Phnom penh: Cambodia's Ministry of Information has urged journalists to strengthen their professional ethics and improve their understanding of the legal frameworks governing the media sector 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 September 8.

According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, H.E. Tep Asnarith emphasized the need for journalists to deepen their research into relevant laws, professional codes of ethics, and legal instruments related to journalism and information reporting. The spokesperson highlighted that a strong grasp of legal and ethical standards is crucial to ensure that news production and dissemination do not infringe upon the rights of individuals, particularly children, women, older people, and persons with disabilities.

H.E. Tep Asnarith reiterated the importance of adhering to the law, social ethics, and media norms. He stressed that these are primary obligations to ensure that media coverage does not violate the rights, honour, and dignity of vulnerable groups. He cautioned against making these groups 'additional or double victims' due to reporting or content.

The spokesperson warned against 'double victimisation,' where vulnerable individuals who have suffered harm could face further emotional, social, or reputational damage due to media coverage. He underscored that respecting the law, social ethics, and professional standards is a fundamental responsibility of journalists, aiming to protect the rights, dignity, and reputation of vulnerable people.

To support these efforts, the Ministry of Information has introduced a Professional Journalism Charter. This charter serves as a foundational guide for media associations and journalists, aiming to enhance the quality and credibility of journalism while reducing the risk of serious legal consequences from irresponsible reporting.