Press: Cambodian journalists receive training in reporting and child protection

Last week, five leading children's rights organizations collaborated to organize a specialized training workshop aimed at improving the skills of Cambodian journalists in safeguarding principles and child-sensitive reporting. This initiative aims to better protect children and vulnerable communities by promoting ethical media practices.

Illustration UNICEF

According to UNICEF Cambodia's press release, although there are guidelines for ethical and child-sensitive reporting, many journalists are unaware of the safeguarding principles, particularly when covering complex and sensitive issues involving children, adolescents and marginalized groups. Strengthening journalists' understanding and skills in these areas is essential to ensure that media coverage respects the dignity and rights of all individuals.

The training highlighted the importance of responsible reporting on topics such as violence, exploitation, legal disputes and social stigmatization. By putting children's best interests first, the media can avoid causing unintended harm and foster trust, empathy and social awareness.

"The media play a crucial role in shaping public perception and raising awareness. With this power comes responsibility. When it comes to children, young people and vulnerable populations, their safety, dignity and rights must never be compromised,” said Yi Kimthan, Acting Country Director of Plan International Cambodia, representing the coalition of Care International, Plan International Cambodia, Save the Children Cambodia, UNICEF Cambodia and World Vision International Cambodia.

The workshop focused in particular on issues affecting girls and young women, providing journalists and editors with practical tools for respectful reporting and protecting privacy. This effort marks an important step towards creating a media environment in Cambodia that promotes and protects children's rights, rather than jeopardizing them.

The press release calls on all media professionals to join forces with children's rights organizations to build a more responsible, inclusive and child-sensitive press that can contribute to positive social transformation.