UN human rights expert to assess the judiciary in Cambodia

GENEVA / PHNOM PENH (4 June 2010) – The UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Cambodia, Surya Prasad Subedi, will undertake his third mission to the Kingdom of Cambodia from 8 to 17 June 2010.

“I will focus my mission to Cambodia on the functioning of the judiciary,” the independent expert said, “as part of my ongoing assessment of institutions critical to the promotion and protection of human rights, with a view to assessing the extent to which it is accessible to ordinary Cambodians and delivers justice”.

During his visit, Prof Subedi will meet with King Norodom Sihamoni and the Prime Minister, Samdech Hun Sen.He will also meet with other members of the Royal Government, representatives of the main institutions involved in legal and judicial reform and the administration of justice, as well as ordinary users of the courts, civil society actors and development partners involved in the sector.

The Special Rapporteur is mandated by the UN Human Rights Council to follow and report on the human rights situation in Cambodia. His task is to assess the human rights situation, report publicly about it, and work with the Government, civil society and others to foster international cooperation in this field. Mr. Subedi undertakes regular visits or missions to Cambodia and reports annually to the Human Rights Council. OHCHR provides him with logistical and technical assistance.

Surya P. Subedi, Professor of Law at the University of Leeds, UK, was appointed Special Rapporteur in 2009 by the Human Rights Council. As Special Rapporteur, he is independent from any government or organization and serves in his individual capacity.