The UN Special Rapporteur on human rights in Cambodia, Vitit Muntarbhorn, has voiced serious concerns over the increasingly restricted civic and political space in the country. He highlighted that opposition parties have been consistently undermined by elections that were neither free nor fair, allowing a single political clique to maintain monopolistic power despite intergenerational changes.
In his report to the Human Rights Council, Muntarbhorn noted that while Cambodia has made social and economic progress, including social protection measures for people in poverty, political dissidents, environmental defenders, and human rights activists continue to face harassment, arbitrary arrests, prosecutions, and detention in violation of fundamental human rights. He called on authorities to drop charges against political opponents, release those detained, and implement his recommendations in the Cambodian Human Rights Action Agenda to open up civic and political space.
The Special Rapporteur also raised concerns about a new nationality law that allows authorities to revoke Cambodian citizenship from individuals perceived as treasonous or colluding with foreign actors, warning that it is being used to intimidate dissidents abroad. His report further highlighted the undue influence of tycoons connected to those in power, as well as the criminalisation of environmentalists and Indigenous Peoples who resist land encroachments and evictions.
Muntarbhorn expressed support for the implementation of the ceasefire agreement reached in July 2025 and emphasized the need to protect civilians affected by ongoing tensions. He stressed the importance of preventing misinformation and disinformation, and encouraged dialogue, mutual understanding, and humanitarian practices as means to de-escalate conflicts and safeguard human rights in Cambodia.
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