PRESS STATEMENT The professional journalism charter is a legal milestone to protect journalists and built public trust in the media
Geneva, 17 September 2024— The Permanent Mission of Cambodia in Geneva
is perplexed by a misleading and prejudiced statement made by the human rights
experts dated 12 September 2024 concerning the issuance of the professional
journalism charter by the Ministry of Information and is compelled to offer clarification
as follows:
1.
The call for “suspension of professional journalism
charter” by the human rights experts shows contempt for the government’s efforts
to promote journalistic ethics and standards across all forms of media. The Charter serves as a national standard of practice, guiding
stakeholders to contribute to the development of democracy while upholding press
freedom and freedom of expression. It is a legal milestone that protects
journalists and builds public trust in the media.
2.
The allegation that the
Charter was issued without “comprehensive consultation” is unwarranted. The
Charter in fact was created based on comprehensive consultations and
evaluations with relevant stakeholders in the media sector, including over 300
journalists, media associations and relevant institutions. To ensure a
conducive environment for responsible journalism and promote press freedom,
comments by the media associations and relevant stakeholders were duly
considered and incorporated. The Charter was created by journalists and for
journalists, serving the interests of the profession and upholding public trust.
3.
Allegations that the Charter fails to incorporate a “public interest override” and to
properly establish the “main remedies” are completely misleading. Cambodia
cherishes freedom of press and media in line with the law. However, this freedom
cannot be extended to freedom of spreading fake news, disinformation,
malinformation and misinformation. The exercise of such freedoms must align
with the Constitution and the Press Law. Therefore, the Charter is formulated
to ensure the information security to better serve for the human rights’
purposes and to ensure the rights to access to the right and truth information.
4.
The issuance of the Charter was timely aimed at promoting order in the media
and strengthening journalism ethics. Amidst the rapid growth of over 2,000
registered media outlets, with more than 10,000 journalists, establishing clear
operational standards for journalistic ethics through rules and minimum
standards is crucial to promoting and protecting professional journalism and
public interest.
5.
Contrary to the assertion of
the human rights experts, Article 19(3) of the International Covenant on Civil
and Political Rights (ICCPR) emphasises that the exercise of freedom of
expression carries with its special duties, responsibilities and limitations as
prescribed by laws and are necessary to protect the rights of others, national
security, public order or morals. In line with the ICCPR, the Charter does not
infringe upon freedom of expression but creates a conducive environment for
responsible journalism and promoting press freedom.
6.
The call for the protection
and promotion of independent and free media and for law and policy reforms is
unwarranted. Freedom, independence and protection in line with the law are
guaranteed to all journalists in the Kingdom who operate ethically and
professionally. The adoption of the Charter underscores the commitment of the
government to foster an effective democratic system and to promote and uphold
professional responsibility across the media landscape. Nevertheless, to ensure
freedom of expression is protected while the right of others is preserved, the
exercise of this freedom should be remained within the ambit of laws.
The Permanent Mission of Cambodia in Geneva urges the experts to strictly
adhere to the Code of Conduct for Special Procedures Mandate-holders’ in fulfillment
of their functions, including making public statements that can be construed as
an interference in the domestic jurisdiction of Cambodia.