UN Rights Official Says Freedoms Have Worsened​

Flavia Pansieri, UN Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights, says freedom in Cambodia has worsened. Following a fact-finding mission to Cambodia this week, Pansieri told reporters “there has been a deterioration in 2014 in the extent to which freedom of expression and assembly in Cambodia are guaranteed and enjoyed. The ongoing ban on demonstrations in Phnom Penh, in force since 4 January, in an issue I raised with the authorities on several occassions this week. I reiterate the view that the 'ban' on demonstrations falls short of the test of legality, necessity, and proportionality. I urge the Government to take the necessary measures to remove this ban without further delay and to ensure that all citizens are able to exercise their rights to freedom of expression and assembly.” (Khoun Theara, Phnom Penh)