UN Rights Envoy Faces Balancing Act in Cambodia

By Irwin Loy

PHNOM PENH, Feb 25, 2011 (IPS) - A United Nations rights envoy says Cambodia must accelerate the pace of its democratic reforms, but it’s unclear how much sway he holds with a government that has become increasingly resistant to international criticism.

Surya Subedi, the U.N.’s special rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Cambodia, says he has seen encouraging developments in the southeast Asian nation. But there remain worrying trends.

Subedi faces a difficult balancing act when it comes to fulfilling his mission in Cambodia: being a vocal critic could risk alienating a government with which he must ultimately work, while underplaying key concerns could render him ineffective.

"He has all the room in the world [to criticise]," said Ou Virak, president of the Cambodian Centre for Human Rights. "But if his objective is not to offend Mr. Hun Sen and the Cambodian government, then he has no room at all."

Virak said he believes Subedi has managed to balance the two sides so far, though it may well be because a Cambodian government still dependent on international donors realises that it must tolerate his presence.

Cambodia among 25 countries that showed significant declines in democracy last year

Global freedom 'slipped last year'

Jan 14, 2011
Today Online

WASHINGTON - Thailand and Cambodia were among 25 countries that showed significant declines in democracy last year, the Washington-based Freedom House reported yesterday. It was the fifth consecutive year the Freedom House has reported a decline in political rights and civil liberties worldwide - the longest period of continuous decline in the index's nearly 40-year history, according to American magazine Foreign Policy.

"Our adversaries are not just engaging in widespread repression, they are doing so with unprecedented aggressiveness and self-confidence," said Mr David J Kramer, executive director of Freedom House.

The report surveyed 194 countries and 14 territories around the world.

Cambodian human-rights activist brings crusade to Westport

Mu Sochua, Nobel Peace Prize nominee, spoke in Westport on Saturday, Nov. 13, 2010, at the Connecticut premiere of the documentary film, Redlight. Photo: Contributed Photo / Westport News contributed

Sunday, November 14, 2010
Karen Kovacs Dydzuhn
Westport News (Connecticut, USA)

Human-rights activist Mu Sochua, a Cambodian parliamentarian who leads the opposition party and advocates for justice and rehabilitation for victims of human trafficking, cheered yesterday's release of Aung San Suu Kyi's house arrest in Burma. "We cannot stop being vigilant," Mu Sochua told 200 people gathered at Westport's Seabury Center on Saturday night.

Sponsored by the Connecticut Council of Vital Voices, an international non-profit organization that trains and empowers women in developing countries, Mu Sochua and director Guy Jacobson were in Westport to publicly screen "Redlight," a documentary film that shares the stories of four children who were kidnapped, raped and sold into prostitution before they were 14 years old.

"Redlight" will also be shown this afternoon at the Ridgefield Playhouse at 4 p.m. Sunday.

Like Aung San Suu Kyi, Mu Sochua recently learned that a lawsuit that would have sent her to prison was dismissed. However, Mu Sochua continues to campaign for her causes as she travels throughout Cambodia's small villages, talking to people and trying to help children who are vulnerable to human traffickers. "I call it `barefoot democracy,' " Mu Sochua smiled.

As vividly depicted in "Redlight," Mu Sochua also helps children who are victims of human trafficking. The goal, she said, is to turn them into survivors. Despite legislation prohibiting such crimes, corruption has allowed perpetrators to escape punishment, she said. In fact, the film blatantly stated that, even when the criminals are identified, it's the responsibility of the young victims to round up witnesses and evidence to back up their claims.

In some cases, the children's parents are the ones who sell them to the brothels. And, one mother said on camera that if she were to receive $10 a month again, she would sell her second daughter, too, when she is older. In this situation, the older sister took her sibling to Somaly Mam, a former child prostitute who now operates safe houses and rehabilitation centers for young children.

In praise of Mu Sochua's perseverance, Jacobson told those gathered that during the filming of "Redlight" he employed 40 bodyguards carrying automatic machine guns for protection. "I was told that there were contracts out on me from the Chinese and Cambodian mafias, and this was just because I was making a movie about human trafficking," he said. "This puts into perspective the work that Mu Sochua does daily -- and she does it without any bodyguards. She is an incredible woman, doing incredible work."

Shaking off the compliments, Mu Sochua, who was in exile for 18 years after her parents put her on plane to escape the genocide sweeping through Cambodia, returned to her country committed to helping rebuild it. In 1998 she was appointed minister for women's affairs. This is where her work as a champion for children's and women's rights began. A member of Parliament since 2008, Mu Sochua has spoken out against a government that she perceives as a corrupt dictatorship.

"If you're going to be for human rights, what is important is that you stand on your principles at all times," Mu Sochua said. She feels inspired and hopeful about Secretary of State Hillary Clinton's recent visit to Cambodia and her public commitment to support Mu Sochua's opposition party. She urged the Westport community to write to legislators and implore them to also support these efforts. "This is an action you can take," she said.

All proceeds from Saturday night's event will be used to support Mu Sochua's programs in Cambodia. Although she does not seek financial support, Mu Sochua expressed appreciation to the attendees for watching the film -- disturbing, at times, for its realistic and heart-wrenching portrayal of children's plight -- and she said that it's by making people aware of the existence of human trafficking that changes may occur.

Jacobson pointed out that child prostitution doesn't only occur "over there." Danelle Ragoonanan-Storph, director of Bridgeport-based Project Rescue and Assist New America, agreed that similar activities occur in Fairfield County.

Roberta Cooper, co-president of the Connecticut chapter of Vital Voices, of Westport, said she was impressed by Mu Sochua's humanitarian efforts when they initially met four years ago at one of the organization's global summits. "We've since become friends," she noted. "The response that we've had tonight shows that this is an issue that people really care about."

Contributions can be made to Vital Voices Global Partnership. They are tax-deductible. Checks may be sent to Roberta Cooper, c/o P.O. Box 3363, Westport, CT. For more information, contact Cooper at robertacooper@optonline.net.

Democracy, Freedoms Continue to Backslide: Interview with CCHR's Ou Virak

Sacrava's Political Cartoon: Deal or Debt?

Cartoon by Sacrava (on the web at http://sacrava.blogspot.com)

[Hillary Clinton's] Town Hall With Cambodian Youth

Hillary Rodham Clinton
Secretary of State
Chaktomuk Theater
Phnom Penh, Cambodia
November 1, 2010

SECRETARY CLINTON: Well, I am delighted to be here with all of you and I thank you very much for being here on a holiday and participating in this town hall. Kalyan, thank you so much for an excellent job. And Minister of Education, thank you so much for being here with us, and our ambassador as well. I have come to Cambodia for the first time, but it is a destination I have long wanted to visit. And I especially, was moved by the reports of my husband’s visit in 2006 when he returned home with stories of the progress that is being – happening here now that I wanted to see with my own eyes.

I am very pleased that we have a chance now in 2010 to talk in a very open way about not only Cambodia’s future and especially for the young people like yourselves, but the partnership between Cambodia and the United States. We are very committed in my country to working with you to provide more young people with opportunities like student exchanges or Fulbright scholarships or other fellowships, a chance to study and learn in the United States, and we want to encourage more Americans to come to Cambodia to see for themselves and to experience the warmth and graciousness of the Cambodian people.

I also hope that we can have some ideas from you about what you would like to see the partnership between the United States and Cambodia to be like in the years ahead. As I look at this audience, I realize that many of you were not born when I was in school, and you were not born when your country was locked in a civil war. You have an opportunity to rewrite the future, and that’s what I think is so important about what is happening in Cambodia today. The great history, the culture, the arts, the legendary generosity of the Cambodian people is something that will always be with you. But it will be up to the young people to decide how to chart that new future.

