HIGH COMMISSIONER FOR HUMAN RIGHTS CALLS ATTACK ON UNITED NATIONS HUMAN RIGHTS WORKER IN CAMBODIA ´COMPLETELY UNACCEPTABLE´

HR/98/23
9 April 1998


Mary Robinson Says Essential That Government Take Measures to End Intimidation, Harassment and Assaults on United Nations Staff

Following is a statement issued this morning by United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Mary Robinson:

I have now received a detailed report of an incident in Phnom Penh on 2 April in which a member of the staff of my Cambodia office was seriously beaten by armed officers of the security forces. I view this attack on a United Nations human rights worker as deeply disturbing and completely unacceptable.

My Office has lodged a protest with the Government, insisting that the incident be investigated and the perpetrators charged. This should not be difficult as the assault took place in the presence of a large number of people, including other armed policemen, who took no action to intervene.

United Nations human rights officers are in Cambodia to assist in efforts to end violence and abuse in the country. They are working with the agreement of the Government which has a responsibility to ensure their full protection. It is essential that the Government honour its obligations by taking measures which end the intimidation, harassment and now assaults on United Nations staff.

I have written to my colleague, a Cambodian member of the staff, and expressed my appreciation of his courage and commitment to promoting and protecting human rights in his country.