JOINT PRESS RELEASE – Phnom Penh, 24 April 2024
The 2023 Annual Report of the
Cambodia Fundamental Freedoms Monitor
Published by: CCHR, ADHOC, and Solidarity Center
The Cambodian Human Rights and Development Association (ADHOC), The Cambodian Center for Human Rights (CCHR) and the Solidarity Center are pleased to announce the release of the 2023 Annual Report of the Cambodia Fundamental Freedoms Monitor produced by the Fundamental Freedoms Monitoring Project (FFMP). The report provides a comprehensive overview of the exercise of freedom of association, freedom of expression, and freedom of assembly (fundamental freedoms) in the Kingdom of Cambodia from 1 January to 31 December 2023. The 2023 annual report is available for download in Khmer and English.
Key trends documented in 2023 include:
- The issuing of three Sub-Decrees which are likely to restrict the exercise of fundamental freedoms and the right to privacy; and the passage of recent legislation with similar aims;
- An 11% increase recorded in restrictions and violations against fundamental freedoms, compared to 2022
- Reported levels of self-censorship among civil society organizations and trade union leaders have decreased slightly from previous years but remain concerningly high;
- The continued withdrawal of media licenses, including that of the last remaining independent outlet, Voice of Democracy “VOD”; and
- An increasing number of individuals feel unable to freely exercise their right to freedom of expression in public.
Freedom of association, assembly, and expression are fundamental for exercising all human rights and are paramount to a pluralistic democracy. They empower citizens to engage in activities and bring about positive societal change. The trends of restrictions and violations against fundamental freedoms were particularly alarming as Cambodia approached the 2023 National Elections, a critical time where the exercise of these freedoms is essential for free and fair elections.
The FFMP’s latest report draws on 262 media monitoring incidents, 371 incident reports, a poll of 1,005 citizens across 25 provinces, and a survey of 159 civil society and trade union leaders. Every province saw documented restrictions on fundamental freedoms, with Phnom Penh experiencing the most incidents.
Offering a unique perspective on Cambodia’s fundamental freedoms, the FFMP aims to provide a foundation for informed, inclusive, and genuine discussions on aligning domestic law with international standards. They urge constructive steps towards establishing the conditions necessary for a thriving civil society and flourishing democracy.
For more information, please contact:
ADHOC: Mr NY Sokha, President: sokhany@adhoccambodia.org
+855 (0) 086 374 666
CCHR: Ms. Prak Chanmly, FFMP Project Coordinator: chanmly.prak @cchrcambodia.org;
+855 (0) 77 691 131
Solidarity Center: Mr. Yim Sereyvathanak, Senior Program Officer: vathanak@solidaritycenter.org;
+855 (0) 92 553 778
