A/HRC/13/4
and impartial judiciary and for the Government to refrain from measures to influence or
instruct judges on specific cases. It expressed concern about corruption, access to public
service, women’s rights and human trafficking. It made recommendations.
29.
Belgium applauded the dialogue with civil society and encouraged Cambodia to
pursue its efforts. It welcomed the current trial against Duch and hoped that the
Extraordinary Chambers would play an important role in respect of human rights and the
fight against impunity. Belgium noted with concern cases of political influence and
corruption in the Extraordinary Chambers. It enquired about the evaluation of their work
and measures to guarantee their independence. Belgium made recommendations.
30.
Canada underscored Cambodia’s commitment to civil and political rights but
expressed concern about the use of courts to limit freedom of expression and political
freedom and the lifting of parliamentarian immunity of opposition members. Canada noted
Cambodia’s resolution to establish good governance, democracy and respect of human
rights and stated that peace and stability, reconstruction and economic development go
together with human rights. Canada made recommendations.
31.
Singapore noted progress in areas such as infrastructure development, health care,
education, poverty reduction and rural development. It recognized Cambodia’s ongoing
dialogue and cooperation to implement public sector reform. It noted the positive impact of
Cambodia’s focus on human resource development and stated that only by promoting best
practices and changing mindsets in the public sector could future reforms be effective.
32.
Malaysia was pleased to note that Cambodia was moving ahead with its
development strategy encompassing economic growth, poverty reduction and human
resources development. It was particularly encouraged to note Cambodia’s serious efforts
in combating violence against women, including domestic violence, and trafficking in
women and children. Malaysia made recommendations.
33.
The Lao People’s Democratic Republic welcomed Cambodia’s progress in recovery
efforts, in implementing its national strategic development plan and in human rights, legal
and judicial reform and land reform. It welcomed the establishment of institutions to
promote and protect human rights, hoping that Cambodia would continue to fulfil its
obligations and overcome the challenges of poverty. It made a number of
recommendations.
34.
Brazil noted the activities of the Extraordinary Chambers, democratization efforts,
judiciary strengthening, poverty reduction, pursuit of sustainable development and abolition
of the death penalty. It asked about the fulfilment of children’s rights, women’s rights and
measures against discrimination, as well as economic, social and cultural rights, with
attention to the rich-poor gap, urban-rural inequality and land use. It made
recommendations.
35.
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland welcomed Cambodia’s
emphasis on strengthening governance, judicial reform and equal enforcement of the law.
Recognizing that a defamation law protects privacy and reputation, it noted however that
freedom of opinion and expression must be respected. It recognized that land disputes
should be resolved to give the rural poor access to land titles. It asked about building on
civil society consultation as part of the follow-up and about planned reforms of the legal
and judicial system. It also made recommendations.
36.
Cuba noted the process of national reconstruction aiming for a fair and inclusive
society. Cuba welcomed Cambodia’s fight against poverty shown in the national strategic
plan for development. It noted the 2005 law to prevent domestic violence and the national
action plan in this regard. Cuba congratulated the establishment of 50-50 gender parity in
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