UN human rights expert to visit Cambodia

GENEVA/PHNOM PENH (24 April 2019) – The UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Cambodia, Rhona Smith, will visit the country from 29 April to 9 May 2019, at the invitation of the Royal Government.

"I will be focusing my mission on the current situation of human rights, and following up on the developments since my previous mission last November," Smith said. "I also aim to continue my examination of human rights with respect to the Sustainable Development Goals, looking in particular at non-discrimination and equality, and participation and accountability."

During her 11-day visit, the expert plans to meet senior members of the Royal Government, representatives of civil society and members of the diplomatic community. Smith will also undertake field visits to gather first-hand information.

The UN Special Rapporteur undertakes regular official missions 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 2019.

Smith will conclude her visit with a press conference to discuss the preliminary findings of her visit on Thursday 9 May at 15:00 local time at the UN Human Rights Office (OHCHR), No. 4, Street 271, Sangkat Phsar Daem Thkov, Khan Chamkar Morn, Phnom Penh. Access is strictly limited to journalists.

ENDS

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.

Special Rapporteurs are 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.

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UN Human Rights, country page: Cambodia

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