GENEVA - The UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Cambodia, Vitit Muntarbhorn, expressed deep concern at the restricted civic and political space in the country.
"Opposition parties have been undermined by elections that have been neither free nor fair in recent years. The same clique has enjoyed monopolistic power despite intergenerational changes," Muntarbhorn said.
In his report to the 60th session of the Human Rights Council, the Special Rapporteur warned that despite social and economic advances - including social protection measures for people in poverty - political dissidents, environmental and human rights defenders continue to be harassed, arrested, prosecuted and detained in breach of human rights.
The expert called on Cambodian authorities to drop the charges against political opponents, release those who are detained, and abide by a set of recommendations to open up civic and political space he issued in the Cambodian Human Rights Action Agenda.
Muntarbhorn also expressed concern at a new law which enables authorities to revoke Cambodian nationality from those perceived to be treasonable or colluding with foreign elements. "The new nationality law should not be applied due to its excessive power to revoke Cambodian nationality, which is clearly intended to intimidate dissidents outside the country," he said.
The report outlines issues related to resources, such as the connection between tycoons and those in power, and the criminalisation of environmentalists and Indigenous Peoples who protest against encroachment and evictions.
The Special Rapporteur also expressed support for the effective implementation of the ceasefire agreement reached at the end of July 2025. He stressed the need to assist civilians affected by the situation.
"It is high time to prevent and refrain from misinformation and disinformation, and to de-escalate tensions through dialogue, mutual understanding and humanitarian practices," the expert said.
