Mr President,
Allow me to extend the gratitude of Sweden to His Excellency Ambassador Suon and the Head of delegation State Secretary Rady for taking an active part in our dialogue.
Sweden is concerned about reports of continued displacement in Cambodia after legally doubtful land concessions. It has been reported that evictees have been forced to resettle in areas far from their original homes, and human rights monitors have been denied access to eviction sites.
We welcome that land reform and our questions were addressed in the presentation and offer the following recommendations to the Government of Cambodia:(1) to fully implement the 2001 land law, and to institute a moratorium on evictions until safeguards such as full compensation and access to basic services in resettlement areas, can be guaranteed.(2) to strengthen the efforts to protect freedom of expression and the rights of all human right defenders, including those working on land rights issues, to conduct their work without hindrance or intimidation, including by way of safeguarding freedom of assembly and association.
For protection of human rights, it is necessary to have an independent and impartial judiciary. Reports have indicated a need for legal reforms in this area in Cambodia. It is important that the government refrain from measures intended to influence or instruct judges on the handling of specific cases. For that reason, Sweden recommends the Government (3) to ensure the independence and impartiality of the judiciary system and (4) to take measures to ensure everyone’s equal access to justice, in accordance with international standards.
Lastly, we also express our concern about the situation in Cambodia when it comes to corruption, access to public service, women's rights, and trafficking of human beings.
Thank you, Mr President