AKP Phnom Penh, March 27, 2026 -- The Ministry of Information is in an effort to develop a comprehensive guideline on ethical news reporting, aimed at safeguarding the rights and dignity of women, children, and vulnerable groups in Cambodia.

Speaking at a meeting on Mar. 25, H.E. Tep Asnarith, Under Secretary of State and Spokesperson for the Ministry, emphasised the importance of promoting professionalism in journalism, particularly in the digital era, when the content can spread rapidly across different platforms.

The meeting, held at the Ministry, brought together senior officials, technical experts, and representatives from international partner organisations, including Plan International Cambodia, Save the Children Cambodia, World Vision International, UNICEF Cambodia, and CARE.

According to the Spokesperson, this guideline is being developed based on Cambodia’s Constitution, the Press Law, journalism codes of conduct, and relevant national and international legal frameworks. 

Once this guideline is finalised, it will serve as a practical framework for journalists, helping them produce accurate, responsible, and ethical reporting, especially when covering sensitive issues involving vulnerable people, he said.

The initiative aligns with the Ministry’s priority under its seventh-mandate strategic plan to strengthen media governance and professionalism in Cambodia. It also reflects growing collaboration between the government and international partners to enhance standards in the information and audiovisual sectors.

H.E. Tep Asnarith stressed that adherence to ethical standards not only improves public trust in the media but also offers legal protection to journalists against potential lawsuits or accusations.

The spokesperson further called on journalists, digital content creators, and social media users to uphold ethical principles, respect others’ rights, and share information responsibly. He emphasised that true journalism requires not only technical skills but also integrity, compassion, and a strong sense of professional responsibility in serving the public interest.

By Heng Panha