The annual US Human Rights Report paints a horrifying picture of the torture, brutality and inhumane conditions faced by political prisoners, journalists and those subjected to arbitrary arrest in Cambodia. UCA News reported this on April 24.
A report released yesterday said the Cambodian government had failed to take action against a series of human rights abuses ranging from “harsh and life-threatening prison conditions to arbitrary arrests and detentions.”
“There have been no significant changes in the human rights situation in Cambodia during the year.”says the report. “Significant human rights concerns included credible reports of torture or cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment at the hands of the government.”
Human rights groups say there are around 60 political prisoners in Cambodia. They include former opposition leader Kem Sokha, Khmer-American lawyer Thiari Seng and prominent trade unionist Chhim Sitar.
The United States called for the release of all political prisoners.
Almost all were charged with incitement and treason after a crackdown launched by former Prime Minister Hun Sen led to the banning of political parties and independent media outlets, allowing his ruling Cambodian People’s Party to win elections in 2018. and 2023.
In August 2023, Hun Sen handed over power to his eldest son, Hun Manet.
The report also states that there is an “inability of citizens to change their government peacefully through free and fair elections.”
There are also serious and unjustified restrictions on political participation; government corruption; severe government restrictions and harassment of national and international human rights organizations, and widespread gender violence.
He said there were serious restrictions on freedom of expression and freedom of the press, including threats of violence against journalists, unjustified arrests of journalists, censorship and the use of criminal defamation laws.
“The government has failed to take credible steps or steps to identify and punish officials who may have committed human rights violations.”, says the report. Furthermore, it is indicated that there are serious problems associated with the independence of the judiciary and transnational repression.
Contrary to reports in previous years, there were no reports that the government or its agents had committed arbitrary or unlawful killings, including extrajudicial killings.
“However, there have been deaths in prison that have raised suspicions of lethal abuse.”says the message.
“More than three years after the kidnapping of prominent Thai activist Wanchalearm Satsaksit in Cambodia in 2020, the government has not provided meaningful updates on its investigation, despite constant requests from his family and local human rights activists,” – says the report.
Human trafficking remained widespread, along with significant and systematic restrictions on workers’ freedom of association, and documented “the existence of the worst forms of child labor.”
However, Cambodian officials and pro-government non-governmental organizations such as the Cambodian Human Rights Committee (CHRC) have defended the country’s human rights record, noting that press freedom is guaranteed by the constitution, including freedom of expression.
“This statement has no clear basis and does not reflect efforts to realize human rights in Cambodia.”CHRC spokesperson Pa Ponnarada told the ruling Khmer Times.
“This undermines the reputation of the Cambodian government; the United States overlooks the achievements of our government and instead wants to discredit it,” he said.
Government spokesman Pen Bon said the interpretation of human rights and freedom of expression remained a controversial issue, insisting that Cambodia has the legal right to protect the rights and dignity of others, national security and public morality.
Source: Rossa Primavera
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