Media for Human Rights
Human Rights for Media

PRESS RELEASE

Freedom of Information in Cambodia: Perception and Knowledge

A research study in Cambodia shows the need to adopt a freedom of information law

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Phnom Penh, May 2, 2012. “We have right to access public information and the public bodies should be obliged to publish such information,” said most of the respondents.

Almost 20 years after the adoption of the Cambodian Constitution in 1993, free access to information in Cambodia has not yet been achieved and there is no law or mechanism to guarantee such a freedom. “It is time to adopt a FREEDOM OF INFORMATION LAW,” Said PA, Nguon Teang, Executive Director of Cambodian Center for Independent Media (CCIM).

Today, Cambodian Center for Independent Media releases the findings of the research study it commissioned from October 2011 to January 2012 on access to information. The study was conducted by using qualitative and quantitative methods. These included 30 key informant interviews, six focus group discussions, and a large-scale survey of general citizens of 1,522 in four provinces in Cambodia-Takeo, Kampong Speu, Prey Veng, and Phnom Penh Municipality. Based on the key findings, CCIM will submit the following four recommendations to the key government official policy makers:

1. Public information and the right to access such information should be well defined and guaranteed by law, whose development should be widely consulted with civil society and the general public at the community, sub-national and national levels.
2. Mechanisms and tolls to access information, such as means and procedures for accessing information, should be developed with meaningful involvement of relevant stakeholders. The nation congress should enact a constitutional law and strengthen or create mechanisms for obtaining such information.
3. Further research on freedom of information and freedom of expression should be conducted. Moreover, the Cambodian Ministry of Planning should consider including questions relate to freedom of information or access to information on future national surveys.
4. On- going discussion to raise awareness about freedom of information and public information should be engaged at various levels of society.

For more information, please contact:

Mr. PA, Nguon Teang, Executive Director

Cambodian Center for Independent Media

Tel: 060 409 999

Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Website: www.ccimcambodia.org