A/HRC/4/95 page 6 My visit has afforded me an opportunity to become more familiar with the human rights situation in Cambodia. I was told repeatedly of positive developments in the country since 1993, including stability after many years of conflict; economic growth; and the holding of regular elections. Evidently, no country has a perfect human rights record. I believe the most promising sign of eventual progress is the capacity to acknowledge shortcomings. The human rights situation in Cambodia has been the subject of extensive analysis by four successive special representatives of the Secretary-General. Their observations illustrate the difficulties this country has yet to overcome. My visit has also allowed me to focus on one issue I consider of capital importance for the consolidation of democracy under the rule of law, namely the strengthening of the judicial branch of governance. An independent, professional judiciary with recognized integrity would not only be essential in protecting fundamental rights and freedoms but also facilitate the resolution of a number of the difficulties evident in Cambodia, including impunity, conflicts over land and corruption. The ability of civil society actors to work freely and safely is another key indicator of a functioning democracy. The professionalism and commitment of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) is a remarkable asset for the development of this country and one that needs to be safeguarded and supported. My visit to Cambodia takes place during a time of considerable change in the global human rights system. A new intergovernmental body, the Human Rights Council, will meet for the first time next month. Among its many tasks it will be charged with reviewing the human rights records of every Member State of the United Nations. In other words, there can be no ambiguity that the human rights situation in every country is the legitimate concern of the international community. Against this backdrop, I leave Cambodia reassured by the expressed commitment of the Government to strengthen our longstanding cooperation and determined to ensure that our work yields tangible benefits for the protection of human rights in Cambodia. III. ASSISTANCE TO THE SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE OF THE SECRETARY-GENERAL FOR HUMAN RIGHTS IN CAMBODIA 8. The office in Cambodia continued to support the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for human rights in the discharge of his mandate to maintain contact with the Government and people of Cambodia and to assist the Government in the promotion and protection of human rights. The Office kept the Special Representative regularly informed of developments, provided briefings on specific issues of concern, and facilitated his second mission to Cambodia in March. (See A/HRC/4/36 for his recommendations to the Council.) 9. The current Special Representative, Yash Ghai, has served since November 2005. His predecessors were Peter Leuprecht, 2000 to 2005, Thomas Hammarberg, 1996 to 1999, and Michael Kirby, 1993 to 1996.