Information Ministry challenges CCHR report on press freedom

Ministry of Information Undersecretary of State and Spokesman Tep Asnarith at an event. Ministry of Information

A spokesman for the Ministry of Information has challenged a recent report by the Cambodian Centre for Human Rights (CCHR) on press freedom and access to information, claiming it lacks scientific rigor and fails to reflect the current realities in Cambodia.

The Ministry argues that nearly 80% of journalists in the country report being fully free to practice their profession.

CCHR recently unveiled its comprehensive “Annual Report on the State of Freedom of Expression, Press Freedom, and Access to Information in Cambodia.” Developed under the FoEx (Sustaining Independent Media and Fundamental Freedoms in Cambodia) Project, the report offers an in-depth analysis of the state of these fundamental rights and the public’s ability to exercise them, covering the period from September 1, 2023 to August 31 this year.

Information Ministry’s Undersecretary of State and spokesman Tep Asnarith rejected claims in the CCHR report that press freedom and access to information in Cambodia are under attack. He asserted that the report lacks a sufficient scientific basis and does not fairly assess the judicial or legislative frameworks governing basic freedoms in the country.

Asnarith emphasised the Ministry’s commitment to advancing press freedom, freedom of expression, and human rights, stressing the need for collective involvement from all stakeholders. He stated that the promotion of these freedoms is not confined to any specific individual or group, but rather requires the active participation of all parties to ensure comprehensive, accurate, high-quality and trustworthy transparency.

Critiquing the methodology of the CCHR report, Asnarith said, “The report does not reflect the common values of promoting rights and freedoms, including the value of participation and the information used, if we examine and evaluate scientific principles and bases for this type of study.”

He added that the report relies on information from external organisations without thoroughly weighing the legal contexts of the incidents it cites.

Asnarith also questioned the transparency and objectivity of the report, arguing that it selectively evaluates situations to support a predetermined agenda.

“Extracting the case of the incident and taking all these aspects to evaluate is considered a violation of the rights of the press. The assessment is not yet accurate enough to convince the relevant characters and the people because there is still a lack of transparency, lack of position, and common values,” he said.

The spokesman emphasised that press freedom in Cambodia is essential for the country’s socio-economic development and is protected under the Constitution, the Law on the Freedom of the Press, and other legal frameworks.

“Contrary to what is stated in the report, press freedom has been guaranteed by the Constitution and related regulations,” Annarith said, highlighting the government’s commitment to upholding these freedoms.

Asnarith cited findings from a separate Cambodian study conducted in 2024, which showed that 79.8% of participants believed press freedom in Cambodia is strong.

“Nearly 80% of journalists claim that they are completely free to engage in journalism, with the convenience of gathering information from various sources for writing, production, and dissemination of information freely, adhering to correct professional ethics under the law and without any restrictions or harassment,” he added.

The Ministry reiterated its commitment to ensuring press freedom and called for more objective and scientifically grounded studies on the matter to accurately reflect the realities of journalism in Cambodia.

The Ministry of Information has recorded nearly 2,000 media entities and 26 officially registered media associations. To date, the Ministry has issued over 8,000 media ID cards to journalists, ensuring their legitimacy in professional work.

In the first half of 2024, the Ministry provided legal protection to properly registered journalists facing challenges while performing their duties. It facilitated the resolution of 20 disputes and issues and supported the provision of defence attorneys in several ongoing cases during the third quarter of 2024. Additionally, the Ministry addressed 17 cases involving professional errors by offering education and guidance on adhering to ethical and journalistic standards.