A/HRC/12/40 page 4 III. THE NATURE AND SCOPE OF THE FIRST MISSION 6. During my first visit of the country, I was made aware of the positive developments that have taken place since 1979 in general and since 1993 in particular, including stability after many years of conflict, economic growth and the holding of regular elections, including the one that took place in July 2008, which was peaceful. I took the opportunity to underline that the challenge for a country such as Cambodia was to continue with the process of reconstruction, reform and democratization with the degree of seriousness and sincerity required to implement the provisions of international human rights treaties, most of which embody universal values and which are part of Cambodian law. In this context, I was pleased to note that there was a willingness on the part of the authorities to acknowledge shortcomings and engage in a meaningful and constructive dialogue with me concerning change and reform. 7. During my meetings with the senior members of the Government, I outlined the desirability of fostering an environment of cooperation with the civil society sector, which has a crucial role in scrutinizing governmental actions and outlining the shortcomings, in an objective, impartial and non-partisan way. In a society still in transition the civil society has a great contribution to make in so many areas of activity to complement Government’s action, maximize the potential of the people of Cambodia and realize the enjoyment of their human rights. 8. I stressed that by joining the United Nations and ratifying so many international human rights treaties Cambodia undertook to implement human rights standards and accepted the notion that the human rights situation in every country is the legitimate concern of the international community. I was reassured by the Government’s receptivity to ideas and its commitment to work with my mandate in promoting human rights in the months and years ahead so that tangible benefits could be achieved for the protection of these rights in the country. 9. However, as of the time of writing this report, I had not received a response to my request from the Government concerning the priority areas for dialogue that could form the basis for a programme of action. Since returning from my mission to the country, I have joined a number of other special procedures mandate holders in expressing concern about the reported instances of lawsuits against the opposition party leaders brought by the Government and requested further information about such cases. The Government has not yet responded. IV. INITIAL OBSERVATIONS BASED ON THE FIRST MISSION A. Major achievements made by Cambodia 10. Cambodia is a country which still is coming to terms with a tragic past, and the progress made thus far is encouraging. The legal, institutional and political systems had to be rebuilt effectively from scratch when the country began to pull itself together after 1979. In recent years, the country has experienced improved political stability which has allowed rapid economic development, thereby bringing more people out of poverty and into a position to better enjoy their economic, social and cultural rights. 11. There have been periodic ballots to elect the Government. The latest general election, which was peaceful, took place in July 2008. There are several opposition parties in parliament.