GENEVA (26 July 2019) – UN human rights experts* today called on the Cambodian authorities to release and drop charges against two men who were arrested in connection with activities marking the third anniversary of the murder of political analyst and social activist Kem Ley.

The UN experts also called on the Government to reverse the ongoing crackdown on civil society and the enjoyment of fundamental freedoms, and encourage the promotion of open discussions and debates as a way to reach sustainable development and lasting peace in Cambodia.

Read the full news release here.

(*) UN experts: Rhona Smith, Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Cambodia
​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​                        Clement Nyaletsossi Voule, Special Rapporteur on the right to peaceful assembly and association
                        David Kaye, Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression
                        Agnes Callamard, Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions
                        Michel Forst, Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders