A/HRC/21/35
documenting human rights violations for activists defending the rights of persons with
disabilities. Lastly, in June 2012, OHCHR, together with the Cambodia Human Rights
Committee, the Cambodian Human Rights and Development Association and the Samreth
Law Group conducted a training session with members of the Cambodia Human Rights
Committee, the Senate, the National Assembly and civil servants from the Anti-corruption
and Anti-terrorism Units of the Government. In total, more than 170 human rights activists
and 18 State officials benefitted from the training sessions.
20.
Raising awareness of citizens’ rights to assemble and express peacefully their views
is also an important part of the OHCHR training programme. Together with the East-West
Management Institute, the Office conducted training with human rights defenders from
communities, non-governmental organizations and trade unions, on the Law on Peaceful
Demonstrations and its implementation guide. Training was in Phnom Penh in November
and December 2011, in Sihanoukville in December 2011, in Siem Reap in April 2012 and
in Kratie in June 2012. In addition, in collaboration with the Cambodian Labour
Confederation, OHCHR held a one-day workshop in Sihanoukville in December 2011,
attended by more than 400 human rights activists and trade unionists.
21.
The Office continued to cooperate with the Ministry of the Interior in raising
awareness among civil servants on how to apply the Law on Peaceful Demonstrations in a
manner consistent with the country’s international human rights obligations. Cooperation
included the finalization of a joint “training of trainers” manual, to be used in the training of
civil servants at the subnational level during the upcoming reporting period. OHCHR noted
a degree of uncertainty among civil servants working at the provincial and district levels
with regard to the application of the law. This resulted in several activities planned by
communities for the celebration of Human Rights Day in 2011, monitored by OHCHR,
being disrupted or cancelled. Of further concern is the fact that, in certain instances,
authorities continue to use instructions issued by the Ministry of the Interior prior to the
entry into force of the law to prevent citizens from assembling peacefully to discuss
politically contentious issues. OHCHR hopes that further dissemination of the law and its
implementation guide with the Ministry of the Interior and the East-West Management
Institute, as well as advocacy by OHCHR, will help to dispel any uncertainty surrounding
the application of the Law.
22.
Protecting and promoting the right of access to information and ensuring press
freedom continue to be concerns in Cambodia. Despite early progress in assisting the
Government to formulate an access to information law compliant with international human
rights standards, OHCHR has had little to no involvement in the Government’s drafting
process since 2007. At the time of reporting, a member of the opposition party had tabled a
draft law that was being reviewed by the Parliament. At the same time, several key
stakeholders from within and outside of Government continue to acknowledge that an
independent press is an important cornerstone of democracy in Cambodia. OHCHR worked
with several of these stakeholders (including journalists and journalist associations, United
Nations entities, non-governmental organizations and donors) on ways to improve the
professional ethics of journalists and the protection of their profession. This included
participating in a community radio training initiative organized by the United Nations
Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and the Cambodian Centre
for Independent Media, in Mondulkiri province, in October 2011. Again, in partnership
with UNESCO, and together with seven national media and press associations, OHCHR
commemorated World Press Freedom Day on 3 May 2012, focusing on the promotion of
responsible journalism in Cambodia. The event was attended by representatives of the
Government and United Nations agencies, and more than 130 journalists, media persons
and university students.
7
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