Barry F. Lowenkron, US Assistant Secretary of State (Photo: VOA)Remarks by Barry F. Lowenkron, Assistant Secretary of State for Democracy, Human Rights and Labor, Cambodian Center for Human Rights Forum
Kandal Province, Cambodia
October 16, 2006
Ladies and Gentlemen, it is an honor to be here today. You are very kind to welcome me to your country and to your community. I wish to thank the Cambodian Center for Human Rights for organizing this forum and for inviting me to speak today.
I am the official in the U.S. State Department, or Foreign Ministry, charged with promoting respect for human rights and democracy worldwide. Despite hard realities and high obstacles, there is an increasing worldwide demand for greater personal and political freedom. All around the globe, recognition is growing that accountable, responsive, democratic government is necessary for a country to develop and prosper over the long term.
Of course, there is no single model for democracy. Each country shapes its own democracy, as you are doing here in Cambodia. But the essential ingredients of democracy are the same, whether you live in Washington or Phnom Penh: individuals are able to freely voice their views and concerns, civil society organizations are able to form and contribute to the public debate, and government officials and institutions are accountable to the citizens and respect their human rights.
And that is what I am seeing here today – I am seeing a democracy at work at the grassroots. That is a remarkable thing to witness anywhere, but it is especially remarkable here, given the genocidal dictatorship of only a generation ago.
The Cambodian people have overcome one of the great catastrophes to befall humanity. The Khmer Rouge tried to return your country to Year Zero, but you are rebuilding Cambodia for success in the 21st century. And democracy is the key to that success.
U.S. Secretary of State Rice has said that making progress on democratic reform requires a long-term commitment of effort on the part of both government officials and citizens, but it is urgent work that cannot be delayed.
I want you to know that the United States Government is committed to supporting you as you develop and strengthen your democracy. Working together, we are advancing good governance, labor rights, anti-corruption and judicial reform.
Already, Cambodia has made important progress, and there will be important opportunities in the coming year for Cambodia to mark more milestones for democracy.
In 2007, Cambodia is scheduled to hold its second commune election, followed by the 4th general election in 2008-- all since the UN transitional period. It is important that these elections meet international standards, and we hope that your government will reach out to the citizens and enlist the assistance of non-governmental organizations to ensure a free and fair competition, not just on voting day, but throughout the elections process.
Democracy is more than elections. True democracy requires that citizens are able to fully exercise their fundamental freedoms, not least freedom of speech. Only a year ago, the government of Cambodia used criminal defamation lawsuits as a way to silence those with opposing views. In fact, the law was used against two members of the Cambodian Center for Human Rights. This year, however, your government dismissed all criminal defamation suits and the National Assembly restored parliamentary immunity to three opposition parliamentarians. The United States welcomes these positive steps, which are important for Cambodia’s continued political development. However, we want to see a day when no legal clauses – disinformation, incitement or defamation – are used to silence freedom of speech and political dissent.
Fighting corruption is also vital to Cambodia’s democratic development. Corruption destroys the trust between citizens and their government. In Cambodia, corruption and land issues are closely connected. Strict enforcement of the Land Law of 2001 and greater transparency in the adjudication process would be important steps Cambodia could take towards restoring public trust in the court system and National Land Dispute Authority. The passage of a strong anti-corruption law meeting international standards also would be a critical step for future prosperity of Cambodia.
Respecting and protecting the dignity of the individual is the ultimate purpose of democratic government. The United States believes the Khmer Rouge Tribunal is a sign of hope. My government and the international community as a whole will be closely watching the Tribunal. We believe that the Tribunal can be an instrument of healing and reconciliation. It can create an appreciation for the rule of law, judicial independence and the need for accountability.
Ladies and Gentlemen, the growing worldwide demand for human rights and democracy derives not from the efforts of governments, but from the powerful human desire to live in dignity and liberty, and the personal bravery and tenacity of men and women here in Cambodia and in every country who are willing to serve and sacrifice for the cause of freedom.
Cambodia is rich in culture and history. Cambodia is also rich in the potential of her people – people like you. I congratulate you for your efforts to build a future of democracy, prosperity and security for your country. I wish to thank all of you, once again, for so graciously inviting me to speak here today.
