HRC57 - Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on Cambodia

UNITED NATIONS HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL

57th session

Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on Cambodia

7 October 2024

EU statement

Mr. Special Rapporteur,

Thank you for presenting the report. We welcome it’s focus on recent elections and women’s rights.

The EU appreciates Cambodia’s continued cooperation with the Human Rights mechanisms and emphasizes the crucial role of the Special Rapporteur in monitoring the human rights situation in the country. We also welcome the progress the country has made on some aspects of economic, social and cultural rights and gender equality.

However, the EU remains concerned about the continuous constraints on the implementation of civil and political rights. We condemn the detention, prosecution and imprisonment of dozens of political dissidents, human rights and environmental activists. Journalists, members of the opposition and of non-governmental organizations and labour rights groups that criticize the authorities are still being harassed. Just last week, a renowned Cambodian journalist, Mech Dara, was arrested and charged with “incitement” for social media posts. We call on the Government of Cambodia to expeditiously release persons detained for political reasons and to open up the space for political pluralization and inclusivity.

We urge the Government to take further steps to increase women’s representation in politics including on all top ministry positions, in the legal system and law enforcement. We call on the Government to respect, protect and fulfil all human rights and fundamental freedoms for all without discrimination.

Mr. Special Rapporteur, the EU supports Cambodia in various efforts including education and women’s empowerment. How can the international community better support Cambodia to advance the implementation of the 20 Benchmarks identified in your reports?