Cambodia: UN expert launches new mission with focus on children’s rights

GENEVA / PHNOM PENH (2 August 2017) – The United Nations Special Rapporteur on human rights in Cambodia, Rhona Smith, will carry out her fourth official visit to the country from 8 to 18 August 2017, to examine the rights of children and the general human rights situation.
 
“I will be focusing my mission on children’s rights as part of my ongoing work on discrimination and marginalized groups,” she noted.
 
“I am particularly keen to explore child trafficking and exploitation, including the position of cared for children.”
 
During her 10-day visit, the expert will meet a wide range of groups and officials, including senior members of the Royal Government, representatives of civil society and members of the diplomatic community.

The UN Special Rapporteur undertakes regular visits to Cambodia and reports annually to the Human Rights Council, which appointed her in March 2015.  She will present her next report to the Council in September 2017, orally updating the Council on this visit, while the written report on this mission will be presented in September 2018.
 
The expert will hold a press conference to discuss the preliminary findings of her visit, on Friday 18 August at 1500 local time at the UN Human Rights Office (OHCHR), No. 4, Street 271, Sangkat Phsar Daem Thkov, Khan Chamkar Morn, Phnom Penh. Access to the press conference is strictly limited to journalists.

Professor Rhona Smith (United Kingdom) was appointed as Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Cambodia by the UN Human Rights Council in March 2015. As Special Rapporteur, she is part of what is known as the Special Procedures of the Human Rights Council. Special Procedures, the largest body of independent experts in the UN Human Rights system, is the general name of the Council’s independent fact-finding and monitoring mechanisms. Special Procedures mandate-holders are independent human rights experts appointed by the Human Rights Council to address either specific country situations or thematic issues in all parts of the world. They are not UN staff and are independent from any government or organization. They serve in their individual capacity and do not receive a salary for their work.

Check the Special Rapporteur’s reports on Cambodia.

UN Human Rights, country page: Cambodia

For more information and media requests please contact Mr. Sovanna Mann (+855 23 993 590 / 91, Ext: 208 / smann@ohchr.org)

For media inquiries related to other UN independent experts:
Xabier Celaya, OHCHR Media Unit (+ 41 22 917 9383 / xcelaya@ohchr.org)

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