Minister of Information H.E. Khieu Kanharith said the Royal Government of Cambodia (RGC) is always committed to improving the respect of press freedom and freedom of expression as enshrined in the Constitution of the Kingdom of Cambodia.

Addressing to the opening ceremony of the First National Media Development Conference held here this morning, H.E. Khieu Kanharith said the RGC always pays attention to maintaining a good working environment for the media and broadcasting industry in Cambodia by ensuring the respect for press freedom without discrimination, intimidation and political tendencies.

“In addition, the RGC always considers journalists as an indispensable partner in reflecting all aspects of social reality and in contributing to fighting against corruption, boosting judicial and legal reform and public administration reform with an aim to strengthen good governance in order to better promote democracy, the rule of law, peace and sustainable social development,” he stressed.

H.E. Minister said with these factors, the number of media outlets in Cambodia, especially the new media and the number of journalists are increasing from year to year and the journalists are carrying out their duties and missions throughout the country freely and without fear.

Measures against some media outlets has been taken because they have violated existing laws and the rights and freedoms of others, which is unethical and unprofessional, H.E. Khieu Kanharith underlined.

For his part, Mr. Sardar Umar Alam, UNESCO Representative to Cambodia said a free, independent, and diverse media is a prerequisite for strong and transparent institutions, and a key factor in upholding the rights of the people and ensuring that citizens can fully engage and participate in their society.

“However, with the emerging global dynamics, attributed by rapid digitalisation, increased control on information flow, and increase in geopolitical tensions and political polarisation, we all face high stakes if joint innovative efforts are not effectively mobilised to address these challenges, and foster a resilient media development sector which acts as a bedrock for a democratic society,” he continued.

For her end, Ms. Susanna Elmberger, Programme Officer for Human Rights, Democracy and Rule of Law, Embassy of Sweden Section Office in Phnom Penh, highlighted the Government of Sweden’s commitment to the promotion of freedom of expression and access to information.

In recent years, she said, Sweden has been working with national and international partners in Cambodia, including UNESCO and OHCHR, assisting in the development of a national access to information law, supporting independent media organisations, promoting the Safety of Journalists, and supporting the country in fulfilling its Human Rights commitments.

Source: Agency Kampuchea Press