Prime Minister Reacted against Surya Subedi’s Statement

On June 21, 2010 Prime Minister Hun Sen verbally reacted against the statement of Surya Subedi, UN human rights envoy, who also paid his official visit for 10 days in Cambodia in order to discuss the issues of human rights and the reform of Cambodian judicial system as planned. The premier said what Subedi had mentioned earlier showed no respect of the hosted country. It did not only disdain the country leader with sovereignty, but also Cambodian citizens, the voters.

During the close remark of General Extraordinary Conference of Cambodian Youth and Disabled throughout Cambodia, which held in Phnom Penh, Hun Sen added, if [Subedi] has chance to come to Cambodia next time, [he should] not act as a colonist. He also felt sorry to hear that Subedi had raised “disappointment” for he had not met him as he had been ill. The prime minister’s reaction was likely to answer to the statement on June 17, 2010.

On June 17, 2010 the UN human rights envoy held a press conference at the office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights to focus on judicial system in Cambodia. He depicted the system was still poor and had lots of problems. These might cause Cambodian people to lose hope on it. What could be proved more clearly about the system was through the cases of land disputes all over Cambodia; especially related to economic land concession for the state’s economic growth on the one hand, and freedom of expression, assembly and press on the other hand.

He also added that even though Cambodia had recently passed new laws; such as Criminal Law, Anti-Corruption Law, etc, in order to strengthen the judicial system; the lack of human resources, institutions and institutional management, and the awareness of human rights base as well as the interference from outside, this system could provide all levels of Cambodian people with trust.

In addition, he called on the Cambodian government to take immediate action to reinforce the independence and competency of judicial system; and urge court officials to comply with their roles appropriately in order to bring fairness and just to the people.