| IN BRIEF
|
to defend fundamental freedoms. InCambodia , the political climate is darkening under the leadership ofPrime Minister Hun Manet , who has intensified the crackdown on human rights in 2024. Under the cover of laws supposedly necessary for national security, fundamental freedoms, such as freedom of expression and freedom of assembly, are being stifled, and critics of the regime are facing severe persecution. This alarming context is raising serious concerns both locally and internationally, as arbitrary arrests of dissidents and human rights defenders increase, revealing the urgency to address this systemic attack on civil rights.
In an increasingly tense political climate, Cambodia under Hun Manet’s leadership has seen its human rights diminish as never before. With elections looming, the government is escalating its repressive tactics, stifling any form of dissent. From political arrests to restrictions on freedom of expression and assembly, alarm signals are multiplying, alerting the international community to the worrying deterioration of the situation.
A government in search of control
Recently, the world report ofHuman Rights Watch highlighted the worrying actions of Cambodian authorities. Hun Manet, son of the former Prime Minister, applies policies inherited from his father, resulting in an exacerbated use of repressive laws. The latter does not hesitate to use politicized courts to muzzle critics and human rights defenders. According to Bryony Lau, deputy director of the Asia division of Human Rights Watch, the situation in Cambodia could be summarized as follows: “Democracy exists in name only.”
Increasing restrictions on freedoms
Fundamental freedoms, including freedom of speech and the freedom of peaceful assembly, are drastically limited. Since the start of 2024, the authorities have not hesitated to carry out arbitrary detentions, and the arrests of those who openly criticize the government. Indications of intimidation and corruption persist, particularly in the run-up to the senatorial elections. In a climate of fear, members of the opposition often find themselves in danger, their security threatened.
Convictions and repression of social actors
Activists and journalists are not the only ones targeted by this wave of repression. THE environmentalists, who fight for the protection of the environment, and other human rights defenders are facing unprecedented prison sentences and threats. During the year, more than 94 people were arrested for expressing criticism of controversial government projects such as the development plan with Vietnam and Laos.
A disenchanted international echo
Internationally, the community seems concerned by the authoritarian drift of the Cambodian government. Development partners and governments investing in the region must mobilize and call for an urgent restoration of freedom of expression. Human Rights Watch calls for collective action to pressure Hun Manet to respect his commitments to democracy and the rule of law.
A repressive reality beyond borders
Concerns are not limited to Cambodia. The climate of transnational repression is strengthening, as evidenced by the assassination of a Cambodian political opponent in Thailand. This incident raises the question of the security of dissidents and highlights the anxiety-provoking atmosphere that reigns among political exiles. More than ever, voices are being raised to denounce this escalation of repression, both locally and internationally. For more information, see this article on the assassination of an opponent in Cambodia.
Attacks on human rights in Cambodia under Hun Manet’s regime reveal a worrying trend toward authoritarian control. As the world watches, the major challenge is to ensure space for human rights and democracy, overcoming formidable resistance from the current government.
FAQ on human rights repression in Cambodia
Q: Who is Hun Manet? Hun Manet is the Prime Minister of Cambodia, having succeeded his father, and is known for his repressive policies.
Q: What are the main human rights issues in Cambodia under Hun Manet’s leadership? Under his leadership, there was a severe repression of civic space, political participation and fundamental freedoms.
Q: How does the Cambodian government manage freedom of expression? The government has restricted the rights to freedom of speech, to the media freedom and to the freedom of peaceful assembly, increasing the number of politically motivated arrests.
Q: What actions have been taken against those who criticize the government? Many arrests And detentions have been reported, targeting dissidents and detractors.
Q: What recent events illustrate this repression? As we approach the senatorial elections, cases ofintimidation and of bribes were reported, as well as arrests of members of opposition parties.
Q: What changes has the government made since the UN recommendations? Since the Universal Periodic Review in 2019, the government has not shown any progress on the accepted recommendations.
Q: What impact has government development had on human rights? Authorities arrested at least 94 people having criticized a development plan with Vietnam and Laos, some facing heavy sentences.
Q: What does Human Rights Watch suggest about this situation? Human Rights Watch calls on development partners of Cambodia to call for an end to attacks on the freedom of speech and to lobby for the defense of democracy.