A/HRC/13/56
of their farmland. Legitimate activities of human rights defenders were also obstructed
when monitors from human rights groups had had their cameras confiscated and all photo
evidence deleted. The Forum echoed the recommendations to implement fully the 2001
Land Law and institute a moratorium on evictions until safeguards, such as prior
consultation, full compensation and access to basic services and infrastructure in relocation
areas, could be guaranteed.
385. Interfaith International welcomed Cambodia’s efforts to update its treaty body
reports, encouraging the Government to abide by its commitments to systematically
eliminate discrimination against indigenous groups and minorities. It urged Cambodia to
ensure adherence to international standards on asylum procedures, urging that immediate
attention be paid to the forced repatriation of Khmer Krom, who faced arbitrary arrest and
torture. Interfaith noted that the Khmer Krom, upon arrival from a neighbouring country
into Cambodia, were treated neither as citizens nor as refugees, rarely granted identity
papers, forced to change their names and asked to provide impossible documentation such
as Cambodian birth certificates. The situation was compounded by widespread corruption.
Without identity papers, the Khmer Krom were in legal limbo. Interfaith also expressed
concern about the deportation in December 2009 of 20 Uyghur asylum-seekers, identified
as persons of concern by UNHCR. Their location and well-being remained unknown.
386. Lawyers’ Rights Watch expressed concern about reports of political interference and
corruption in courts, and that advocates representing villagers in land rights cases had been
targeted with threats, harassment and defamation charges. It called for the implementation
of recommendations for judicial and legal reform to address impunity and guarantee
independence. It underscored the recommendation to ensure protection for human rights
defenders and lawyers working on land rights. It urged Cambodia to observe fully the
Declaration on Human Rights Defenders, and to take steps to ensure that lawyers are not
subject to inappropriate influence or corruption, and the Bar Association is protected from
interference. It also urged Cambodia to implement the Basic Principles on the Role of
Lawyers, and to accept requests for visit by the Special Rapporteur on the independence of
judges and lawyers.
387. The International Commission of Jurists called for prompt action to implement
recommendations. It expressed grave concern at the persistent reports of the improper use
of legal processes by the executive to arbitrarily restrict freedom of expression and
intimidate political opponents, particularly from the Sam Rainsy Party, journalists, human
rights defenders and lawyers. It expressed concern that the Government undermined
judicial and legal independence, noting reports of corruption and improper exercise of
political influence over the judiciary, including in cases relating to forced evictions without
appropriate compensation. It cited similar concerns relating to the Extraordinary Chambers
and endorsed recommendations made in this regard. The Commission called upon the
Government to respect the rights to freedom of expression, assembly and association of
political opponents, journalists, lawyers and human rights defenders and to ensure their
safety.
388. Franciscans International appreciated Cambodia’s commitment to persons with
disabilities, to endorsing the recommendation to ratify the Convention on the Rights of
Persons with Disabilities and to ensure its full implementation in domestic law, and to
protect the rights of vulnerable people, including children with disabilities, to provide them
with the same educational opportunities as others. It noted Cambodia’s recognition of the
importance of education as a major tool for national development of human resources and
its ambitions in this regard, and stressed that children with disabilities must not be left out
of these strategies. It recommended giving priority to children with disabilities in such
strategies, suggesting initiatives for teacher training, especially in rural and remote areas,
and to ensure that all schools provide proper resources that cater for special needs. It further
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