A/HRC/13/4
opposition party have complete freedom to publish. It remarked that individual rights come
with the special responsibility of maintaining national interest, national unity and security.
22.
On follow-up to the universal periodic review, the delegation stated that the
Cambodian Human Rights Committee, which coordinated the preparation of the national
report, would continue to follow up with key ministries and agencies. The Government
would consider broader cooperation with civil society for Cambodia’s next review. The
delegation thanked OHCHR and development partners for their support.
B.
Interactive dialogue and responses by the State under review
23.
During the interactive dialogue, statements were made by 53 delegations.1 A number
of them thanked the Government for its national report, presentation and responses to
advance questions. Several States also commended Cambodia’s cooperation with
international human rights mechanisms, including the Special Representative and OHCHR,
and Cambodia’s accession to major human rights instruments. Some also noted Cambodia’s
efforts to overcome the legacy of its tragic past and to establish democracy built around the
principles of the rule of law and good governance. Also noted was the country’s
development in the past decades in terms of stability, economic growth and respect for
human rights. Recommendations made during the interactive dialogue are listed in section
II of the present report.
24.
Myanmar noted Cambodia’s openness in acknowledging its human rights challenges
such as a weak social security net for workers and high rural poverty rate. Myanmar
welcomed Cambodia’s initiatives to reduce poverty with the Rectangular Strategy and the
national strategic development plan and achievements in that regard. Myanmar made
recommendations.
25.
Algeria welcomed Cambodia’s efforts in a number of sectors, such as poverty
reduction through the Rectangular Strategy and the national strategic development plan. It
regretted that poverty was only reduced by one percent each year, making it difficult to
achieve the Millennium Development Goals. Algeria made recommendations.
26.
Brunei Darussalam was encouraged by Cambodia’s efforts to develop institutional
frameworks for human rights, poverty reduction and legal and judicial reforms. Brunei
expressed appreciation for Cambodia’s cooperative approach in building a strong
commission on human rights within ASEAN. It made a recommendation to Cambodia.
27.
Turkey encouraged the authorities to take into consideration the recommendations
made by the Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, the Committee on the
Elimination of Discrimination against Women and the Committee against Torture to
intensify the fight against trafficking and address the root causes, including through gendersensitive poverty reduction strategies. Turkey noted challenges in the field of education
and made a recommendation. Noting that more than 70 per cent of the urban population
lives in slums, it encouraged adoption of a national housing policy. It asked about further
technical assistance required by Cambodia.
28.
Sweden was concerned about reports of displacement after legally doubtful land
concessions, of evictees forced to resettle far from their original homes, and of human
rights monitors denied access to sites. It noted the need for legal reforms for an independent
1
6
Due to time constraints, the following delegations were unable to take the floor: Cameroon, Chile,
Senegal, Latvia, Bangladesh, South Africa, Argentina and Mauritius.
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