This statement was delivered by Human Rights Watch at the 63rd regular session of the UN Human Rights Council during an interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on Cambodia held on October 2, 2026.
Mr. President,
Human Rights Watch thanks the Special Rapporteur for his report, which describes the deteriorating situation for civil society and the political opposition amid an unrelenting crackdown on freedom of expression.
Cambodian authorities regularly charge opposition members, activists, journalists and social media users with incitement and treason based solely on their peaceful expression. The judiciary acts at the behest of the ruling Cambodian People's Party.
We are alarmed by the government's recent amendments to the Commune Administration Law, which appear aimed at cementing one-party rule on the local level. Combined with the government's ongoing judicial harassment of opposition party leaders, including Rong Chhun and Thach Setha, the space for the political opposition is rapidly closing.
Two journalists were sentenced to 14 years in prison on treason charges for reporting on border clashes with Thailand in February, while other journalists have been convicted for reporting on water shortages and cyberscam compounds.
Five environmental activists from Mother Nature Cambodia are still detained in separate prisons after being arrested more than 800 days ago on baseless treason charges.
Human Rights Watch urges the authorities to immediately release those detained for exercising their rights to freedom of expression, opinion, and assembly; and to drop politically motivated treason and incitement cases.
We ask the Special Rapporteur: what steps need to be taken between now and the June 2027 commune elections in order to ensure the polls are democratic and pluralistic?
Thank you.
