NGOs urge UN action on human rights
Phnom Penh Post | 22 August 2016
Twelve NGOs have issued an open letter to the UN Human Rights
Council urging it to adopt a strong resolution on what they term the
grave deterioration of the human rights situation in Cambodia.
With UN Special Rapporteur on Cambodia Rhona Smith due to present her
findings to the council at its 33rd session next month, the 12
signatories (including Human Rights Watch, Lichadho and Adhoc) have
requested the council to call on the government to release political
prisoners; repeal the NGO, trade union and telecommunications laws,
which they say fall short of international standards; and put an end to
“serious violations” of human rights.
The letter also asks that Smith – who recently came under criticism for her perceived inaction – be requested to conduct an assessment of Cambodia’s implementation of rights reforms recommended by UN bodies.
“We do hope that states will now collectively send a message to the
Cambodian government that it will not be allowed to destroy the last
remnants of the Paris Peace Agreements,” Agostini said.
Government spokesman Phay Siphan said Cambodia is unlikely to heed
any such resolution, declaring sovereignty to be more important than any
rights conventions.
Can't rely on Rhona Smith, she is afraid of Hun San.
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