UN Human Rights Council 49: UK statement for the interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on Cambodia

Thank you, Mr President.

The United Kingdom would like to thank Professor Muntarbhorn for his update on the human rights situation in Cambodia.

We are concerned that the judiciary is being used to stifle debate, restrict media freedom and encourage self-censorship. The UK advocates that the Royal Government of Cambodia embrace an open dialogue with all Cambodians including civil society, political parties and communities ahead of the local and national elections in 2022 and 2023 And we urge the Government to embrace and encourage an open and inclusive discourse.

The UK welcomes Cambodia’s long-standing cooperation with the OHCHR on human rights and progress on economic, social and cultural rights. We see this as a positive indication of their commitment to engage on human rights issues. We remain committed to engaging with Cambodia to support a human rights-based approach to development, including through Cambodia’s ASEAN Chairmanship in 2022.

Special Rapporteur,

What measures do you believe the Government needs to take to ensure that political parties can fully and fairly participate in local and national elections in 2022 and 2023?

Thank you.