GENEVA (28 September 2016) – In a statement to the Human Rights Council today, Prof. Rhona Smith, Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Cambodia, delivered her findings from her last mission to the country in March of this year. Prof. Smith, in the statement, noted the progress made by the Government in regards to women’s rights, strengthening the organisation of the courts, and on voter registration. However, she also pointed out several areas requiring improvement, including the independence of the judiciary, freedom of expression, and rule of law. She also expressed concerns over the recent political turmoil in the country, particularly in light of the upcoming elections.
“The aspiration expressed in the preamble to the Paris Peace Accords twenty-five years ago,” Prof. Smith proclaims at the end of her statement, “‘to promote national reconciliation and to ensure the exercise of the right to self-determination of the Cambodian people through free and fair elections’, remains relevant today.” Read the full report in English and Khmer.