Today, Cambodia is in the process of transformation. Peace reigns, the economy has grown fast for a decade, trade and foreign investment are increasing, tens of thousands of new jobs have been created, roads that were once impassable have been de-mined and rebuilt. The tribunal that was set up by Cambodia, the United Nations, and the international community is bringing some of the people who caused so much suffering to justice. That is very important work, although I’m well aware that the work of the tribunal is painful, but it is necessary to ensure a lasting peace. And I thank everyone who has supported that.

This progress is testament to the hard work and determination of the Cambodian people – you, your parents and grandparents, neighbors and friends – and the United States wants to help you keep that progress going. We think Cambodia has a very bright future, not only on your own but as part of a growing and thriving region. Right outside this building is the great Mekong River, one of the great rivers in the world. And yet climate change, dam building, is beginning to impede the flow and the predictability of that great river. This is just one of the challenges that will have to be addressed by you and your generation.

We want to help Cambodia establish a new era of opportunity so that you do not fear for the future, but you look forward to it; you find good jobs, you develop your talents, and you make your contribution. The United States Government has invested more than $70 million just this year for Cambodia’s economic development. We are also working in other areas. Our health experts are working (inaudible) experts to expand access to critical services for people, including prevention, treatment, and care for those living with HIV and AIDS. Our law enforcement experts are working together to crack down on human trafficking and child sex tourism. Yesterday, I visited a shelter in Siem Reap run by a friend of mine, a heroic Cambodian woman named Somaly Mam who herself was enslaved and escaped from that and now devotes her life to helping other women and girls escape as well.

The United States is also proud that we have worked to restore so many of your cultural and archeological treasures, because they say a lot about the great history of your people. And they also bring tourists, which is a great source of income for the country.

So I am here today because I don’t want to just read about Cambodia. I don’t want to just have someone else tell me what young people are thinking and doing. I want to hear that firsthand from you. And I hope that after this town hall is over that you will continue to engage with our American Embassy, with American businesses, NGOs, universities that have a presence in this country, because we want to not only have a partnership between our governments but a partnership between our people.

Earlier today, my staff and I toured the Genocide Museum in the old Tuol Sleng school. It’s a very disturbing experience. And the pictures – both the pictures of the young Cambodians who were killed and the young Cambodians who were doing the killing were so painful. But I also came away very impressed, because a country that is able to confront its past, (inaudible) a country that can overcome it. I travel all over the world. I like to go into settings like this that are unscripted and unprepared, as well as meeting with officials. I just met with His Majesty the King and I’ll meet with the prime minister, the deputy prime minister, and the foreign minister so that I can hear firsthand. So I have listened to what people in other countries tell me and I watch what they are doing. Countries that are held prisoners to their past can never break those chains and build the kind of future that their children deserve. So I was very proud to see firsthand the willingness of your country to face that past bravely and honestly.

And now I am here with you – young people, whose lives have been lived in peace, blessed with talents and energy, freedom to pursue your own dreams. You are the best evidence for Cambodia’s present and future potential. You really do represent the best hope, as young people in every country do. And I look forward to learning how the United States, both our government and our people, can be partners with you to help you realize your own dreams, but just as importantly to help your country have a future of peace, democracy, stability, and prosperity for all. Thank you very much. (Applause.)

Now what we’re going to do is to have you raise your hands, and I will call on people. I will try to cover the whole room. Then a microphone will be handed to you, and if you would stand up and identify yourself and ask your question. And I have earphones so that if you’re not speaking in English I will get a translation and be able to respond to you.

So who wishes to start? Where should we start? Oh my goodness, this is great. All right, I saw a very eager hand, this young – right there. No, the one – you’re turning around. Right there, that young lady right there. Yes, yes, yes. I’ll take you and then I’ll take the other young lady, and then I’ll move to this other side. Okay.

QUESTION: Good morning, Madam Secretary. My name is Lita (ph) from the Department of Media and Education at (inaudible) university (inaudible), and my question goes to you. You are one of the most influential people in the world, so I wonder, has your gender ever been a challenge for you in your political career? Thank you. (Applause.)

SECRETARY CLINTON: The answer is yes. Not often and not in any way that has prevented me from doing my job and pursuing my interests and my obligations, but I think it is fair to say that even in my country it is more challenging for women to (inaudible) public office in many different circumstances than it is for men. That has improved a lot. It is so much better than it used to be. But it remains a challenge for each woman to face and for all women to work to overcome.

It will not surprise you (inaudible) say that I am a strong supporter of the rights and opportunities of women and girls, because I believe that any country that does not use the talents of all of its people, including the one half that are women and girls, is losing out on what could be even greater opportunity and growth. And I would like to see more young women pursuing political careers in government, in political parties, even in running for office, in being appointed to high office. And I would like to see young women take advantage of careers in business, in academics, in the professions.

So that if you are willing to work hard, study hard, and be prepared, then you should be able to hold a job based on merit. And maybe at some point in the future, we will solely judge people on, as Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., said, the content of their character and their ability to do whatever job they are trying to do.

So I’ve had some challenges, not a lot but enough to know that it remains a real issue. And we all have to work in our own societies to try to open (inaudible) of opportunity and then assist young women to walk through them and to take advantage of their own commitment, determination, and to be successful not only for themselves but for their societies.

Now, there was another young woman who stood up at the same time, so let me take her and then I will move on. Yes.

QUESTION: Wow, I’m so excited. Good morning, good afternoon. (Laughter.) I would love to hear your own experience since you (inaudible) how to become very successful and powerful like you, because you are my idol, actually. (Applause.)

SECRETARY CLINTON: Thank you, thank you. Well, let me tell you just a little bit about my life, because everyone has a different life story and none of us is the same, which is one of the great joys of being human beings, because there is so much diversity and variety in who we are and where we come from. I am the oldest of three children. I have two younger brothers. My mother never went to college; she never had that chance. She had a very hard life as a girl and had to go to work when she was about 13, but she was able to finish high school. And my father was in the navy during World War II.

And when they got married, they were very committed to supporting their children and giving their children the best education, and they made no distinction between me and my brothers. They had the same expectations for all three of us. My father was pretty strict in the way he raised us, and he would tell me always to do my best and he expected me to work hard in school and perform to the best of my ability.

So when I went to college, it was a very important step for me and especially for my mother because she did not have that chance. And I always felt an obligation to study hard and to work hard and to do the best I could in anything I was doing. And so I graduated from college and then I went to law school, which was not that common for girls when I went to law school, but I liked to study how things worked in government and in society, and being a lawyer gave me a lot of information and insight into that.

And in law school I met a young man named Bill Clinton and started to date him, and we both graduated from law school and we both ended up being law professors. And we got married in 1975, so we just celebrated our 35th wedding anniversary. And we have a wonderful daughter, our daughter Chelsea, who just got married this past summer. And my husband has always worked very, very hard and he’s always supported me in the work that I have done.

So I had a supportive father and a supportive husband, and my advice is look for a supportive husband – (laughter) – as a young woman who wants to do things that enable you to use your education and follow your own dreams. But I also very much wanted to be a mother and feel like raising my daughter was the most important thing I’ve ever done, and I think you can combine and balance your personal hopes and your professional and public involvements. And I hope for each of the young women and the young men the kind of life experiences that will make you feel like you’ve had the best of both. It’s not easy, but it is very much worth it.

So thank you for your kind words, and I wish you luck. (Applause.)

Yes, this young man right there. Yes. Here comes the microphone.

QUESTION: Good afternoon, Madam Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, and we (inaudible) speak to you this morning. And (inaudible) my question (inaudible) my friend (inaudible) too far from (inaudible) and we wish – we want to speak – we wish to have a conversation with him as well (inaudible) and (inaudible) to Mr. Obama that yes we can. He’s my hero.

SECRETARY CLINTON: Oh good, I will tell him that.

QUESTION: My question for you is, as you know, China is (inaudible) and influence in Cambodia and what is the implication of this influence on the partnership between Cambodia and the United States and (inaudible) democracy and (inaudible) Cambodia itself?

