May 3, 2024.
Chiang Mai, May 03 – The Independent Press Council of Myanmar (IPCM), media regulatory mechanism in exile was launched on World Press Freedom Day in Chiang Mai, Thailand in the presence of Myanmar and international media representatives.
Being Asia’s first ever media regulating body in exile, IPCM will function based on self-regulation and has already mobilized almost all independent media outlets both inside and outside Myanmar.
“We need to ensure our media and journalists are professional especially in reporting the country’s military conflict,” said Nan Paw Gay, Chairperson of IPCM addressing the gathering. Their safety and access to reliable information is the key in this endeavor, she added.
First draft of a comprehensive Code of Conduct for Myanmar journalists by IPCM was launched at the event and the document is expected to go through a wider consultative process which will be in place before the end of this year.
“Our effort is to fill a major vacuum for Myanmar media in upgrading its professional standards. We will make all our efforts to promote good journalism while ensuring safety of individual journalist and media organization as well,” said Ko Ko Zaw, Vice Chairperson of the IPCM.
The Junta regime in Myanmar, since its coup on Feb 01, 2021, has arrested at least 52 journalists are still in jail. At least 19 media houses revoked media licenses operating in inside Myanmar.
“IPCM acknowledges the efforts of all of ethnic armed groups in their efforts to ensure safety of the media in their respective areas and shall evaluate their responses to media based on the concept of freedom of the press in order to ensure access to information and safety of journalists in those regions,” said Toe Zaw Latt, General Secretary of IPCM. “We will start talking to all parties concerned in ensuring safety of media, except the junta,” he added.
IPCM intends to establish contacts with its like-minded organizations in Southeast Asia and will commence a comprehensive networking process within this year. It has already set up five sub working committees on safety and protection mechanisms, outreach, communications, sustainability, and code of conduct COC committee.
The Independent Press Council Myanmar (IPCM)
Contact –
Nan Pawt Gay (Chairperson) – 0926067631
Toe Zaw Latt (Secretary) – 0806834240
