United Nations Human Rights Council

54^th session

Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on Cambodia

9 October 2023

EU Intervention

Mr. Special Rapporteur,

Thank you for your work and for presenting the report.

The EU appreciates Cambodia’s cooperation with the Human Rights mechanisms. The role of the Special Rapporteur remains vital in monitoring the situation on the ground.

The EU is concerned by the human rights situation in Cambodia, including reports of continuous intimidations, attacks, unjustified arrests and prosecutions of human rights defenders, journalists and media personnel, political dissidents, trade unionists and others seen as opponents to the authorities. The arbitrary revocation of the media license of the Voice of Democracy exemplifies the increasing constraints on independent media.

The EU condemns the human rights violations and severe restrictions of the civic and political space perpetrated in the context of the July 2023 general elections. We deplore the government’s disqualification of the main opposition party, the Candlelight Party, and the sentencing of the leading opposition figure Kem Sokha to 27 years of prison including a ban on the exercise of his political rights. We call on the government of Cambodia to respect, protect and fulfil all human rights and fundamental freedoms without discrimination. We are ready to work with the new Government in Cambodia in advancing human rights and democratic standards

Mr. Special Rapporteur, how could we encourage Cambodia to advance the implementation of the 20 Benchmarks identified in your previous report?

Thank you.