SECRETARY CLINTON: Thank you, thank you. (Applause.) Well, it is certainly up to Cambodia – your government and your people – to determine your own relationships with other countries. But I think it is smart for Cambodia to be friends with many countries and to look for opportunities to cooperate with many countries. I think that many countries want to support Cambodia and your future. Many countries are already contributing to Cambodia in arts, in culture, in health, education and so many other ways.

So it’s like our relationship with other countries. You look for balance. You don’t want to get too dependent on any one country. You want to be able to have partnerships that cut across regional geographic lines. China is a great country and China has a very, very exciting future. And there is certainly many reasons for Cambodia to have good relationships with China. I think there are also important issues that Cambodia must raise with China. For example, I mentioned the Mekong River. One of the initiatives that the United States is working on is to bring Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, and Thailand together to work to protect the Lower Mekong. And one of the challenges are dams on the Upper Mekong, so there has to be negotiations and discussions even among friends about how to protect a great resource like the Mekong River for everyone.

So I think that it is not for the United States to tell Cambodia how to manage Cambodia’s relationships, but as a historical observation, having good relations with as many countries as you can, looking for ways to work with those countries, and to have very open dialogues so that you can solve problems, you don’t just have relationships but you raise issues with each other, I think is the best way to go. And so I would hope that that’s what Cambodia chooses to do in the future. (Applause.)

Oh my goodness, so many hands, so little time. That young man right there with glasses. The white shirt, yes.

QUESTION: Madam Secretary, thank you for being here today. I actually just read the essay that you wrote in Foreign Affairs the other day, and one of the things I found very insightful (inaudible) that the material conditions of people in other countries have a direct impact on security interests and the U.S. stability and prosperity.

Now, you may be aware that before your visit here, conversations in Cambodia often turn to the U.S. demand that Cambodia repay more than $400 million in debt that was incurred primarily in the early ‘70s. We, as a country, I think just cannot afford to repay that more than $400 million, is roughly 5 percent of our annual GDP. We cannot afford to repay unless we do it at the expense of the well-being and development of millions of Cambodians.

So my question is: Do you agree that the most (inaudible) solution to this problem is to probably start negotiating debt cancellation immediately? Thank you. (Applause.)

SECRETARY CLINTON: Thank you. First let me thank you for reading the Foreign Affairs article. I appreciate that very much. Actually, I’m going to raise with both the deputy prime minister, foreign minister, and with the prime minister my hope that we can resume discussions about how to handle this very old debt. When you have a debt like this one that does go back to the 1970s, to the Lon Nol government, then you know that it is something that carries not only financial implications but political and strategic implications as well.

And I want to – I will send a – if the Government of Cambodia is willing, I will send a team of experts and we will explore different ways to try to approach this – some combination of one of many different approaches. You could have some repayment, you could have debt for nature, you could have debt for education. There are things that the Government of Cambodia could do that would satisfy the need to demonstrate some level of accountability, but more importantly to invest those funds in the needs of the people of Cambodia. So I think there are ways we can explore this. There are international rules, as you know, about how to proceed. Something called the Club of Paris sets certain expectations. But I would very much like to address this. I don’t – I share your concern that it is hanging out there and it needs to be addressed, and I would like to begin that as soon as possible. So thank you for asking. That’s an excellent question. (Applause.)

Yes, this young lady right there.

QUESTION: How do you do, Madam Hillary Rodham Clinton? I’m from the (inaudible) by Professor (inaudible), and my major (inaudible) at (inaudible) university of Phnom Penh. I want to know if Cambodia have sex tourism and what do you think. And one more thing. What exactly that to increase the (inaudible) in Cambodia to be independent like U.S. That’s all.

SECRETARY CLINTON: To be more independent?

QUESTION: Yes.

SECRETARY CLINTON: For the people to be more independent?

QUESTION: Yes.

SECRETARY CLINTON: I think education and economic development, increasing access for all people but particularly poor children to education, better infrastructure so that people can get their goods to markets. I know that Cambodia is primarily an agricultural economy, and making sure that you have the best means for agricultural production, systems for getting those products into markets so that the farmer benefits from them. So I think that there are certain practices that we have seen working in other places in the world that Cambodia is also able to take advantage of.

The key to a country’s freedom, to use your words, is a stable political system and a growing economy that is inclusive, so that the benefits of economic growth don’t go just to a small percentage of the population but that it goes through the population so that everybody feels that they have a chance, that their child can have a better life, that their hard work will pay off.

We know from looking at historical trends that the more there is economic inclusivity, the more stable and therefore the more prosperous and free a country can be. So there are many elements. There are political freedoms, there’s human rights, and on the political side there is the right to be heard, there’s the right of people to contest an election, independent judiciary, a free press. The elements of political freedom are especially important as you grow and stabilize a democracy. And economic growth so the people feel that democracy is delivering for them is also very important.

So it’s hard to pick one thing. You have to look at the whole basis for developing stable, prosperous, free, democratic societies. But I am impressed by the progress that Cambodia is making, but it must continue. It’s hard. The question about – from – one of the very first questions about my political activities as a woman – I’ve also been very criticized for my political beliefs and for what I have stood for. And in our country we have a very vigorous political debate. In fact, some of you know we’re having an election tomorrow. And it is an incredibly vigorous and contentious election system, but we think that it’s to the good because people get to express their opinions and they get to say I don’t believe that or I believe this, which over our history, as the oldest continuing democracy in the world today, has proven to be durable and successful.

So the political side of the freedom equation is very important, as is the economic side, so that people feel like they are seeing improvements in their own lives. So it really does go hand in hand.

Yes, right there.

QUESTION: Thank you so much for allowing me the opportunity to raise a question. First of all, on behalf of the Cambodian people and also (inaudible) the Cambodian Center for Human Rights, I would like to welcome you to Cambodia. And I’m (inaudible) of the Cambodian Center for Human Rights, and I would like to (inaudible) the core element of human rights and political freedom is very important for the sustainability of Cambodia, so I would like to know you and the Obama Administration, what will you do about the current prime minister – the Cambodian prime minister’s proposal to close UN (inaudible).

And I understand that now the Obama Administration try to strengthen relationships with the Cambodian – with the government in Southeast Asia region. So what does this new (inaudible) will undermine the human rights assistance to Cambodia or not? Thank you. (Applause.)

SECRETARY CLINTON: Well, the United States is absolutely committed to promoting human rights. When you think about the beginning of American history and our founding as a republic, if your read our Declaration of Independence and our Constitution, we are a country that was founded on a belief that individuals are created equal, that everyone is entitled to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, and that there are certain rights that every American has against his government – the right to free expression, the right to worship as you choose, and so on.

So we very much believe in human rights, and it is part of who we are as Americans. And we want to see more countries protect the human rights of their own people. So we raise this in every discussion we have with leaders of every country around the world. Now, different cultures, different histories, different experiences certainly have to be taken into account, and I am respectful of that. The United States’ experience is not Cambodia’s experience, is not China’s experience, is not India’s experience. So you have to recognize there are differences.

But we personally believe that every human being has certain inalienable rights, that there are rights that are universal that should be respected. But different societies will be on different paths to try to achieve that. So we are always urging more freedom, more respect for human rights, and we think being engaged with countries, being partners with countries on issues, is a good way to keep that dialogue going. So even where we disagree with the actions of a country or of a government, we don’t stop talking and we don’t stop working and we don’t stop looking for areas of agreement. Because it is important that you constantly keep the lines of communication open, and I think that’s what we’re doing in this region and around the world.

So we will always face these issues, but there are other important issues as well that we will similarly discuss. And we hope that democratic institutions become stronger in Cambodia and that the space for political expression is big and that people have the rights to be critical of the government, which you know my husband was president and many millions of Americans were critical when he was president. Now President Obama, who inspired so much hope and is such a great symbol of progress in the world, he’s being criticized. That’s what happens in our political system. And we don’t think it makes us weaker. We think it makes us stronger. So we hope that we can convince others to follow that approach. (Applause.)

