Civil Society Groups Seek Francophonie Support for Rights

Detailed summary

Cambodian civil society groups and trade unions have called on France, Canada and other Francophonie member states to press the ...

PHNOM PENH – Cambodian civil society groups and trade unions have called on France, Canada and other Francophonie member states to press the government to protect civic freedoms and expand democratic space ahead of the Francophonie Summit.

A coalition of 26 organizations submitted a joint petition to the Canadian and French embassies in Phnom Penh on Nov. 11. The Center for Alliance of Labor and Human Rights (CENTRAL) said representatives gathered around 9am to deliver the appeal.

The petition raises concerns about restrictions on civil society space, fundamental freedoms and public participation. It calls on Francophonie member states to raise human rights concerns with the Cambodian government and support greater civic engagement.

Am Sam Ath, operations director of human rights group LICADHO, recognized that hosting the summit is a source of national pride, but Cambodia also needs to address concerns raised by the international community on its human rights and democratic record.

He drew attention to the call by UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Cambodia, Tom Andrews, for the release of about 100 people, including human rights defenders, environmental activists, social activists, and political party members.

“This petition seeks to encourage greater civic space such as protections for civil liberties, press freedom and political freedoms and urges international partners to maintain their focus on human rights and democracy,” Sam Ath said.

Meu Chandara, president of the Cambodian Youth Network Association, said restrictions on activists working on natural resources, environmental protection and human rights had discouraged young people from participating in public affairs.

“This is a huge obstacle to their participation, and it silences their civic activism, particularly their ability to bring up the concerns and worries of grassroots communities and civil society organizations to the government,” he said.

Chandara also called on political parties…

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