Geneva, 18 August 2022 (TDI): The UN Special Rapporteur on the Human Rights situation in Cambodia, Vitit Muntarbhorn is to conduct his first official visit to Cambodia from 15 to 26 August 2022.
The UN Special Rapporteur on the human rights situation in #Cambodia Vitit Muntarbhorn is conducting his first official visit to the country.
He will present his next report to the Human Rights Council in October 2022 ➡️https://t.co/8a76z2uK3O#HRC51 pic.twitter.com/sytiXdi2tb
— UN Human Rights Council (@UN_HRC) August 16, 2022
According to a press release from the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), UN Expert Vitit Muntarbhorn will be in the country for an 11-day visit.
During this time, he will meet the representatives of the government and civil society. Moreover, Muntarbhorn will be assessing the government’s efforts to create an environment that will allow Cambodians to fully exercise their human rights.
In a statement, Professor Muntarbhorn stated that he was looking forward to meeting a wide range of stakeholders, including government representatives, human rights defenders, and other pertinent stakeholders.
In addition, the independent expert will hold a press conference during which he will discuss his preliminary observations on August 26, 2022, at 14:00 local time. In October 2022, he will provide his subsequent report to the Human Rights Council.
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Meeting with the Prime Minister
The Prime Minister of Cambodia, Hun Sen called on the UN Special Rapporteur on 16 August to express his views on civic space, human rights, democracy, and the rule of law in the face of claims that Cambodia regressing in these areas.
Cambodia’s Prime Minister SamdechTecho @hunsencambodia receives visiting Mr. #VititMuntarbhorn, UN Special Rapporteur on the human rights situation in Cambodia, at the Peace Palace this morning pic.twitter.com/0CWSWIHss0
— Office of Cambodian PM 🇰🇭 (@PeacePalaceKH) August 16, 2022
Furthermore, the rapporteur requested the Prime Minister to clarify Cambodia’s position as ASEAN chair on promoting human rights, economic justice, democracy, and rule of law in the context of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Additionally, the meeting included a discussion of the most recent elections for the communal council.
In response, Hun Sen said that Cambodia is continuing to implement its social security policy, which has increased salaries for government employees and military personnel. Moreover, the program has provided direct monetary support to the poor and vulnerable during the pandemic, and veteran pensions.
Along these lines, Vitit commended Cambodia for having achieved such a high overall percentage of vaccinations among its population.