Oh my goodness, how about this young woman right there in pink?

QUESTION: Thank you for my question. I want to ask you about the process of election in the United States, especially (inaudible) about you and Barack Obama and also your husband in Democratic Party and both of you I think maybe challenging each other to promote which one to become the top one to be the government. So I wonder, the first one – the first one you also – the one who also proposed it. But I remembered at the end you also support Barack Obama to be the government (inaudible).

SECRETARY CLINTON: That’s a very important point that your question makes and (inaudible) I’d like to describe to you. I ran against Barack Obama for the Democratic nomination for president. I worked very, very hard. I raised and spent more than $200 million. I tried to beat him. And he won and I lost.

And when he asked me to be in his government, I was surprised. But we talked about it and we decided that it would be important to demonstrate to our country how two people can be opposed to each other but then work with each other for the good of the country. I believe so strongly that at a certain point in every country’s political development, you cannot let politics be personal, you cannot let politics interfere with the good of the country. And so both Barack Obama and I love our country, and that is why we work together. And I am very proud to be his Secretary of State and to represent the United States and the President when I travel and come to a country like Cambodia.

Many people around the world could not understand that. When I first started traveling, I got this question all over the world: How could you work for someone that you so strongly opposed? And it’s because we both love our country, that politics is a means to an end. Politics is supposed to elect people who want to solve problems to help the people of their country. And if you believe that, then you can work with someone who you were politically opposed to in order to solve problems in healthcare or education or the economy or so much else.

So your question is a very important one and what I have seen in many young democracies like Cambodia’s is people get into politics and they get so wrapped up in politics that they can’t imagine how they could work with somebody in the opposition; whereas, I think helping to bring people together on behalf of your country is really the ultimate purpose of politics. You are in politics not just to run for election and win. You are in politics to make a difference to help people. I believe strongly that in my public service I am giving back to my country that gave me so much.

And I think as people really consider that, it’s like what just happened in the United Kingdom. There’s a unity government between the conservatives, or Tories, and the Liberal Democrats. So you have a prime minister from one party, David Cameron, working with a deputy prime minister from another party, Nick Clegg. And they’re making some very hard decisions for their country.

So I think that’s one of the sort of thoughts to keep in mind is how politics is not an end in itself, but it’s a means to an end to improve the lives of the people you serve. (Applause.)

Oh my goodness, how about that gentleman in the back there, right there. Yes, sir, with the glasses and the blue – the gentleman, yes, yes. Oh dear, this is going to take a long time to – I’m sorry – get the microphone there.

QUESTION: First of all, I would like to say hello, madam. (Inaudible) come from (inaudible). I would like to ask you about the question that what is your opinion that (inaudible) Cambodia request USA to cancel the debt, and how about your opinion involved why not and why you should.

SECRETARY CLINTON: I’m not sure I understood your question.

QUESTION: I mean that I need your opinion about Cambodia request U.S. to cancel the debt. The debt, yes.

MODERATOR: Madam Secretary, it’s cancel the debt.

SECRETARY CLINTON: The debt?

MODERATOR: Yes.

SECRETARY CLINTON: The old debt? The old debt. Well, I am going to see if we can start a process with the government to try to figure out how to deal with that. So I’m well aware that this is a concern. It’s a concern of mine. So when I meet with the prime minister and the deputy prime minister and foreign minister, I will ask that we begin the discussions again. We haven’t talked about this since 2006, so I want to talk about it and see if we can figure out a way to move forward on it, because I would like to see Cambodia be able to invest its government funding in improving services for the people of Cambodia.

Yes, right there in the corner. Yeah, right there on the aisle. Yes, the gentleman right there. Right there in the blue shirt, yeah.

QUESTION: Good afternoon, Madam. My name (inaudible) Executive Director of Freedom Cambodia. We work closely in Cambodia, so I heard a lot from you that you’re concerned about Cambodia, you’re concerned about (inaudible) program issues in Cambodia, even (inaudible), even (inaudible). So my question is what is your comment or what are your (inaudible) to help Cambodia, for example, like Cambodians have a lot of (inaudible) substance abuse or (inaudible) young (inaudible). So the (inaudible) so what is the concern of the U.S. for the people in Cambodia? Thank you.

SECRETARY CLINTON: Well, one of the reasons I’m here is because both President Obama and I are concerned about the people in Cambodia. We already spend many millions of dollars helping on projects to help the people in Cambodia. I want to know what we can do better, how we can be more useful in working with the Government of Cambodia and individuals and organizations in Cambodia, nongovernmental organizations, for example. Because we can sit in the United States and say, well, we need to help Cambodia deal with HIV/AIDS or deal with the needs for more schools in rural areas or teacher training. We can have a lot of ideas in the United States about how we can help the people of Cambodia, but I think it’s better if we hear from the people of Cambodia and from the Government of Cambodia what is really the priority list.

And so that’s part of what I’m doing here is talking to the government, talking to others – our ambassador reaches out and meets with Cambodians from all walks of life – to really understand what we can do best to help. And we’re going to try to be responsive. And the debt issue, which two of you have raised, is an issue that I’m going to try to address, because I’ve heard about it here in Cambodia.

Yes.

QUESTION: Good afternoon, Madam Secretary. I am (inaudible) I am from (inaudible). So I would like to ask you two questions, so I think there are a lot of challenges(inaudible) so I would like you to share about the techniques to (inaudible) and the technique to win the (inaudible) with the negotiations.

SECRETARY CLINTON: I didn’t understand the question.

MODERATOR: He would like to understand what is your skill in order to win the debate and also in negotiations.

SECRETARY CLINTON: Oh, oh, just in general? In general?

QUESTION: Your secret personally (inaudible). (Laughter.)

SECRETARY CLINTON: Lots of practice. Did you know that more people in the world are afraid of public speaking than being attacked by a criminal or dying in a fire? People are very scared to stand up in front of a crowd and speak. Does anybody feel like that sometimes? Yeah? And so it’s like anything in life; if you want to do it, you have to work at it and you have to practice it and you have to impose on your family and your friends so that they can give you a good, constructive criticism.

And in negotiation, I think it’s very important to, number one, understand the position of the other person. Because when you negotiate with someone, if you only are thinking about what you want, you will never understand what the others are looking for. So you have to put yourself into someone else’s shoes – that’s an old expression – to really say, okay, I’m trying to negotiate this, they’re trying to get something from me. How can we make this as much of what’s called a win-win? How can we have an outcome that will give both of us enough to feel like we’ve had a successful negotiation?

Sometimes that’s not possible, but many times it is. And it just takes a lot of practice. There isn’t any shortcuts. And if you’re interested in public life or public speaking or debating or negotiating, read a lot of books about it, look at videos, get information from people, and then practice. And you start off with baby steps and then you can actually go faster and faster over time. And I wish you well if that’s what you want to do.

Yes, way over there in the corner, that young woman right at the end there. Yes.

QUESTION: (Inaudible.)

SECRETARY CLINTON: Wait, I cannot hear you. Talk right into the microphone.

QUESTION: My name is (inaudible) student of economic (inaudible) institute. I think I ask you your question that our priority need is economic development, so I want to ask you that does USA have any future plans to support the development of Cambodia, especially in investment?

SECRETARY CLINTON: Investment for – foreign investment?

QUESTION: Yeah, foreign. (Applause.) Thank you. I admire you so much.

SECRETARY CLINTON: Thank you, thank you. The United States will provide government assistance to assist with infrastructure development and economic development projects, but the best way to develop is attracting foreign investment. And in order for foreign investors to come to Cambodia, they have to feel as though the legal system protects their investments, protects their contracts. They have to believe that corruption will not interfere with the ability to make an investment and get a good return on that investment. And improving the business climate in Cambodia, which has been happening, is key to whether or not you will attract a lot of foreign investment.

