Press freedom and journalists’ safety are the lifeline to peace, development, and sustainability

The consultation was attended by more than 150 participants, including government officials, diplomatic community, United Nations representatives, international and regional experts, civil society organisations, media and journalists, academics, and youth. The consultation aimed at a) raising awareness about the freedom of the press in light of international human rights obligations of Cambodia, b) creating a space for authorities and stakeholders to discuss challenges to the freedom of the press and opportunities to comply with international human rights obligations, and c) highlighting the safety mechanisms and measures implemented by Cambodian authorities to address the gaps and challenges.

The consultation included two panel discussions focusing on a) the role of parliament and judiciary in safeguarding and advancing the freedom of the press, b) the role of State institutions and law enforcement agencies in protecting and promoting the freedom of the press in its three key aspects: freedom of expression, safety of journalists, and access to information. These topics have created a unique opportunity for State authorities and civil society representatives to exchange their experiences, address challenges, and explore avenues for enhanced cooperation, coordination, and concerted efforts in upholding the freedom of the press. This endeavour aligns with the provisions outlined in the Cambodian Constitution and adheres to international human rights standards.

Addressing the closing ceremony, Roueida El Hage, Country Representative of the United Nations Human Rights Office, she stated that “together with the stakeholders, we should continue to strengthen efforts to raise awareness about the rights to freedom of opinion and expression under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), take all necessary measures to prevent threats, harassment, intimidation, violence against journalists, or arbitrary restrictions on journalists in the exercise of their profession, and create an environment conducive to the exercise of the right."

“On this International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists, let us recall how much the journalists need to work with confidence, independence and protection to carry out their mission. Those who attack them must also be systematically held to account and brought to justice. Any action aimed at undermining these imperatives jeopardizes not only the safety of journalists, but also the access of the public to reliable information, which is a prerequisite for peace and progress in our societies,” Mikel Aguirre Idiaques relayed the message of the UNESCO Director General Audrey Azoulay.

The organisers shared the outcomes of the two panel discussions as follows:

• Allow and create an enabling environment for the exercise of the right to freedom of expression, pursuant to ICCPR, and adopt laws or other measures, or review and revise existing ones, relating to freedom of expression online and offline, to ensure that they are fully aligned with international human rights obligations.
• Restrictions to freedom of expression should adhere strictly to the principles of legality, necessity, proportionality and legitimate aim.
• Investigate promptly, effectively, impartially and independently attacks against journalists reported in their jurisdictions.
• Continue to strengthen efforts to raise awareness about the rights to freedom of opinion and expression pursuant to ICCPR, particularly among judges, prosecutors, lawyers and the general public.
• Take all necessary measures to prevent threats, harassment, intimidation, violence against journalists, or arbitrary restrictions on journalists in the exercise of their profession.
• Prioritize the United Nations Plan of Action on the Safety of Journalists and the Issue of Impunity, putting in place a national mechanism to ensure the safety of journalist and media workers, and include a gender perspective when conducting risk analyses to define protection measures for journalists.

The United Nations Human Rights Office and UNESCO Cambodia are dedicated to supporting Cambodia in meeting its international human rights obligations and addressing obstacles to ensuring the right to freedom of expression, freedom of access to information, and the safety and security of journalists. They also aim to support journalists, media outlets, and civil society organisations in achieving the high standards of reporting necessary to create a more peaceful, progressing, and inclusive society based on the theme of the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights: Freedom, Equality and Justice for All.