The following is AFEC's open invitation letter to all MPs to participate in the event.
Phnom Penh, November 23th, 2006
Dear Excellencies,
On forthcoming Monday, November 27th, 2006 from 8:30 to 11:00 a.m., members of the Alliance for Freedom of Expression in Cambodia (AFEC), a network of 28 Cambodian non-governmental organizations, independent labor unions and other institutions, will fly 100 “Kites for Freedom of Expression” in the park in front of the National Assembly. Our motto will be:
The fundamental human right of Expression is guaranteed by both the Cambodian Constitution and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights to which the Kingdom of Cambodia has acceded after the Paris Peace Agreement. But until now, our country is lacking Freedom of Expression. Human rights defenders, critical journalists, villagers who strive for their land rights, labor unionists and other activists are intimidated and arbitrarily accused of “defamation” or “disinformation”. Peaceful demonstrations in public places are regularly forbidden by the authorities or hindered by police force. Poor people and others whose existence depends on powerful persons do not dare to speak out about issues of public concern.
One of the reasons for these human rights violations is the fact that the UNTAC law that was made for the transitional period of Cambodia after the civil war is still in power. But our country has already moved to a state of peace and stability where we all have the chance to establish true democracy and rule of law. You, dear Excellencies, are the lawmakers. Please change our legislation in order to implement Freedom of Expression in Cambodia instead of inventing new laws that limit civil liberties and even the immunity of parliamentarians. The members of the AFEC call on you to:
With respect and best regards,
Kem Sokha
Chairman of the AFEC Steering Committee
Attention media: For more information or requests for interviews with AFEC representatives please contact AFEC spokesperson Pa Nguon Teang, H/P: 012 598066
Open Letter and invitation to the
Members of the Cambodian National Assembly
Members of the Cambodian National Assembly
Phnom Penh, November 23th, 2006
Dear Excellencies,
On forthcoming Monday, November 27th, 2006 from 8:30 to 11:00 a.m., members of the Alliance for Freedom of Expression in Cambodia (AFEC), a network of 28 Cambodian non-governmental organizations, independent labor unions and other institutions, will fly 100 “Kites for Freedom of Expression” in the park in front of the National Assembly. Our motto will be:
Without wind a kite cannot fly,
Without Freedom of Expression society cannot progress.
Without Freedom of Expression society cannot progress.
The fundamental human right of Expression is guaranteed by both the Cambodian Constitution and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights to which the Kingdom of Cambodia has acceded after the Paris Peace Agreement. But until now, our country is lacking Freedom of Expression. Human rights defenders, critical journalists, villagers who strive for their land rights, labor unionists and other activists are intimidated and arbitrarily accused of “defamation” or “disinformation”. Peaceful demonstrations in public places are regularly forbidden by the authorities or hindered by police force. Poor people and others whose existence depends on powerful persons do not dare to speak out about issues of public concern.
One of the reasons for these human rights violations is the fact that the UNTAC law that was made for the transitional period of Cambodia after the civil war is still in power. But our country has already moved to a state of peace and stability where we all have the chance to establish true democracy and rule of law. You, dear Excellencies, are the lawmakers. Please change our legislation in order to implement Freedom of Expression in Cambodia instead of inventing new laws that limit civil liberties and even the immunity of parliamentarians. The members of the AFEC call on you to:
- decriminalize defamation and disinformation completely. In an open society, nobody is imprisoned for the distribution of information that is hold to be untrue. There are better ways for protecting the good reputation of individuals, including high-ranking government officials, than high fines;
- finalize the draft “Law on Assembly” in a way that demonstrations that do not violate other fundamental rights of the citizens can be organized and conducted without fear for repression;
- ensure that the “Statute on the Ethics of Members of Parliament” that you have adopted on August 30th, 2006, will never be used for silencing lawmakers who challenge the Government according to their role in a democratic society.
With respect and best regards,
Kem Sokha
Chairman of the AFEC Steering Committee
Attention media: For more information or requests for interviews with AFEC representatives please contact AFEC spokesperson Pa Nguon Teang, H/P: 012 598066
1 comment:
The wind?
Remember...Hanoi and its Viet-HUN SEN satellite government in P. Penh are the sole wind maker and have full control over its direction...and there is nothing the outside world can do about it!
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