Now, I think that tourism is a great opportunity for foreign investment. Oil and gas which may be more available off the coastline is something that needs to be explored and there needs to be a lot of competition so that Cambodia gets the best deal that you can get. There are agricultural opportunities for working with small and medium sized farms. There’s a lot of textile companies. The United States is a big textile customer for Cambodia. And if you go back and study this from the 1980s and the 1990s, the United States and Cambodia made a partnership to improve the working conditions of people in the textile factories so that textiles made in Cambodia would be exported into our market and our people would think that it was a good deal to buy the shirt or the pants because the people working in the garment factories were being treated better than they were treated in other countries. So Cambodia does a lot of exporting to the United States because United States customers like the idea of this partnership.

So we will work and our private sector will work to try to figure out new ways to promote foreign investment. And I think it’s – I think Cambodia is just opening up as a market that will track foreign investment. We’ve been going through the global downturn so it hasn’t been the best year, but we’ll get back on our feet and then in the next few years I think you’ll see more foreign investment, assuming that everything in Cambodia continues to develop along the track it’s on now. (Applause.)

Let’s see. My goodness, there’s so many hands, I don’t want to leave anybody out. Okay, there was a – that young man way over there standing against the wall. I can’t even see you barely, but you’re having to stand (inaudible).

QUESTION: I would like to express my deep respect to (inaudible) Secretary of the United States. My name is (inaudible) student in the major of international relations at (inaudible) university. I want to know that in the previous president Bush, he never took care about the Asian region, he never – he always think to take care about Iraq and Afghanistan.

SECRETARY CLINTON: That’s a very interesting question.

QUESTION: But now (inaudible) strong president to take care about Asia region. So what is the main reason that has turned this strong president to think about this area?

SECRETARY CLINTON: Well, let me answer it this way. When I became Secretary of State, I worried that people in the Asian region, as you say, did not believe that the United States was as interested as we had been. So my very first trip was to Asia. This is my sixth trip in 20 months to Asia. And on my first trip, I went to Indonesia and I went to Jakarta to the headquarters of ASEAN, and I said that the United States wanted to become more active in ASEAN and the United States under President Obama had signed the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation. I was just in Hanoi, where for the first time the United States attended the East Asia Summit, because we want to be present and working with our Asian friends on these issues.

So if there were any concerns or perceptions about the past, I hope that we have eliminated those. Because both President Obama and I are very committed to America’s role in Asia. In fact, next – at the end of this week, President Obama will go to India, South Korea, Japan, and Indonesia. I will continue from Cambodia to Malaysia and then to Papua New Guinea, then New Zealand and Australia. So we are burning a lot of jet fuel to cover a lot of ground in Asia to very clearly demonstrate that the United States is committed to working with our friends in Asia, we’re committed to helping the people of Asia realize their potential, and we’re going to be a very strong presence in the region for many, many years to come. Thank you. (Applause.)

Oh my goodness, my goodness. Yes, this young lady right there. Yes.

QUESTION: Good afternoon, Secretary Clinton. I am very excited that you allow me to ask you a question. And now I have two questions, but first I introduce myself to you. I am from (inaudible) foundation and (inaudible) and I have two questions to ask you. The first one is what do you think about Cambodia-Thai border issue, and the second one is what challenges did you face along the way to becoming Secretary of State? Thank you.

SECRETARY CLINTON: Thank you. What was your first question again?

QUESTION: The first question is what do you think about Cambodia-Thai border issue?

MODERATOR: Madam Secretary, it’s the Cambodia –

SECRETARY CLINTON: Oh, Cambodia-Thai border.

QUESTION: Thank you.

SECRETARY CLINTON: I think this is an issue that Cambodia and Thailand need to resolve. I think that resolving border problems is in both countries’ interests, and so I hope that there will be renewed efforts to try to do that. And I would urge both countries to work to overcome any concerns along the border.

And to go back to the question about negotiations, look for some ways to break the mold, to find some win-win solutions that can make sure the border is peaceful and that there is trade and commerce and tourism going back and forth, which will help both countries. That’s always to the good because when I was, just yesterday, looking at the magnificent temples in Siem Reap, I was told by several people, including some of the guides that we were with, that nobody now goes to the temple that’s disputed because it’s disputed, whereas money could be earned on both sides of the border if that dispute could be resolved. So I hope it can be.

And with respect to Secretary of State, it’s the most fascinating job. It’s an absolutely wonderful job, because I get to work on very important, difficult problems; I get to represent our country; I get to come to places like Cambodia and talk with all of you. So for me, it has been a very rewarding job. It’s hard. It’s extremely demanding. I probably don’t get enough sleep, and I know that. But it is something that I am very proud to be doing at this point, working with President Obama. So thank you. (Applause.)

Yes, the gentleman right there at the aisle. Right there. Yes.

QUESTION: Good afternoon, Madam Secretary. I am (inaudible) a student in the (inaudible) in (inaudible) province. Today I am proud that I came up here to ask you a question. I know that America helped Cambodia a lot on education, so my question is that what are your policies to help Cambodia more, a lot more related to education. Thank you.

SECRETARY CLINTON: Help Cambodia --

QUESTION: I mean that I know that America helped Cambodia a lot on education.

SECRETARY CLINTON: Yes.

QUESTION: (Inaudible) scholarship to Cambodian students. So my question is that what your – what are your policies to help Cambodians to learn more? Thank you.

SECRETARY CLINTON: Well, here are some of our ideas, and I hope that you will let me or our Embassy or some other American institution help. I mean, one thing is we would like to have more student exchanges so that more Cambodian students could come to the United States. We would like more international visitors so that Cambodians who are working in certain areas like in health or education could come to the United States and spend time in our institutions. We would like more fellowship programs so that if you are working, for example, in the Government of Cambodia you could come to the United States and work in our Congress or work in our government. We would like to expand greatly all kinds of exchanges.

We would also like more American universities to be operating programs inside Cambodia so that students who cannot go to the United States could have access to such programs. And we want to do more to help Cambodians, especially young people, learn English. I’ve been very impressed with every question you’ve asked me in English, and I would like to help even more young Cambodians learn English. So we’re looking at ways that we can increase the number of English teachers and opportunities.

So those are some of the ways. And investing in the colleges and universities in Cambodia to help you improve curriculum, improve facilities, improve technology, I think those are also very important and we would like to do that.

But one of the great changes which every one of you knows about is with technology, with your cell phone or with your iPhone or with your iPad or with your computer. You can be connected to the entire world. And the United States wants to put more programs online that would help young people in Cambodia. So we’re looking at all kinds of ideas. If you have ideas, let us know. For example, we just finished working with entrepreneurs in Africa. We sponsored a contest about how to use cell phones to improve agricultural productivity. If you use cell phones, you can get better weather forecasts, you can get better information about the cost of seeds or fertilizer, you can even communicate with veterinarians about – even though you’re in a rural area, what might be wrong with your cattle. There’s so many ways of improving what we do through using technology, and we would like to work with institutions in Cambodia to help do that as well.

So there are lots of ideas about education, not just formal education in classrooms but all kinds of definitions of education that we would be open to exploring to work with you. (Applause.)

MODERATOR: As you see, Madam Secretary, I believe we have time for one more question.

SECRETARY CLINTON: Oh my goodness, one more question and so many hands. Well, I tell you, if you – I’m only going to be able to call on one more person, so if you have questions that you did not get to me, if you get them to the Embassy, we will answer your questions.

Yes, this young lady right there. Yes.

QUESTION: Good afternoon, Secretary of State. My name is (inaudible) I come from (inaudible). I am a (inaudible) student in year three. Now I have the question to ask you (inaudible) that Cambodia has the problem – a lot of problem like the corruption and poverty or the violence, and my question I need you to remind us if you were the Cambodian leader, what is your (inaudible) strategy and to solve the problem in Cambodia (inaudible) the situation of Cambodia (inaudible). (Applause.)

