Chiang Mai – The Independent Press Council of Myanmar (IPCM) was established yesterday on World Press Free day with Myanmar journalists in exile and their international colleagues in attendance.
IPCM will be the first media regulation group in exile in Asia with members from all independent media outlets both inside and outside Myanmar.
Nan Paw Gay, Chair of IPCM, stated at the historic gathering that their journalists are highly skilled, especially in reporting the country’s military conflict.
She restated that their safety and access to reliable information are crucial in this effort.
The gathering yesterday also reviewed the initial version of a comprehensive Code of Conduct for Myanmar journalists. The document will undergo a consultative process before the end of the year.
Ko Ko Zaw, Vice Chair of the IPCM, pointed out that their goal is to address a significant gap in Myanmar media by enhancing its professional standards, promoting good journalism, and ensuring the safety of individual journalists and their media organizations.
After the coup in February 2021, at least 52 journalists are still imprisoned, and 19 media houses have had their media licenses revoked while operating within Myanmar.
IPCM also recognizes the efforts of all ethnic armed groups to ensure media safety in their respective areas, according to Toe Zaw Latt, General Secretary of IPCM. He added that the council shall assess their responses to media based on the principles of press freedom to guarantee access to information and safety of journalists in those areas.
To expand the IPCM networks and contacts, it has established five sub-working committees—safety and protection mechanisms, outreach, communications, sustainability, and code of conduct.
