Cambodia dismayed by UN envoy’s rebuke

Cambodia has lashed out at Vitit Muntarbhorn, the UN’s special rapporteur after his latest report urged the government to release all political prisoners and institute democratic reforms required to counter “severe human rights challenges” and single-party rule.

A Foreign Ministry statement described Muntarbhorn’s findings as “largely biased, prejudiced, and unfounded on a number of issues” which ranged from elections to human trafficking and land grabbing to the treatment of prisoners.

“Regrettably, the special rapporteur selectively chose to interact with certain opposition parties while discriminating against many others,” it said.

Likewise, only a handful of foreign-funded and reportedly highly-politicized NGOs were selected for the dialogues. Such an approach is not conducive to a professional, impartial assessment of facts and maintenance of trust with all stakeholders.”

The envoy urged the government to implement a 10-point plan after meeting with Prime Minister Hun Sen, former leader of the outlawed Cambodian National Rescue Party (CNRP) Kem Sokha, representatives of the Candlelight Party, trade unionists and NGOs.

The plan includes opening up civic and political space, reform of draconian laws, ensuring election-related personnel are separated from political parties, ending prosecution of opposition politicians and human rights defenders and releasing those in prison.

SOURCE: NEWS Agencies