The spokesperson emphasised that respecting the law, social ethics and professional standards for news reporting is a fundamental responsibility of journalists. Media reports should protect the rights, dignity and reputation of vulnerable people and avoid causing them to become victims again as a result of media coverage.

H.E. Tep Asnarith warned in particular against “double victimisation,” whereby vulnerable individuals who have already suffered harm could face further emotional, social or reputational harm because of the way their cases are reported or presented in media content.

The Ministry of Information has also introduced a Professional Journalism Charter as an important foundation for media ethics. The charter is intended to guide media associations and journalists in carrying out their professional duties, improving the quality and credibility of journalism, and reducing the risk of serious legal consequences arising from irresponsible reporting.

By Heng Panha