A/HRC/18/46 I. Introduction 1. This is the third report of the present Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Cambodia, submitted in accordance with resolution 15/20 of the Human Rights Council. 2. What has been achieved in Cambodia in a number of areas since the conclusion of the Agreement on a comprehensive political settlement of the Cambodia conflict (the Paris Peace Agreements) is commendable. The conflict was resolved, the transitional period was managed reasonably well, the new democratic Constitution was adopted in 1993 and periodic elections have taken place since then. There has been steady economic growth and political stability in recent years which has enabled many people to come out of poverty, at least in urban areas. 3. The Paris Peace Agreements established the rule of law, human rights and democracy as major pillars of the new political architecture for the country. Thus, the peace process cannot be regarded as complete until the democratic institutions created under the Constitution are able to work effectively and independently. The international community has a particular stake and a responsibility in this regard. It is in this context that the Government agreed to the proposal of the Special Rapporteur that he carry out a systematic assessment of the State institutions with a view to exploring the ways and means of strengthening their capacity and independence in upholding people’s rights. Accordingly, the Special Rapporteur’s previous report (A/HRC/15/46) was focused on the judiciary, and the present report is focused on Parliament. The Special Rapporteur centred his two missions to the country in 2011 mainly on examining the capacity of Parliament to uphold people’s rights and democratic norms. 4. The Special Rapporteur is pleased to note that the Government has responded positively to accelerate its legislative programme designed to implement, inter alia, the key recommendations of the Special Rapporteur relating to the judiciary. The Government has indicated that the recommendations made by the Special Rapporteur in his previous report are being implemented or in the process of planning for implementation. The Special Rapporteur is, for example, encouraged by indications that the long-delayed organic laws on the judiciary are finally moving forward. It is noteworthy that an inter-ministerial working group has been set up in this regard. However, the Government has not responded to the Special Rapporteur’s request to commit itself to a time frame or a concrete plan of action to implement his key recommendations. II. Working methodology and approach 5. During the reporting period, the Special Rapporteur undertook two missions to Cambodia in 2011, from 15 to 24 February and from 30 May to 4 June. He is grateful to the Government for extending its cooperation during his missions and demonstrating its willingness to work with him in a constructive manner. During his missions, the Special Rapporteur focused his work on Parliament. The Special Rapporteur had the privilege to meet with Prime Minister Hun Sen, the President of the National Assembly, Heng Samrin, Deputy Prime Minister Sok An and other senior members of the Government, as well as members of both the Senate and the National Assembly belonging to various political 4