人权理事会讨论柬埔寨的人权状况（部分翻译）

上午

结束利比亚人权状况的互动对话

日内瓦（2016年9月28日）——人权理事会今天上午听取柬埔寨人权状况特别报告员罗娜·史密斯（Rhona Smith）呈报报告，随后与其开展互动对话。理事会还结束了于9月27日开始的有关高级专员关于利比亚人权状况的口头最新情况介绍的互动对话。对话第一部分可在 此处查看。

在呈交实务报告时，史密斯女士忆及25年前，柬埔寨冲突的综合性政治解决框架为这个国家带来了和平。然而，越来越多的证据表明，法律的执行方式十分严厉地惩罚政治异见和不同评论。最近几周，金边的军事行动助长了一股恐吓和恐惧气氛。最近临时停止的进攻提供了一次机遇，通过解决基本问题恢复对话文化。

柬埔寨作为当事国发言，注意到了一些建议并感谢了报告富有洞察力的贡献。然而，柬埔寨发现，报告并没有充分诠释实际进展的整体状况。所有的政党都能依照现有的法律和法律文书自由开展活动。柬埔寨人民享有和谐的生活、和平、安全、稳定和增长率为7%的巨大经济发展。因此，声称柬埔寨政治局势紧张即使不是错误的，也是不适当的。尽管如此，但一些个人或团体一直出于政治目的利用人权议程，其目的在于动摇国家和推翻依照宪法选举产生的政府。

在随后的辩论中，代表团表示，越来越多的民间社会行动者和最大反对党成员遭逮捕和羁留使柬埔寨政府采取的积极方案和改革蒙上了阴影。他们敦促政府保卫结社自由，采取有效措施保护民间社会，并努力创建在所有层面都独立和公平的司法制度。另一些代表团提醒道，柬埔寨正努力将发展进步与人权进步结合在一起，而这一任务并不容易。他们称赞了柬埔寨政府持续参与国际人权机制并与之开展合作，呼吁国际社会提供必要的技术援助和能力建设，以促进柬埔寨的人权。

欧盟、泰国、日本、捷克、法国、澳大利亚、美国、中国、瑞士、爱尔兰、新西兰、联合王国、缅甸、老挝人民民主共和国、印度尼西亚以及联合国儿童基金会的代表团们在辩论期间发言。

以下民间社会组织也作了发言：世界反酷刑组织（World Organization against Torture）、亚洲人权与发展论坛（Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development）、加拿大律师人权观察（Lawyers’ Rights Watch Canada）、国际法学家委员会（International Commission of Jurists）、国际人权同盟联合会（International Federation of Human Rights Leagues）、人权观察（Human Rights Watch）、第十九条（Article 19）以及国际天主教儿童局（International Catholic and Child Bureau）。

在会议开始阶段，理事会结束了关于利比亚人权状况的互动对话。代表团强调，这个国家的稳定与邻国和更广泛区域内的安全密切相关。发言者，尤其是那些来自地中海沿岸国家的发言者强调了解决移民危机的重要性，一些发言者提供具体援助，另一些指出了国际社会作出响应的紧迫性。许多人表示支持利比亚民族团结政府，并强调这是唯一的合法政府。

在结束发言中，联合国人权事务副高级专员凯特·吉尔摩（Kate Gilmore）感谢了对话的参与者对利比亚人民权利的重视。作为对涉及技术援助问题的回应，副高级专员表示，联合国利比亚支助团人权司一直有能力在那些艰难的处境下建设性地参与进来，在国内为和平和稳定创造条件。这个国家渴望获得能力建设，但国内的条件必须为此类活动打开通道，而且确保人道主义援助提供者的充分安全。近50万境内流离失所者的处境是目前暴力行动的结果——必须向他们提供安全回家的条件，确保其尊严。利比亚移民的处境依然十分严峻。当局必须改善羁留条件，国际社会必须确保在移民问题上与政府的合作，使所有人尊重移民的权利。