I am the official in the U.S. State Department, or Foreign Ministry, charged with promoting respect for human rights and democracy worldwide. Despite hard realities and high obstacles, there is an increasing worldwide demand for greater personal and political freedom. All around the globe, recognition is growing that accountable, responsive, democratic government is necessary for a country to develop and prosper over the long term.
Of course, there is no single model for democracy. Each country shapes its own democracy, as you are doing here in Cambodia. But the essential ingredients of democracy are the same, whether you live in Washington or Phnom Penh: individuals are able to freely voice their views and concerns, civil society organizations are able to form and contribute to the public debate, and government officials and institutions are accountable to the citizens and respect their human rights.
And that is what I am seeing here today – I am seeing a democracy at work at the grassroots. That is a remarkable thing to witness anywhere, but it is especially remarkable here, given the genocidal dictatorship of only a generation ago.
The Cambodian people have overcome one of the great catastrophes to befall humanity. The Khmer Rouge tried to return your country to Year Zero, but you are rebuilding Cambodia for success in the 21st century. And democracy is the key to that success.
U.S. Secretary of State Rice has said that making progress on democratic reform requires a long-term commitment of effort on the part of both government officials and citizens, but it is urgent work that cannot be delayed.
I want you to know that the United States Government is committed to supporting you as you develop and strengthen your democracy. Working together, we are advancing good governance, labor rights, anti-corruption and judicial reform.
Already, Cambodia has made important progress, and there will be important opportunities in the coming year for Cambodia to mark more milestones for democracy.
In 2007, Cambodia is scheduled to hold its second commune election, followed by the 4th general election in 2008-- all since the UN transitional period. It is important that these elections meet international standards, and we hope that your government will reach out to the citizens and enlist the assistance of non-governmental organizations to ensure a free and fair competition, not just on voting day, but throughout the elections process.
Democracy is more than elections. True democracy requires that citizens are able to fully exercise their fundamental freedoms, not least freedom of speech. Only a year ago, the government of Cambodia used criminal defamation lawsuits as a way to silence those with opposing views. In fact, the law was used against two members of the Cambodian Center for Human Rights. This year, however, your government dismissed all criminal defamation suits and the National Assembly restored parliamentary immunity to three opposition parliamentarians. The United States welcomes these positive steps, which are important for Cambodia’s continued political development. However, we want to see a day when no legal clauses – disinformation, incitement or defamation – are used to silence freedom of speech and political dissent.
Fighting corruption is also vital to Cambodia’s democratic development. Corruption destroys the trust between citizens and their government. In Cambodia, corruption and land issues are closely connected. Strict enforcement of the Land Law of 2001 and greater transparency in the adjudication process would be important steps Cambodia could take towards restoring public trust in the court system and National Land Dispute Authority. The passage of a strong anti-corruption law meeting international standards also would be a critical step for future prosperity of Cambodia.
Respecting and protecting the dignity of the individual is the ultimate purpose of democratic government. The United States believes the Khmer Rouge Tribunal is a sign of hope. My government and the international community as a whole will be closely watching the Tribunal. We believe that the Tribunal can be an instrument of healing and reconciliation. It can create an appreciation for the rule of law, judicial independence and the need for accountability.
Ladies and Gentlemen, the growing worldwide demand for human rights and democracy derives not from the efforts of governments, but from the powerful human desire to live in dignity and liberty, and the personal bravery and tenacity of men and women here in Cambodia and in every country who are willing to serve and sacrifice for the cause of freedom.
Cambodia is rich in culture and history. Cambodia is also rich in the potential of her people – people like you. I congratulate you for your efforts to build a future of democracy, prosperity and security for your country. I wish to thank all of you, once again, for so graciously inviting me to speak here today.
3 comments:
Thank you. We heard this a thousand times already. One more this time make no different. Good luck.
Thanks for your crital comment for our contry. We hope that our govement thoroughly considers your point of views from which the developement and poverty eradition come to enhance and earn dignity living for all Cambodian. i think your express in this stage is the other additional effort to bringt combodia better position where most of us look forwad to living. Apprently, I don't believe that our goverment didn't hear about that, let's see whether the provided comment will be treated and followed. If they ignor, it means that the governement of Cambodia obviously don't want to change the condition in cambodia at all.
Help us find today justice before we can find what wrong in the past!
People scare to say the true now in the country how can you have a real free witness?
Reforme the Police force and Army they are the killing machine of the Communis!
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