AKP Phnom Penh, April 23, 2026 -- Inter-ministerial experts met this morning at the Ministry of Information to review a draft set of guidelines on reporting information aimed at protecting the rights of vulnerable groups, including women, children, and persons with disabilities.

The meeting was chaired by H.E. Tep Asnarith, Under-Secretary of State and Spokesperson for the Ministry of Information, and attended by 40 participants from six relevant ministries.

The participating ministries included the Ministry of Women’s Affairs, Ministry of Social Affairs, Veterans and Youth Rehabilitation, Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications, Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports, Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts, and Ministry of Cults and Religion.

The discussion focused on reviewing a draft guideline on media reporting designed to safeguard the rights, dignity, and privacy of vulnerable groups. The initiative seeks to reinforce professional ethics among journalists and media practitioners across both traditional and digital platforms.

Speaking at the meeting, H.E. Tep Asnarith said this guideline would serve as an important framework to guide responsible journalism. 

Any reporting on sensitive issues such as violence, sexual abuse, and accidents must adhere to strict ethical standards, including obtaining prior consent and protecting the identity of victims, he said. 

The meeting also highlighted the importance of using inclusive and respectful language, urging journalists to avoid discriminatory, stigmatising, or sensational expressions. The draft guideline includes a set of clear “Dos and Don’ts,” notably prohibiting the exploitation of victims’ stories or images for commercial purposes.

This guideline also drafted with input from international partners such as Plan International Cambodia, Save the Children, World Vision, UNICEF, and CARE.  

By Heng Panha