代表非洲集团的南非、代表阿拉伯集团的苏丹、欧盟、波兰、德国、捷克、土耳其、希腊、西班牙、阿尔及利亚、卡塔尔、美国、埃及、中国、葡萄牙、阿拉伯联合酋长国、苏丹、爱尔兰、新西兰、联合王国、意大利、突尼斯、巴林、乌克兰、荷兰、约旦、俄罗斯联邦以及摩洛哥的代表团们在辩论中发言。

以下民间社会组织也作了发言：开罗人权研究所（Cairo Institute for Human Rights Studies）、非洲维护人权会议（Rencontre Africaine pour la Défense des Droits de l'Homme）、多元文化青年理事会（Conseil de jeunesse pluriculturel）、人权观察（Human Rights Watch）以及阿拉伯人权委员会（Arab Commission for Human Rights）。

人权理事会计划在今天举行全天会议。随后，理事会将分别于苏丹、中非共和国和索马里的独立专家们举行互动对话。在结束这些会议后，理事会举行关于技术援助和能力建设的一般性辩论，包括有关秘书长和高级专员关于柬埔寨和也门的报告。

Statement by the President of the Council
 
CHOI KYONG-LIM, President of the Human Rights Council, said that after circulating his list of candidates for Special Procedures mandate holders on 30 August, he had continued consultations with Member States in order to ensure a smooth appointment process.  The President appealed to delegations to approach him directly if they had any specific comment, opinion or reservation with his list.
 
Interactive Dialogue on the Situation of Human Rights in Libya
 
South Africa, speaking on behalf of the African Group, recognized the many challenges in Libya, including the presence of terrorist groups, which also posed a regional threat; the proliferation of arms; and organized crime activities, in particular human trafficking and migrant smuggling.  The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights should continue to provide technical assistance to Libya as requested.  Sudan, speaking on behalf of the Arab Group, expressed hope that this interactive dialogue would contribute to the improvement of the human rights situation in Libya, especially through addressing the challenges posed by terrorist groups, the proliferation of arms and activities of organized criminal networks.  The Arab Group expressed support for actions to tackle the difficulties in the transitional process in Libya.  European Union remained very concerned about grave violations of human rights in Libya, including extra-judicial executions, abductions, and arbitrary detention, and condemned attacks on civilians, the judiciary, public officials, the media, human rights defenders and hospital staff.  How could the Council best contribute to the efforts to end impunity and ensure full accountability? 
 
Poland expressed concern about the lack of accountability for the violations and abuses of human rights and said that transitional justice was a prerequisite for building a stable society and a stable State.  What were the best strategies to prevent revenge and retaliation and restore trust in public institutions in Libya in the post-conflict period?  Germany stressed that the deterioration of the human rights situation in Libya was due to the lack of an effective state of authority.  An environment of deepening political polarization and ongoing fighting existed in Libya and constant violations of human rights were the terrible consequence.  Libya was at a cross-roads: the successful transformation process must be guided by justice, accountability and respect for human rights.  
 
Czechia asked whether the Special Representative saw any positive developments when it came to the United Nations-mediated political dialogue, a process that should result in a unified Libyan Government.  Turkey expressed worry at recent attacks in the oil crescent, and noted that Turkey would continue to stand by the noble Libyan people, and stood ready to contribute to capacity-building efforts in Libya.  Greece noted that Libya’s stability was closely linked to security in the broader region and the migration issue, and expressed willingness to contribute to training of the Libyan Coast Guard through a European Union agreement.  Spain expressed concern at information contained in the report and support for the political transition process in Libya, recognizing the Government of National Accord as the only legitimate Government. 
 
Algeria said that the multifaceted crisis that Libya was undergoing continued to have serious impacts on its neighbouring countries, and terrorism could hinder efforts at stabilization and development.  Qatar said that Libya was at a crossroads; all parties needed to meet the aspirations of the Libyan people for security and stability, and support needed to be provided to the Presidential Council to fight terrorism and to move forward with the political process.  United States said the United Nations process remained the best means to define a constructive path forward, and underlined that the international community needed to put its full weight behind the Government of National Accord, also emphasizing the importance of that Government’s commitment to protecting civilians during counter-ISIL operations. 
 