SECRETARY CLINTON: Well, of course, your leaders have to address your problems. I was very pleased that the government recently passed an anti-corruption law. I am very hopeful that it will be implemented and enforced. Corruption is a big problem around the world. But in a developing country that has so much potential as Cambodia, it can undercut the ability and the ambition of people. They feel like they could work very hard but they would not get ahead. So corruption can actually stand in the way of development, and I hope that the government here will be working on that.

I also was pleased that your government recently passed a law against human trafficking. This is a modern form of slavery and it affects millions of people around the world. And it is something that is just horrible. I mean, I look at all of you; I see these very bright and attractive young people, young men and young women. And the idea that somebody might come and snatch you off the street or kidnap you and put you in forced labor or put you in the sex trade would be heartbreaking to your family and to anyone who knows you. And so we all need to do more to prevent that, and the Government of Cambodia has made some important steps in that direction.

Every government has to be held accountable, including my own. Every government has to be held to a high standard, including my own. And I hope that the people of Cambodia and the Government of Cambodia chart an agenda that you will follow to strengthen your democratic institutions, to strengthen your economy, to strengthen your education system, because I would like to come back in years ahead and see a lot of progress in Cambodia. And the progress will really depend upon the opportunities that all of you feel you have. So I am hoping that the people of Cambodia will have very high standards for what you want for yourselves, and then you will in turn encourage and demand your government, because that’s the way it works. That’s how governments are supposed to be influenced and held accountable.

So I am very optimistic about Cambodia. I think that you have proven to be a resilient, courageous people under very difficult, painful challenges. So my hope is that you will keep forging ahead and that Cambodia will get stronger, more prosperous, and lead by example, not only here for your own people but in this region. And I wish you all the very best in your own lives. Thank you and God bless you. (Applause.)

# # #

Secretary Clinton's October 30-November 1 Visit to Cambodia

Source: US Dept. of State
Office of the Spokesman
Washington, DC
October 30, 2010

Secretary Clinton’s two-day trip to Cambodia October 30-November 1 highlights the United States commitment to enhanced, sustained, and comprehensive engagement in Southeast Asia, as well as our desire to assist the Cambodian people in their efforts to recover fully from decades of conflict, to achieve political and legal reforms, and to strengthen economic development. This trip is the first Secretary of State visit to Cambodia since then-Secretary Powell visited in 2003.

The United States has a strong interest in a Cambodia that contributes to regional stability, upholds democratic values, and integrates fully into the international economy. Our wide-ranging assistance programs touch on all aspects of Cambodian life and affirm these strategic interests. Secretary Clinton will encourage Cambodia to continue its recovery from conflict and its progress on democratic development. She will stress the importance of a credible opposition and respect for human rights in a stable, well-functioning democracy and highlight our interest in seeing Cambodia continue to play a constructive role in regional stability. She will also express appreciation for the country’s rich cultural heritage and underscore the critical role Cambodia’s young citizens play in the country’s future prosperity and development.

Sustained and Deep Engagement with Cambodia: Our engagement with Cambodia achieves a variety of political, security and humanitarian objectives. The United States provided Cambodia more than U.S. $70 million in foreign assistance this year, which goes to addressing issues such as human trafficking, HIV/AIDS, corruption, maternal and child health, and humanitarian mine action. Our maturing security cooperation with Cambodia represents a joint commitment to ensuring international peace and security, and continuing the transformation of the Cambodian Armed Forces into a transparent, accountable, and professional military. The U.S. partnership with the Lower Mekong Initiative is another example of how we are engaging with Cambodia to promote a multilateral response to the transnational challenges we all share, such as climate change and infectious disease.

A Democratic, Secure, and Prosperous Future for Cambodia: Our commitment to a democratic, secure, and prosperous Cambodia is reflected in the nearly $7 million we have contributed to the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia (Khmer Rouge Tribunal), which seeks to bring to justice the Khmer Rouge senior leaders and those most responsible for the atrocities of the late 1970s, while also serving as a model for Cambodian rule of law, judicial independence, and national reconciliation. While in Cambodia, Secretary Clinton will visit Tuol Sleng, the former Khmer Rouge torture and interrogation center, will emphasize the need to fight corruption and improve transparency in all parts of the government, and will meet with opposition leaders to highlight the importance of a vibrant political arena where all voices are heard.

The Role of Cambodia’s Youth: The Secretary’s participation in a town hall event will provide an important opportunity to have a free-flowing discussion with Cambodia youth about challenges and opportunities facing the country, and how the United States can help. In turn, her outreach to Cambodia’s youth will promote an even better understanding of the United States and our shared values.

Cambodia Gagged: Democracy at Risk? - Report on Freedom of Expression in Cambodia

Click here to read the document in Khmer (PDF)

Click here to read the document in English (PDF)

Cambodia: Liberal politicians facing increasing oppression

Liberal International Briefing Document

• Cambodian MP Mu Sochua sentenced for defamation by Supreme Court
• Liberal Leader Sam Rainsy facing jail sentence

This week, Cambodian MP and member of the Sam Rainsy Party (LI Observer) Mu Sochua was convicted for defamation by the Cambodian Supreme Court, after being stripped of her parliamentary immunity earlier this year. The Court’s ruling, despite the sheer lack of evidence against Mu Sochua, shows the court did not base its decision on an independent and impartial application of the facts to the elements of the law, but instead bowed to political manipulation by the executive. Local human rights groups have described freedom of expression in Cambodia as in a "perilous state".1

Earlier this year, the Cambodian government initiated a politically motivated lawsuit against Cambodian opposition leader Sam Rainsy of Liberal International member party the Sam Rainsy Party on the charges of falsifying public documents and distribution of false information. Mr. Sam Rainsy is facing up to 18 years in prison. Liberal International stresses its concern regarding the political persecution of Mr. Rainsy and members of his party, who are democratically elected liberal opposition members, by the Cambodian authorities.

Mr. Rainsy is currently living in exile after being sentenced in absentia by a Cambodian court in 2009 to two years' in prison for a political protest directed against the government. Mr. Rainsy’s immunity as an MP had been lifted in February 2009 to enable prosecution against him for allegedly insulting the Camdodian People’s Government. Prime Minister Hun Sen reportedly warned that he would not request a pardon for Mr. Rainsy should he be found guilty. The Cambodian government has issued an order against Mr. Rainsy, which prohibits him from returning to his country.

In a January 2010 decision of its Committee on the Human Rights of Parliamentarians, the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) said it “is deeply concerned at the lifting of Mr. Sam Rainsy’s parliamentary immunity for the same reasons as the ones it has expressed in the cases of opposition parliamentarians Ho Vann and Mu Sochua, namely that without proper examination of the request for the lifting of immunity, without an open and public parliamentary debate, during which the parliamentarians concerned can present their arguments, without a secret vote, parliamentary immunity is reduced to a mere formality and is thus meaningless.” 2 On 2 April 2010 the IPU again expressed its grave concern on the request for the lifting of immunity of the MPs listed above.3

The above cases demonstrate proof of a politically motivated attack on the rights of a parliamentarian – an issue that is concerning to liberals and democrats everywhere. Three points are important regarding the case of Sam Rainsy and Mu Sochua:

1) The accusations made against Mr. Rainsy and members of his party are politically motivated: the Cambodian government’s purpose is to silence Sam Rainsy’s voice from speaking out against undemocratic government practices. These are political trial and Cambodian courts are being used as a tool to oppress the opposition.

2) The filing of new lawsuits is aimed at preventing Sam Rainsy and members of his party from participating in the 2013 elections as well as being used as an excuse to crack down on the Cambodian opposition.

