The Working Group for Press Freedom has co-organised a two-week campaign with the theme “Information as a Public Good” on social media to promote and highlight the importance of the freedom of the press and urge the public’s participation.

In a press release, the working group – comprising 13 journalists' associations and civil society organisations – said the campaign will begin from April 26 to May 10 to celebrate World Press Freedom Day 2021.

The press release said that during the campaign, people will post short messages about information as a public good, post videos of the roles of journalists and the media, Facebook profile photo frames, and radio and social media talks of topics concerning journalists.

On May 3, the topic “Press Freedom and improved cooperation” will be presented with speakers from relevant ministries and institutions as well as representatives of national and international organisations working in the information field in attendance.

Nop Vy, executive director of the Cambodian Journalist Alliance, who is also a representative of the working group, said: “Journalists have an especially important role in a democratic society, especially in Cambodia during Covid-19. It needs journalists whose role is reporting accurate and timely news for citizens.”

He added that the celebration of the day was important for all citizens to promote freedom of the press and provide value to journalists.

Ith Sothoeut, representative of the working group and acting director of the Cambodian Centre for Independent Media, said all relevant parties, especially the government, need to guarantee journalists’ safety so that they could exercise their rights and freedoms to report the news.

“We could report offences such as problems of inaction happening in society for the public interest and guarantee access to information to all Cambodian citizens without fear,” he said.