A/HRC/33/62 society is shown by the comparative lack of significant progress in attaining indicators and targets on child labour and malnutrition, gender equality, basic sanitation and environmental sustainability (particularly in rural areas). Growing income disparities render those just above the poverty threshold particularly vulnerable. Looking forward, the Government has indicated that initial strategies for addressing the Sustainable Development Goals will be concluded by the end of 2016. 6. During the period under review, a number of laws adopted, and others apparently being drafted, will and may have implications for the protection and promotion of human rights. There has also been a raft of arrests, detentions, charges and convictions against members of political parties and civil society. Viewed together, these developments suggest that the law is increasingly being used to restrict the democratic space in the country. 7. The political situation has implications for the protection and promotion of all human rights in the country. The period under review began with the agreement on a “culture of dialogue” between the Cambodian People’s Party (CPP), the ruling party, and the Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP), the largest opposition party, in effect but under stress. On 22 October 2015, two members of the CNRP were attacked by a large crowd just outside the gate of the National Assembly. In May 2016, three men identified in court as members of the Prime Minister’s bodyguard unit were convicted on related charges.2 Several senior members of the CNRP, including Members of Parliament who had had their parliamentary immunity revoked, had charges brought against them or have cases pending: CNRP President Sam Rainsy left Cambodia in 2015 and remains overseas following the resurrection of historic cases against him; charges of defamation or attempts to bribe a witness have been lodged against CNRP Vice President Kem Sokha and members of civil society (also against a United Nations human rights official); 3 and a CNRP-nominated member of the National Election Committee may yet face trial in connection with a demonstration held on 15 July 2014. 4 In its decision of 23 March 2016 on five cases concerning 12 CNRP parliamentarians, the Governing Council of the InterParliamentary Union noted the “deteriorating political situation” in Cambodia. 8. The CNRP has withdrawn its participation in the National Assembly on several occasions, and relations between political parties have been tense. Such a situation has implications for the legislative process at a time when many important laws that have an impact on human rights are scheduled for discussion. Although the commune/sangkat elections are still one year away and the national election two, the political situation is already turning attention away from the many positive plans of action and strategies the Government is formulating and implementing. Many of these initiatives, including programmes on women’s rights, education, the environment and land rights, are aimed at enhancing the protection and promotion of human rights. Without genuine conciliatory efforts by the two main political parties to re-establish the culture of dialogue in an atmosphere of mutual respect, the situation of human rights in Cambodia could well deteriorate further in the months ahead. All elected leaders have a responsibility to act in the interests of those whom they represent, and to work together to safeguard national peace and public order, rather than fuel civil unrest through divisive actions and rhetoric. 9. With regard to one issue raised orally before the Human Rights Council at its thirtieth session - the Prey Speu Social Affairs Centre, now renamed a drop-in centre people, including children and vulnerable adults with medical needs and psychosocial 2 3 4 Three members of the unit were convicted in May 2016 in connection with the attacks. All except Mr. Sokha and the United Nations official are currently in pretrial detention. In July 2015, 11 members and supporters of the CNRP were convicted of offences in connection with the demonstration. 3