3) The lawsuit against Mr. Rainsy, the conviction of Mrs. Mu Sochua and the request for lifting of immunity for democratically elected Cambodian Members of Parliament is yet another blow to Cambodia’s foundering democracy, and the ongoing and disturbing trend of using the courts to intimidate and weaken political opponents shows the lack of respect for Human Rights and freedom of speech in Cambodia.

Liberal International’s call for action

Liberal International regrets that lawsuits against Mr. Sam Rainsy and members of his party have been filed for political reasons, and calls for a united worldwide liberal response to the actions of the Cambodian government.

Liberal International would like to encourage member parties to support each other with the matter, by submitting the following written question through their parliamentary Foreign Affairs spokesperson to their country’s Minister of Foreign Affairs:

Written questions regarding the lawsuit against Cambodian opposition leader Sam Rainsy:

• Is the Foreign Minister aware of the politically motivated charges made by the Cambodian government against Cambodian opposition leader Sam Rainsy, leader of the Sam Rainsy Party and member of Parliament, on February 26 2010, following a 2009 ruling sentencing him to two years in prison for involvement in a political protest? Is the Foreign Minister aware of the request for lifting of parliamentary immunity of a number of democratically elected Cambodian opposition MP’s by the Cambodian government, and the ruling this week of the Cambodian Supreme Court convicting Mu Sochua for defamation?
• Is the Foreign Minister of the opinion that this orchestrated attack of the Cambodian government against lawful representatives of the Cambodian people is an intolerable act of power abuse? Does the Foreign Minister share our concerns about the foundering state of Cambodian democracy and its continuing disturbing trend of using Cambodian courts as a government tool to oppress the lawful opposition?
• Is the Foreign Minister planning to inform the Cambodian embassy of these concerns, and at the same time point out his/her support for the lawful and democratically elected opposition of Cambodia including Mr. Rainsy and Mrs. Mu Sochua to fulfill their democratic job without government interference? Will the Foreign Minister demand from the Cambodian Government to stop the political persecution of Mr. Rainsy and members of his party and restore their parliamentary immunity?
• What other action will the Foreign Minister undertake regarding these issues?

And, in the case of being an aid donor to Cambodia:

• Does the Foreign Minister agree that aid donors to Cambodia must condemn the lack of reforms of the judiciary in Cambodia and the direct manipulation of the justice system by the executive branch, and place more strict demands on the government to allow judges and lawyers to exercise their roles and functions according to the rule of law?

Liberal International (LI) is the world federation of over 100 liberal and progressive democratic political parties. LI was founded in 1947 to strengthen liberal protection from totalitarianism and communism. The founding “Oxford Manifesto” is widely considered as one of the most important political documents of the 20th century. It has since become the pre-eminent network for promoting liberalism, individual freedom, human rights, the rule of law, tolerance, equality of opportunity, social justice, free trade and a market economy.
-----------
1 http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/asia_pacific/10215597.stm
2 http://www.samrainsyparty.org/archives/achieve_2010/February/D-Rainsy-128-E.pdf
3 http://www.ipu.org/conf-e/122/122.pdf

Cambodia Silenced: The End Days Of Democracy?

Cartoon by Sacrava

CCHR – CCPCR – CICA – CITA – CFSWF – CLARI – CLEC – CPN – CTSWF – FTUWKC – IDEA – KKHRDA – LAC – LICADHO – STAR KAMPUCHEA BRIEFING PAPER
Phnom Penh, 1 June 2010

------------

CAMBODIA SILENCED: THE END DAYS OF DEMOCRACY?

1. Introduction

We, the above-mentioned non-governmental organisations (“NGOs”), are currently finalising a report on the state of freedom of expression in Cambodia, due to be published in the coming weeks. In view of the international donor conference scheduled to take place in the Kingdom of Cambodia this week, the purpose of this briefing note is to summarise the content of our report and bring to the attention of the international donor community the perilous state of freedom of expression in Cambodia and its implication for democracy in the Kingdom.

We urge the international donor community to take serious note of the deterioration of freedom of expression as highlighted herein. For over a decade the international community has provided aid to Cambodia but most have remained largely quiet as human rights have been violated and democratic space eroded. It is not enough to throw money at problems and hope the ruling party will act in the interest of the people. Those countries that value democracy and human rights and want to honour their commitment to Cambodia have the ability to make a real impact on the human rights situation in Cambodia by putting genuine conditions on their dealings with Cambodia, making it clear to the Royal Government of Cambodia (the “RGC”) that rights violations will cost them. A number of international donors signed the Agreement on a Comprehensive Political Settlement of the Cambodia Conflict and undertook to “promote and encourage respect for and observance of human rights and fundamental freedoms in Cambodia…in order, in particular, to prevent the recurrence of human rights abuses”. We call on the international donor community to take responsibility and speak out against the deterioration of rights and democracy in Cambodia. Doing nothing may be judged as tantamount to complicity.

The right to freedom of opinion and expression is the foundation of a democratic society, facilitating progress and development. Without the ability to express views freely, access information and assemble together to address issues of common concern, Cambodians are unable to participate in decision making or hold government to account - all vital tenets of democratic philosophy. Since 2009 freedom of expression has continued to be seriously undermined with the RGC crackdown targeting the pillars of democracy in Cambodia: parliamentarians; the media; lawyers; human rights activists; and ordinary citizens. Cambodia’s democracy is in free-fall.

2. Parliamentarians

Intimidation, harassment and legal sanction have been utilised to undermine legitimate political opposition and consequently democracy. The parliamentary immunity of three opposition parliamentarians – Sam Rainsy, Mu Sochua and Ho Vann – has been lifted to allow for politically motivated criminal charges against them. Opposition parliamentarians face threats of defamation and other charges for expressing opinions on matters of public interest. Anarchic debating rules further stymie their ability to express opinion in the chief debating chamber of the Kingdom, the National Assembly. The veil of democracy may remain in Cambodia, with elections taking place every five years; however, in a climate where the legitimate role of opposition is thwarted and opposition voices silenced, these trappings are rendered meaningless and we fear it evidences a movement towards a de facto one-party state.

3. The Media

Excessive use of repressive legislation and a climate of fear made real by the prosecution and imprisonment of journalists such as Hang Chakra, editor of the opposition-aligned newspaper Khmer Machas Srok and the intimidation and harassment of Dam Sith, editor of opposition-aligned newspaper Moneaksekar Khmer, have acted to prevent open-journalism, ensuring that many media professionals use self-censorship to avoid offending the State or other powerful actors. Democracy is not just about consent to be governed but about having a citizenry that is adequately informed in order to exercise that consent. Freedom of expression and the freedom of press are fundamentally important in ensuring that Cambodians are given a real opportunity to understand the nature of the RGC and make an informed choice in the next general election. The gag on journalists is stifling democracy and human rights in Cambodia.

4. Lawyers

Lawyers play a pivotal role in any democracy and have the potential of being great levellers between the powerful and the less powerful by providing access to justice through the courts. Charges of defamation have been used to intimidate and harass lawyers who represent those opposing the RGC, as was seen when defamation charges were brought against opposition member of parliament Mu Sochua’s attorney, Mr. Kong Sam Onn. Such action has the very real possibility of stripping lawyers of their role as levellers, affecting their willingness to represent opposition members or others who have filed complaints against the powerful, allowing for violations to go unchallenged and impunity to persist.

5. Human Rights Activists

The space within which human rights activists can express their concerns and voice their opinions is shrinking by the day, and is becoming even more precarious with the proposed enactment of an NGO law. Human rights activists have been intimidated, harassed and punished for simply fulfilling their mandate. Criminal charges of incitement have been used against those who speak out about injustices. Rights groups have been prevented from holding public forums to discuss issues of public concern. There is a danger that if the repressive action against human rights activists continues Cambodia could reach a point of no return where there is ultimately no room for activists to speak out on human rights abuses.

