Advisory services and technical assistance for Cambodia

Condemnatory

No

Analysis

• This resolution contains mostly praise and encouragement for the government. Some weak criticism is placed towards the end of the resolution and focuses on a "deterioration of the civil and political environment" while urging the government to respect and protect human rights. Cambodia supported the resolution overall and called for it to be adopted by consensus.
• Moreover, the resolution was adopted under Item 10, which concerns mere "technical assistance," signaling an uncritical approach.

Main Sponsors

Japan

Vote

Consensus

Key Praise

• "Welcomes the performance of the residual functions by the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia and the efforts of the Government of Cambodia to establish a permanent public independent institution of the Extraordinary Chambers…"
• "Also welcomes the engagement of the Government of Cambodia in the fourth cycle of the universal periodic review…"
• "Further welcomes the support, cooperation and constructive dialogues of the Government of Cambodia with the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Cambodia…"
• "Commends the positive cooperation between the Government of Cambodia and the Office of the High Commissioner…"
• "Welcomes the significant progress made by the Government of Cambodia in achieving the Cambodian Sustainable Development Goals…"
• "Also welcomes the ongoing efforts to improve access to the justice system, including the establishment and operationalization of regional appeal courts…"
• "Welcomes the efforts of the Government of Cambodia, based on its five-year strategy for gender equality (2024–2028)…"
• "Welcomes the efforts made by the Cambodian Human Rights Committee, especially in resolving complaints from individuals."
• "Also welcomes the efforts and progress made by the Government of Cambodia in promoting decentralization and deconcentration reform with the aim of achieving democratic development by strengthening subnational and grass-roots institutions…"

Key Criticism

• "Expresses serious concern at the reported deterioration in the civil and political environment in Cambodia due to the perceived chilling effects of judicial prosecutions or alleged cases…"
• "Also expresses serious concern, alongside United Nations human rights experts, over the conviction of Kem Sokha, who was sentenced to 27 years of imprisonment on charges of conspiracy with a foreign Power and treason, and over court cases and convictions against other opposition politicians…"
• "Further expresses serious concern at the restrictions reportedly imposed on some civil society and political parties and the negative impact of the Law on Associations and Non-Governmental Organizations and the amendments of 7 March and 28 July 2017 to the Law on Political Parties…"
• "Decides to extend for two years the mandate of Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Cambodia."