Date: April 26, 2024
Topic: Urging to ensure journalists’ safety, freedom of press, and access to information in various armed conflict ethnic areas and regions.
Some of the information included in the directives on media ethics issued by the Karenni State Interim Executive Council (IEC) on April 16, 2024, and on the news and information policy issued by the Karen National Union (KNU) on April 21, 2024, raised concerns among Myanmar news media and journalists. There is apprehension that these directives may pose threats to safety of journalists and the freedom of press.
The Independent Press Council Myanmar (IPCM), comprising independent news media entities including ethnic media houses, has engaged in informal discussions with relevant members of the organization regarding the current concerns raised by media workers.
As the Independent Press Council Myanmar (IPCM), we strongly advocate for the preservation and practice of media freedom values by relevant organizations striving for a federal democratic union.
Furthermore, IPCM is organizing a meeting with relevant organizations to clarify about the roles of the news media such as the nature of independent media, ethics, access to information and media regulation.
The Independent Press Council Myanmar (IPCM) encourages journalists to adhere to the code of conduct and has also developed a self-regulatory system.
Please be informed in advance that IPCM will publish the code of conduct that journalists should follow during the rapidly changing Myanmar political landscape on World Press Freedom Day 2024 on May 3, 2024.
