Outgoing United Nations envoy laments scant human rights gains in Cambodia

Sat 24 Jan 2015, 9:37am

United Nations envoy Surya Subedi paid a final official visit to Cambodia on Friday and noted scant progress during his six-year mandate, warning the government its people were no longer afraid to defend their human rights.

UN Special Rapporteur Mr Subedi said the government of prime minister Hun Sen, who has ruled Cambodia for 30 years, should reconsider its aversion to independent institutions.

"Many of the state institutions responsible for upholding people's rights are unfortunately still lacking accountability and transparency needed to command the trust and confidence of the people," Professor Subedi told a news conference.

The Australian Government has signed a $40 million deal with Hun Sen's government to voluntarily resettle refugees from Nauru in Cambodia, buthuman rights groups have warned the country is not safe for refugees.

Despite success in boosting a tiny economy, slashing poverty and creating jobs, the Cambodian government has been accused of abusing its power and leaning on the judiciary to crush its detractors or scare them into silence.

It has been dogged by accusations of bowing to vested interests and failing to curb spiralling forced evictions or to allow critics to speak out freely.

Professor Subedi, a lawyer and academic, said that he had recognised some signs of progress, but reforms were too slow.

"The culture of impunity in this country has been a troubling issue for me, which I have repeatedly raised to the government," he said.

Courts, anti-graft units and human rights mechanisms were not allowed to work freely, he said, adding that public calls for accountability were stronger now than ever.

"People have woken up ... and they are ready to fight for their rights," Professor Subedi said.

"So far, the courts of Cambodia have not delivered justice in the way demanded by all Cambodians.

"There have been too many human rights violations taking place without anyone being held responsible."

Widening gap between rich and poor

Professor Subedi praised Cambodia's economic development over the last two decades, but warned that the spoils were not being shared equitably.

"Cambodia is a forward-looking country," he said. "Starting from the (1991) Paris Peace Conference, the country has made huge strides, including economic development underpinned by political stability.

"As the country began to accelerate its economic growth, this has brought its own challenges of inequitable development and a widening gap between the rich and the poor."

Despite his concerns, Professor Subedi expressed confidence in the country's future and its people.

"People know their rights and are ready to claim them. Nothing speaks better to Cambodia's maturing democracy than this," he added.

"I conclude my final mission with full confidence that Cambodia will get there -- its vibrant people will ensure it."

A Cambodian government spokesman could not be reached for comment on the envoy's remarks.