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Add to Preferred SourcesThe Cambodian Government must work in tandem with civil society groups and build its policies around citizens’ human rights if the country is to see durable peace and sustainable development.
Speaking at a press conference concluding an 11-day visit to Cambodia, Rhona Smith, the Special Rapporteur on human rights in the country, said: “good governance requires strong and open institutions that function according to human rights principles.”
“That means access to information, transparency, public participation in decision-making, the accountability of office-bearers and civil servants and access to justice, supported by a free press and vibrant, free and innovative civil society.”
She noted the relevance of SDG16, the UN Sustainable Development Goal focused on inclusive institutions, transparency and access to justice, explaining that it “provides a vehicle” to weave human rights into the country’s development strategy framework.
The country’s lack of speedy trials, and lengthy pretrial detentions were also a matter of concern for the expert, as she called for the release of Kem Sokha, leader of the recently-dissolved Cambodia National Rescue Party, who spent a year in pre-trial detention before being freed on bail in September of this year, facing charges of suspected treason.
Underscoring the role of human rights as central in achieving sustainable development, Ms. Smith said that “if Cambodia is to continue its path of sustainable economic growth, it needs Government that reflects the will of the people, institutions that respond to people’s rights, and people with the necessary skills, voice and access to services to participate actively in development and society. The Constitution, human rights standards and SDGs provide the means to do so.”
Original source: UN News
Published on 8 November 2018