6. Ordinary Citizens

Ordinary citizens have also found the space within which they can voice their opinions and concerns diminishing. The ‘criminalisation’ of certain opinion, particularly that related to corruption and allegations of authoritarian rule, has denied Cambodians a voice. In the past year, a student was arrested and convicted for banners he had raised at his home saying “Absolutely fighting against community policy”. Early this year The Phnom Penh Post reported that distributors of leaflets that said that Cambodia was a puppet of communist Vietnam had been warned by the RGC to be careful or be arrested. Protestors from communities affected by land grabbing and illegal concessions have been brutally silenced by police. The exercise of freedom of expression acts as a safety valve for both stability and change, allowing people who may otherwise be inclined to use violence to let off steam. There is a real risk - in a nascent democracy such as Cambodia - that the continued suppression of the right of freedom of expression may remove this safety valve in a way that puts in jeopardy the peace and development towards which many have spent the last three decades working for.

3. Recommendations to the International Community

In light of the above therefore, we make the following recommendations:

• Demand that the RGC fulfill its obligations in protecting and promoting the human rights of Cambodians.
• Urge the RGC to take action to implement the 91 recommendations it accepted as part of the United Nations Human Rights Council’s Universal Periodic Review of Cambodia’s human rights record process.
• Speak out publicly when the RGC fails to respect freedom of expression. Where possible the international
• community should raise human rights issues at the diplomatic level and speak in a unified voice.
• Adopt a human rights-based approach to aid and take a tougher line on linking financial assistance to the RGC demonstrating real commitment to, and tangible improvements in, human rights.
• Maintain funding and technical support to local NGOs and others working towards the realisation of human rights in Cambodia.
• Speak out in support of parliamentarians, the media, lawyers, human rights activists and ordinary citizens who are being persecuted for exercising their fundamental right to freedom of expression. This support can be an invaluable source of strength and confidence for Cambodians who risk so much in their struggle for the fundamental right to freedom of expression and democracy.

For more information, please contact:

Mr. Ou Virak, President, Cambodia Center for Human Rights (CCHR)
Tel: +855 12 404051
Email: ouvirak@cchrcambodia.org

Ms. Naly Pilorge, Director, Cambodian League for the Promotion and Defense of Human Rights (LICADHO)
Tel: +855 12 803650
Email: contact@licadho-cambodia.org

Mr. Yeng Virak, Executive Director, Community Legal Education Center (CLEC)
Tel: +855 12 801235
Email: virakyeng@clec.org.kh

Corruption eclipses Cambodia progress

2009 Satire by Sacrava (on the web at http://sacrava.blogspot.com)

HRW's Adams called the disconnect between U.S. human rights interests and security cooperation with Cambodia, "the height of hypocrisy and cynicism and should end. ... The only way that the Cambodian government will end its assault on civil society is if influential governments and donors demand real change and put the pressure on."

February 3, 2010
By A. Gaffar Peang-Meth
Pacific Daily News (Guam)

I wrote last week that in support of his assertion that his regime is popular, Premier Hun Sen cited the findings of a U.S.-based International Republican Institute's survey: 79 percent of Cambodians polled said Cambodia under Sen's government was moving in "the right direction" and 53 percent said they will vote for the Cambodian People's Party in the next election.

The world's nations have concluded long ago that "the will of the people, freely and fairly expressed through periodic and genuine elections" is "the basis of the authority and the legitimacy" of all governments.

Cambodia may be experiencing a period of relative political calm compared to death and destruction under the Khmer Rouge. New roads and new buildings are signs of progress. Still, documents referenced in previous columns published by Cambodian and international nongovernmental organizations should put a brake on the claims of governmental legitimacy and national progress in the "right direction."

The 2006 Report by the Cambodian League for the Promotion and Defense of Human Rights, "Human Rights in Cambodia: The Façade of Stability"; the 2007 Report by Global Witness, "Cambodia's Family Trees"; the 2009 Report, also by Global Witness, "Country for Sale"; the Foreign Affairs Magazine's "Cambodia's Curse"; and Andrew Marshall's interview with some children of Cambodia's ruling elite, in "Khmer Riche" in the Sydney Morning Herald of Dec. 12, 2009, are only a few reports among many that document worrisome developments in today's Cambodia.

On Jan. 21, 2010, the New York-based Human Rights Watch's 612-page "World Report 2010" accused the Sen government of misusing the judiciary to silence critics, attack rights defenders, restrict press freedom, and trample Cambodia's own international obligations to protect refugees.

HRW's Asia director Brad Adams' declared: "Cambodians who speak out to defend their homes, their jobs, and their rights face threats, jail, and physical attacks."

At a minimum, there is a disconnect between documented human rights violations and the results of the IRI survey that might seem to support the claim that the country is moving in the "right direction."

In March 2009, an American couple from South Carolina -- James Garcia, an emergency medical technician and Cara Garcia, a registered nurse -- arrived in Phnom Penh, with $40,000 they collected from the sale of "everything we owned," and $16,000 they raised in donations, wanting to help Cambodians by opening a health clinic.

With health minister Mam Bunheng's permission, Garcia's clinic was opened in Kompong Thom province. There were 19 other clinics, but only three or four were reportedly open a few hours per week; the rest were either closed or boarded up. Garcia's clinic treated 900 patients every month.

Problems began when Garcia's requests for supplies and medications were met with an "out of medicine" response, while the Garcias claimed they saw the warehouse "fully stocked," and Cara Garcia saw medicines loaded into two SUVs.

In "Opinion: Cambodia will break your heart. And, with a corrupt Ministry of Health, it sure won't heal what ails you either," Stanford's Joel Brinkley wrote in GlobalPost.com on Dec. 9, 2009, that Cara Garcia "raged at government officials, questioned their honesty, blamed them for the deaths of patients the Garcias could not properly treat. Cambodian corruption, she kept shouting, was killing little children."

"In Cambodia and much of Asia, women just don't behave like that," Brinkley wrote. "She quickly made several powerful men quite angry."

In an e-mail to an acquaintance in October, James Garcia confirmed, "Cara got exceptionally angry over this injustice" at a "business meeting" next to the clinic. As she walked home later in the evening, three English-speaking men jumped out of a vehicle, dragged her into a ditch, tied her and "raped her for hours," then left her for dead. But she didn't die. Going to the police later, the police chief was angry "because we were disturbing his rest time."

James Garcia admitted to being "careless in speaking openly about corruption," but "we came to Cambodia to save lives," the e-mail reads. He said with friends and supporters using "personal funds and air miles" to help, "we managed to escape Cambodia. ... We have nothing left but our suitcases."

In "Does the U.S. know who it's dealing with in Cambodia? Absolutely, FBI files show," Douglas Gillison wrote in the Dec. 20, 2009, GlobalPost.com, that based on declassified Federal Bureau of Investigation records, "evidence" was "substantial," albeit not complete -- the investigation was cut short by "threats" on the life of FBI Special Agent Thomas Nicoletti by "hit teams" -- that the grenade attack on the March 30, 1997, opposition rally that killed 16 children, men and women and wounded more the 100 others, including an American man, "pointed to forces loyal to the man who is now Cambodia's unchallenged prime minister, to the party and the people who now dominate Cambodia unopposed and with whom the U.S., and the FBI in particular, have since sought warm relations."

HRW's Adams called the disconnect between U.S. human rights interests and security cooperation with Cambodia, "the height of hypocrisy and cynicism and should end. ... The only way that the Cambodian government will end its assault on civil society is if influential governments and donors demand real change and put the pressure on."

As it initiates or sanctions assaults on civil society, the Sen government and the CPP taint their claim to authority and legitimacy. In spite of threats, arrests, physical disappearances, repression and fear, it's the people themselves who are the necessary determinant of a government's true legitimacy and the catalysts to any real change.

A. Gaffar Peang-Meth, Ph.D., is retired from the University of Guam, where he taught political science for 13 years. Write him at peangmeth@yahoo.com.