A/HRC/36/61 government ministries on the matter. The Council for the Development of Cambodia is leading the effort to implement the Goals at the local level, a process that should conclude in 2017. As with the Millennium Development Goals, Cambodia is adding an additional goal on mine-clearing. It is hoped that the Government will be in a position to publish its initial strategies soon and that work can continue on strengthening the rights and freedoms of all Cambodians and on achieving the Goals. 11. Cambodia has continued to be a member of the ASEAN Economic Community. It was granted lower-middle income status by the World Bank on 1 July 2016 and has, according to preliminary estimates, maintained an annual economic growth rate of almost 7 per cent. Its gross domestic product is forecast to grow at a rate of around 7 per cent in 2017 and 2018. There is some evidence of a slight increase in output from the agricultural sector, which, if maintained, could have further impact on land rights. 12. Despite the significant progress that Cambodia has made since 1991, it is also important to recall that Cambodian history demonstrates the tragic consequences of human rights not being adequately respected and robustly protected. Respect for human rights is an integral part of ensuring lasting peace in the country. A liberal democracy system based on pluralism, as the Constitution decrees, requires periodic and genuine elections, which should not be considered a threat to internal stability. 13. During the Special Rapporteur’s mission in October, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation confirmed the Government’s understanding that respect for sovereignty and respect for human rights were compatible. The Special Rapporteur encourages such an approach and reminds the Government that the fair and balanced monitoring of human rights by international bodies is integral to that approach. As the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights commented at the opening of the thirtieth session of the Human Rights Council, “sovereignty cannot be damaged by carefully evaluated commentary”.2 III. Vulnerable groups and discrimination 14. International human rights law is predicated on the premise that all persons should enjoy all freedoms and rights without discrimination. In all societies, however, there are marginalized groups whose enjoyment of rights is compromised in some way. Sustainable Development Goal 10 is to reduce inequality within and among countries. In line with international law, rights and freedoms should be enjoyed without distinction of any kind, irrespective of race, colour, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or other status. As the Government of Cambodia has voluntarily agreed to be bound by international treaties that enshrine that principle, it is appropriate to consider the situation of marginalized groups and communities. In her previous report, the Special Rapporteur included a “subfocus” on indigenous peoples and women, among other issues. In the current report, she provides an update on those key groups and also looks at the situation relating to prisoners, persons in street situations, minorities and children. Other marginalized groups and communities are also addressed. A. Persons in street situations 15. People who live, work or are otherwise dependent on the streets are particularly vulnerable. In her previous report, the Special Rapporteur noted that the Prime Minister had announced that the drop-in centre formerly known as Prey Speu Social Affairs Centre should be closed or made functional (see A/HRC/33/62, para. 9). In October 2016, the Special Rapporteur visited that facility to assess the living conditions and treatment of those rounded up and sent there. While the Minister of Social Affairs, Veterans and Youth Rehabilitation explained the improvements that had been made, there was no doubt that 2 See www.ohchr.org/EN/NewsEvents/Pages/DisplayNews.aspx?NewsID=16414&LangID=E. 5