Egypt noted that Libya was going through a very sensitive period, especially in view of terrorist groups.  Libya had tried to move away from extremist ideologies to avoid chaos.  However, there was a danger of turning a blind eye to the activities of certain armed militias.  China was concerned about the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Libya.  The international community should increase its input into the reconstruction of the country.  There was a need to preserve Libya’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.  Portugal said that the persistent lack of approval of the Government of National Accord by the House of Representatives caused great concern, as well as the human rights situation of migrants and refugees who were vulnerable to exploitation and abuse.  United Arab Emirates noted the achievements in Libya in the field of human rights despite the difficulties in securing the rule of law, as well as its constructive cooperation with international human rights mechanisms.  Sudan hailed the Libyan efforts to strengthen the rights of its people, particularly in the face of ongoing challenges in fighting transnational crime and smuggling.  The international community should provide Libya the necessary technical and capacity building support. 

Ireland highlighted the urgent need for the restoration of essential services, the provision of humanitarian assistance, and the resumption of oil production in Libya.  What was the impact of civil society on the human rights situation and how could they be best supported in their efforts?  New Zealand was cautiously encouraged by small but positive steps that Libya was making towards a political resolution of the civil conflict and welcomed the engagement in the Libyan Political Agreement by many of the key parties to the conflict.  New Zealand urged Libya to hold to account those responsible for violations and recognized the huge challenges Libya faced in addressing abuses while it remained divided by conflict.  United Kingdom said that the cycle of violence and extremism must be ended by addressing the grievances of disenfranchised communities, regenerating neglected areas, and providing the youth with education and opportunities to encourage them to leave armed militias and reintegrate into society.  Which capacity building support might improve accountability, including for crimes committed by Daesh?  Italy said that consolidation of a strong unity government was a crucial step in improving the respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms and recognized the challenges in improving the human rights situation in the country.  The Libyan Presidency Council should pay close attention to human rights, including by appointing a focal point on justice issues.
 
Tunisia reaffirmed the importance it attached to the situation in Libya, as its security influenced the security of Tunisia, and urged Libyans to continue the national dialogue that would allow a settlement under United Nations auspices.  Bahrain said terrorism was a scourge on the region, noting its impact on hampering social development, and adding that Bahrain stressed the need for political agreement among Libyans.  Ukraine said that armed groups had their own vision of legitimacy which bore no resemblance to international human rights standards, adding that urgent measures to fight impunity were needed, toward which the most important step was the instalment of an effective state government in Libya.  Netherlands called on the United Nations and the international community to address the issue of non-governmental organizations administrative instruction, and emphasized that transitional justice should not be forgotten in the ongoing political process.  Deep concern was expressed over the human rights situation in detention centres for refugees and migrants.   

Jordan said that it was vital to ensure security in Libya which was endangered by Da’esh and other terrorist groups.  Combined efforts of the international community were needed to ensure the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Libya, as well as regional security efforts to improve border control.  Russian Federation stated that poverty, inequality and security problems in Libya were the direct consequences of the unlawful military intervention in the country.  It recalled that terrorism could not be justified by any argument, including the fight for democracy and human rights.  Morocco noted that the challenges in Libya did not emanate from the lack of commitment, but from the ramifications of the transitional period in the country.  It urged Libyan political parties to achieve sustainable stability in the country, and called on the international community to provide the Libyan Government with the necessary assistance in that respect.
 
Cairo Institute for Human Rights Studies reminded that grave violations of international law continued in Libya with total impunity.  Without addressing impunity and ensuring accountability, no sustainable solution would be reached in Libya, whose justice system remained in paralysis.  Rencontre Africaine pour la Defense des Droits de l’Homme underlined that the humanitarian and security situation in Libya had worsened due to the proliferation of weapons, the migrant crisis and trafficking in persons.  Terrorist groups operated freely throughout the country, and international support was needed to counter that scourge.  Conseil de jeunesse pluriculturelle was concerned about the deterioration in the situation of human rights in Libya and the impunity for human rights violations.  The root cause for impunity was the political situation in the country, lack of an effective judiciary and the existence of armed militias.  Human Rights Watch said that the most serious crimes were taking place in Libya in a climate of impunity, with the judicial system collapsing in several parts of the country.  The Council should establish a mandate of an Independent Expert on Libya to report on the human rights situation and the progress made on accountability.  Arab Commission for Human Rights was concerned about armed groups paid by the State and acting as law enforcement bodies in several parts of the country, which raised concern about the privatization of State security.  What was the plan for implementing the recommendations contained in the High Commissioner’s report?
 
