Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen, Dear Colleagues,
It is pleasure for me to welcome you today to this very important event on human rights and democracy organised by Adhoc with the support of the European Union. This event is important not only because of the upcoming commune council elections scheduled for 03 June 2012 but also because democracy is more than about elections. Democracy is an every day challenge, democracy is about constant interaction between the different stakeholders of any society. Democracy is about confronting ideas and constructive dialogue. It is why today we have members of the National Assembly, Senate, political parties, and members of local authorities present to discuss with the Civil Society their contribution to democracy and the promotion human rights.
The Delegation of European Union to Cambodia has worked closely with our NGO partner, Adhoc, to organise this event. In collaboration with the Royal Government of Cambodia and civil society partners the EU has regularly supported similar events over the last years as part of our contribution to Cambodia’s efforts to build a democratic society. And we will continue to do so ! Partnership, constructive dialogue and mutual respect between key actors – Government, Political Parties and Civil Society Organizations – are paramount to peacefully solve conflicts and to strengthen the democratic process in Cambodia. The EU’s own history has shown that democracy and the respect of human rights are the main ingredients to sustainable peace and prosperity.
The EU greatly appreciates the Royal Government of Cambodia, including notably the Ministry of Interior’s the spirit of partnership on these issues of mutual interest. I thank His Excellency Deputy Prime Minister SAR Kheng and his colleagues who have been very supportive of this event and for agreeing to open today’s workshop. I would also like to thank H.E. Prom Sidhra, Secretary of State from the Ministry of Justice who will join me in closing this event. My thanks also go to all other presenters and participants here today, both from government, political parties and civil society
