Cambodian senior officials have held talks via Videoconference with newly appointed UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Cambodia, Dr. Vitit Muntarbhorn.
During a meeting on Wednesday with Samdech Kralahom Sar Kheng, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, Dr. Vitit Muntarbhorn hoped to continue a frank dialogue with the Royal Government of Cambodia (RGC) and other stakeholders to jointly address issues of common concern in a constructive manner.
Samdech Sar Kheng welcomed and congratulated Dr. Vitit Muntarbhorn on his appointment as the UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Cambodia. He strongly hoped for the good cooperation between Dr. Vitit Muntarbhorn and the RGC, including the Ministry of Interior, in the field of human rights.
The discussion mainly touched on the situation in prisons, democratic space and the process of NGOs law amendment, and the general aspect of COVID-19 in Cambodia and subsequent response measures in the aftermath of the pandemic.
In the virtual meeting on Thursday with H.E. Keo Remy, President of Cambodian Human Rights Committee (CHRC), both sides expressed their willingness to continue the cooperation and dialogue on human rights.
H.E. Keo Remy requested the Special Rapporteur to make a balanced report and recommendations reflecting the challenges and efforts of the RGC and based on the Cambodian context, according to H.E. Chin Malin, Vice President and Spokesman of CHRC.
The talks focused on the CHRC’s work progress concerning the preparation of human rights report to the UN, legal aid and settlement of civil complaints, review of human rights situation in prisons, and establishment of human rights institution; legal and administrative measures against COVID-19; and political space, democracy and civil society, pointed out the spokesperson.
Dr. Vitit Muntarbhorn officially took his post as the UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Cambodia on May 1, 2021.
Source: Agency Kampuchea Press