In a significant development, Cambodia has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to human rights advancement, with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation reiterating its support for the Special Rapporteur on the Situation of Human Rights in Cambodia.
On 08 Dec 2023, His Excellency SOK Chenda Sophea, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, engaged in a friendly discussion with Professor Vitit Muntarbhorn, the Special Rapporteur, during his second in-situ working visit to the Kingdom. The meeting underscored Cambodia’s steadfast commitment to human rights, evident in the government’s recent renewal of the Special Rapporteur’s mandate for an additional period of two years.
The Deputy Prime Minister highlighted significant strides in healthcare, vocational training, welfare, employment, non-judicial dispute resolution, and environmental protection, which he described as people-centered policies. Professor Muntarbhorn praised these efforts, acknowledging milestones in the Covid-19 vaccination rollout, social progress, and various economic, social, and cultural dimensions.
Both sides discussed assessment and reporting procedures, emphasizing the importance of rigorous cross-checking of information received. The Deputy Prime Minister reaffirmed Cambodia’s approach to human rights, anchored in principles such as respect, non-politicization, non-selectivity, reliance on verified information, and genuine dialogue. He emphasized the need for understanding a country’s unique circumstances, including culture.
The discussion also touched on Cambodia’s pivotal role in advancing human rights within regional and global frameworks, encompassing the ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR), right to a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment, business and human rights, and Universal Periodic Review (UPR). The Special Rapporteur praised Cambodia’s chairmanship of ASEAN last year.
This reaffirmation highlights Cambodia’s commitment to promoting human rights, both domestically and internationally. As the country navigates its role in regional and global forums, it is essential to understand the intricacies of human rights advancements and the importance of context-specific approaches. By reiterating its support for the Special Rapporteur and human rights advocacy, Cambodia demonstrates its dedication to these principles.
Significance
This development underscores the significance of human rights as a cornerstone of international relations and global cooperation. As Cambodia continues to engage with regional and global frameworks, it is crucial to recognize the importance of context-specific approaches to human rights advancements. The reaffirmed commitment to human rights by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation highlights the need for continued dialogue and cooperation between governments, stakeholders, and civil society organizations.
The article was written on 09 Jan 2024, based on a press release from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Kingdom of Cambodia.