A/HRC/45/51 VII. Communications to the Government 90. During the reporting period, the Special Rapporteur, jointly with other mandate holders, issued communications to the Government of Cambodia. These communications were reported to the Human Rights Council.91 All public communications are also available on the OHCHR special procedures communications website.92 All responses submitted by the Government are also available. The Special Rapporteur welcomes the fact that the Government has responded to some of the communications; however, she is not yet satisfied that the Government has taken sufficient action to address and, where necessary, rectify the issues raised. VIII. Conclusions and recommendations 91. The Special Rapporteur remains committed to supporting inclusive dialogue and participatory decision-making processes as she continues to monitor and advocate for the full enjoyment of human rights by everyone in Cambodia. As noted in the report, the human rights situation in Cambodia remains dominated by restrictions to fundamental freedoms and political rights, with an increased number of arrests and detentions of members and supporters of the former Cambodia National Rescue Party. Civic space continued to shrink as human rights defenders, civil society organizations and those exercising their right to freedom of expression were subjected to intimidation, harassment and arrests. 92. The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting economic impact is having a profound effect on a wide range of human rights. The Government’s socioeconomic response should therefore address inequalities and grievances and be aimed at advancing human rights for all Cambodians. Recalling the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015–2030, by “building back better”,93 the Government can ensure that no one is left behind. To this end, the Government should also remind businesses trading with Cambodia of their responsibilities in terms of the Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, including honouring agreed contracts of sale and supply, and ensure that businesses benefiting from economic stimulus measures also foreground the standards contained in the Principles. 93. The Special Rapporteur recommends that the Government of Cambodia: (a) Promote dialogue with all parties and seek dialogue in a peaceful environment that allows diverging political voices to be expressed, and avoid any further restrictions on fundamental freedoms than are necessary for the enjoyment of human rights by all; (b) Continue with its positive interactions and consultations with civil society organizations. The consultations should be substantive and help build a more inclusive society through meaningful participation; (c) Strengthen protection from harassment, threats and intimidation of human rights defenders, journalists and civil society members; (d) Institutionalize reforms of the criminal justice system and ensure that any effort to alleviate prison overcrowding and to improve detention conditions, including through expediting trials, is in compliance with international human rights obligations. This includes deploying pretrial detention only when strictly necessary, in accordance with the law, and considering drafting new guidance on evidentiary standards and requirements; (e) Ensure a transparent, consultative process to revise the laws on elections and political parties, the law on trade unions, the law on associations and non-governmental organizations, as well as the draft law on access to information – which has undergone 91 92 93 See A/HRC/44/59, A/HRC/43/77, A/HRC/42/65 and A/HRC/41/56. https://spcommreports.ohchr.org/. General Assembly resolution 69/283, annex I. 19