A/HRC/13/56
379. Sri Lanka noted that Cambodia was building a strong democracy that promoted and
protected civil and political rights, and expressed appreciation for its significant efforts
towards the eradication of poverty. It noted that this achievement was particularly important
in the context of a country on the road to peacebuilding and national reconciliation. Sri
Lanka believed the recommendations made at the universal periodic review would enable
Cambodia to further its efforts. It commended the ongoing preparation of laws essential to
enhancing the rule of law and democracy and Cambodia’s commitment to establish an
independent human rights institution.
380. The United States of America expressed appreciation for the establishment of the
Extraordinary Chambers as well as of a national torture prevention mechanism. Expressing
support for Cambodia’s cooperation with the United Nations in establishing a programme
to combat trafficking and sexual abuse, it remained concerned about the well-being of
children, particularly with respect to the worst forms of child labour. The United States
reiterated the recommendations made in the Working Group relating to child labour,
workers’ freedom of association, freedom of expression and the inclusion of women in the
political process.
381. China noted that the Government of Cambodia had prioritized economic progress
and social development, and had achieved important visible progress in protecting
economic, social and cultural rights and the right to development. It also cited the
establishment of many mechanisms to promote and protect human rights. China noted that
Cambodia had accepted virtually all the recommendations and urged the international
community to continue to supply financial and technical assistance to the country.
3.
General comments made by other relevant stakeholders
382. The International Federation for Human Rights Leagues regretted that several
recommendations made to Cambodia were of a general and vague nature. It expressed
concern that at least 150,000 Cambodians lived under the threat of forced eviction,
supporting recommendations for a moratorium on evictions until fair and transparent
mechanisms to resolve land disputes and issue land titles were put in place. It noted that
human rights defenders continued to face harassment and intimidation and increasing
restrictions on the right to freedom of expression and assembly were imposed by the Law
on Demonstrations. It highlighted concerns about ongoing political interference and
allegations of corruption in the judiciary, noting that the lack of independence further
eroded access to justice and perpetuated a culture of impunity. It urged Cambodia to take
concrete measures to implement the universal periodic review recommendations.
383. The World Association for the School as an Instrument of Peace, citing
recommendations made, called on Cambodia to abide strictly by international standards of
justice, particularly respect for the independence of the Extraordinary Chambers by
facilitating its prosecution of perpetrators of crimes of genocide. It urged Cambodia to
protect the rights of vulnerable people, notably through the equal distribution of wealth, and
to reform the immigration law to preserve the fundamental rights of the Khmer people. It
underlined the need to protect freedom of expression in conformity with international
standards, noting recommendations that urged the Government to respect the 1991 Paris
Peace Agreement on Cambodia. It urged the international community, particularly donor
countries and signatory countries to the Paris Peace Agreement, to hold the Government of
Cambodia to account for pledges made.
384. The Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development sought clarification on
Cambodia’s reservations to the recommendations. It urged the Government to widely
disseminate the universal periodic review report and take genuine steps to engage with civil
society organizations in the follow-up. It noted the recent crackdown in Dangkor District,
Phnom Penh, on 1 March 2010, against demonstrators protesting against the alleged seizure
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