A/HRC/7/56 page 3 Introduction 1. In carrying out its programme, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR or the Office) continued to be guided by Commission on Human Rights resolution 2005/77, which invited the Secretary-General, agencies of the United Nations system present in Cambodia, as well as the international community, including non-governmental organizations (NGOs), to continue to work with the Government of Cambodia in ensuring the protection and promotion of the human rights of all people in Cambodia. 2. In resolution 2005/77, the Commission urged the Government of Cambodia to continue to strengthen its efforts to establish the rule of law, including through the adoption and implementation of essential laws and codes for establishing a democratic society; to address as a matter of priority the problem of impunity, and enhance its efforts to investigate and prosecute all those who have perpetrated serious crimes, including violations of human rights; to strengthen its efforts to ensure the independence, impartiality and effectiveness of the judicial system; to take steps to meet its obligations under international human rights instruments; to combat key problems such as human trafficking, sexual violence, domestic violence and sexual exploitation of women and children; to strengthen its efforts for resolving equitably and expeditiously land ownership issues in a fair and open manner in accordance with the Land Law; and to continue to create an environment conducive to the conduct of legitimate political activity, as well as to support the role of non-governmental organizations in order to reinforce democratic development in Cambodia. 3. The two-year Memorandum of Understanding between the Royal Government of Cambodia and the High Commissioner for Human Rights for the implementation of a technical cooperation programme on human rights expired in January 2007. Following lengthy discussions with the Government, the High Commissioner signed an 18-month extension of the Memorandum of Understanding on 1 November 2007. The extension was agreed to exceptionally and on the understanding that negotiations aimed at concluding a standard agreement for the future operations of OHCHR Cambodia would resume within the next year. It was also agreed that mutual, renewed efforts would be made to improve understanding and further develop dialogue and cooperation between the Office and the Government. Throughout the reporting period, the Office cooperated with governmental institutions with responsibilities for human rights, non-governmental and community-based organizations, as well as the United Nations Country Team, and multilateral and bilateral development cooperation agencies. I. ACTIVITIES OF THE OFFICE OF THE HIGH COMMISSIONER FOR HUMAN RIGHTS IN ASSISTING THE GOVERNMENT AND PEOPLE OF CAMBODIA IN THE PROMOTION AND PROTECTION OF HUMAN RIGHTS A. Renewed approach of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights in Cambodia 4. The programme of the Office is structured around three interlinked focus areas on (a) fundamental rights and freedoms and civil society, (b) rule of law, and (c) land and livelihoods. In all three areas, the Office monitors relevant developments; conducts legal analysis relevant to the exercise of these rights; provides technical assistance to relevant government