The Cambodian Center for Human Rights (CCHR), the Cambodian Human Rights and Development Association (ADHOC), and the Solidarity Center announce the release of the Sixth 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 2021. The sixth annual report is available for download in Khmer and English.
Key trends documented in 2021 include:
- Three new regulations that will likely hinder individuals’ ability to exercise their fundamental
freedoms; - Multiple attempts by the Royal Government of Cambodia (RGC) and third parties to hamper
political opposition; - Frequent arbitrary interference with public assemblies;
- An increase in restrictions of online speech; and
- A high proportion of individuals who do not feel free to exercise their fundamental freedoms.
Freedom of association, assembly and expression are fundamental for the exercise of all human rights
and paramount to a healthy democracy. They empower citizens to engage in activities and bring about
positive societal change. The RGC’s crackdown on fundamental freedoms is not conductive to the
advancement of democracy in Cambodia and hinders public participation. The trends noted in 2021 are
especially concerning as Cambodia advances into the 2022 Commune Elections and 2023 National
Elections, where the exercise of fundamental freedoms is essential forfree and fair elections to take place.
The FFMP’s latest report is based on 351 Media Monitoring incidents; 103 Incident Reports; a poll
involving 925 members of the public across 25 provinces; a survey of 171 civil society organization (CSO)
and trade union (TU) leaders; and an evaluation of three TUs’ registration. Restrictions to fundamental
freedoms were recorded in every province, with most restrictions occurring in Phnom Penh. The multitude
of restrictions recorded by the FFMP illustrate the misapplication and arbitrary enforcement of
Cambodia’s legal framework by authorities. The RGC appears to utilize laws to curtail civic space and
restrict the exercise of fundamental freedoms, rather than to protect these rights.
By offering a unique insight into the state of fundamental freedoms in Cambodia, the FFMP hopes to
provide a foundation upon which informed, inclusive, and genuine discussions can take place to bring
domestic law in line with international law. The FFMP encourages constructive steps towards the creation
of the necessary conditions for civil society to thrive and democracy to flourish.
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For more information, please contact:
CCHR: Mr. Hun Seanghak, FFMP Project Coordinator: seanghak.hun@cchrcambodia.org;
+855 (0) 12 40 30 50
ADHOC: Mr. Soeng Sen Karuna, Spokesperson: senkarunasoeng@adhoccambodia.org;
+855 (0) 86 324 666
Solidarity Center: Mr. Yim Sereyvathanak, Senior Program Officer: vathanak@solidaritycenter.org;
+855 (0) 92 553 778
