CCHR's Factsheet provides an overview on the restrictions on the right to freedom of peaceful assembly in Cambodia, despite protections provided for under Cambodian constitutional, domestic and international law.
On 10 January 2014, the Cambodian Center for Human Rights (“CCHR”) released a Case Study Factsheet on the recent ban on all assembly, demonstrations and marches in the Kingdom of Cambodia (“Cambodia”). The Factsheet provides an overview on the restrictions on the right to freedom of peaceful assembly in Cambodia, despite protections provided for under Cambodian constitutional, domestic and international law. The Factsheet concludes that the recent decision by the Royal Government of Cambodia (the “RGC”) to issue an indefinite ban on all future demonstrations, assemblies, or marches, is disproportionate and violates the right to freedom of peaceful assembly. This, paired with the excessive use of force by security forces against demonstrations, is characteristic of the currently deteriorating human rights situation in Cambodia.
Case background
On 4 January 2014, the Ministry of Interior issued a press release stating that there was to be an indefinite ban on further demonstrations, assemblies, or marches until “public order and security are restored”. The Phnom Penh Municipal Hall also sent a letter to Sam Rainsy, president of the opposition Cambodian National Rescue Party (“CNRP”), rejecting the notification of future CNRP protests and stating that the CNRP will not be authorized to hold marches or demonstrations until security and public order are guaranteed. In addition, the newspaper Koh Santepheap reported on 6 January that the district governor of Russey Kheo in Phnom Penh called on the police to disband gatherings of more than ten persons.
