While FORUM-ASIA welcomed the positive recognition made by Prime Minister Hun Sen to Ms. Louise Arbour, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, following her official visit to Cambodia from 15-19 May 2006, the Cambodian government was urged to recognise its shortcomings, acknowledge constructive criticisms and invite the UN Special Rapporteur on the Independence of Judges and Lawyers to Cambodia to “strengthen the judicial branch of governance.19 May 2006
FORUM-ASIA (Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development) based in Bangkok, has issued a public statement, welcoming the positive recognition made by the Prime Minister Hun Sen to Ms. Louise Arbour, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, following her official visit to Cambodia from 15-19 May 2006.
In the statement, FORUM-ASIA reiterates the High Commissioner’s findings of her five-day visit, and urges the Hun Sen government to recognise its shortcomings, acknowledge constructive criticisms and invite the UN Special Rapporteur on the Independence of Judges and Lawyers to Cambodia to “strengthen the judicial branch of governance”.
“Now, it is time for the Hun Sen government to show its commitment and will on the good path for good partnership with the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, to uphold human rights in Cambodia. We would like to see the Special Rapporteur be invited soon,” stressed FORUM-ASIA Executive Director Anselmo Lee.
FORUM-ASIA also expressed its concern over the Prime Minister’s misleading comments such as asking human rights groups to tell the truth about the government and not view Cambodia as “hell”.
Lee emphasised that “Human rights groups did not view Cambodia as ‘hell’! Cambodia like many other countries in Asia has a lot of human rights challenges.”
“It is deeply worrying to hear Prime Minister say to Ms. Arbour that the UN envoy Prof. Yash Ghai’s comments were ‘out of order’ and ‘not acceptable’,” said Lee.
“Prof. Ghai simply has assisted and asked the government to fulfill its international human rights obligations. The Prime Minister’s acceptance of Prof. Ghai’s criticism is a test for good partnership for good path.” Lee said.
For further information, please contact:
Miwa Igawa, Country Program (+66 2 391 8801) ([email protected])