Concluding Remarks
 
KATE GILMORE, United Nations Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights, thanked the participants in the dialogue for giving importance to the rights of the people in Libya.  Responding to questions concerning technical assistance, the Deputy High Commissioner said that the human rights division of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya had been able, under those difficult circumstances, to engage constructively to establish conditions for peace and stability in the country.  For example, the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights had issued six joint reports with the United Nations Mission on what technical assistance might entail and had supported capacity building workshops for civil society, State officials, judges and prosecutors, including to support the drafting of the Constitution.  There was an appetite for capacity building in the country, but the conditions within the country must clear a path for more such activities, and for humanitarian aid with full safety for the providers.  The situation of nearly half a million internally displaced persons was the result of the ongoing violence – they must be afforded the conditions for their safe return home, in dignity.  The situation of migrants in Libya continued to be grave: they were victims of torture, forced labour, and wide-spread and prolonged detention in horrific conditions.  The authorities must improve the conditions in detention, and the international community must ensure cooperation with the Government on migration to enable all to respect the rights of migrants.  For more than three years, the Office had been drawing attention to appalling conditions of detention and Ms. Gilmore urged the release of those in detention, or their transfer to justice for fair trials.
 
Several delegations had asked how best the cycle of violence could be stopped and the trust in public institutions could be restored.  Civil society and human rights defenders had an absolutely critical role if the cycle of violence was to be reversed.  They were being targeted by armed groups; many had fled and only a few brave ones spoke out at considerable risk to their safety.  Reconciliation was an important pillar in stopping the violence; however, there was no system today in Libya for the protection of civil society and human rights defenders, and there was no mean to ensure remedy for victims.  Addressing impunity was vital to stopping the cycle of violence, stressed the Deputy High Commissioner, adding that this required not only disarmament of those with arms and demobilization, but also transitional justice.  Progress on the implementation of the law on transitional justice had been limited by the resumption of hostilities, but the Office stood ready to support its implementation.  In addition to protecting civilians, addressing impunity and ensuring transitional justice, an important element in stopping the cycle of violence was the full respect of human rights in the context of access to justice.  In this regard, the Office had set up a framework of practical measures to promote justice and provide the basis on which accountability and the rule of law could be fully put in place. 
 
In closing, the Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights reiterated the deep commitment to providing technical assistance and to the partnership with the Government of Libya, and urged others, especially the European Union, to extend technical assistance, including in the field of migration.  The Council should establish a Special Procedure mandate of an Independent Expert, to regularly report to it on the human rights situation in Libya and the progress on accountability; this would complement the ongoing efforts and provide advice and assistance to the Council and the Government on establishing transitional justice mechanisms.  Such a mandate could be a critical step towards addressing critical impunity in the country.  The international community should also support the important role that the International Criminal Court could play, and pay attention to its needs and resources.
 
Documentation
 
The Council has before it the Report of theSpecial Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Cambodia (A/HRC/33/62).
 
Presentation of Report by the Special Rapporteur on the Situation of Human Rights in Cambodia
 
RHONA SMITH, Special Rapporteur on the situation of Human Rights in Cambodia, presenting her first substantive report on the situation of human rights in Cambodia, said she would be updating the Council on recent developments in Cambodia, beginning with areas of progress, which included the drafting of a surrogacy law which would help protect Cambodian women’s rights from unscrupulous surrogate brokers and counter human trafficking arising from this.  The National Election Committee was continuing to make progress on voter registration for the 2017 and 2018 elections.  She had reviewed reported communications regarding specific human rights defenders, and had received a number of petitions conveyed during her missions.  Concern was expressed that the Memorandum of Understanding between the Government and the Office of the High Commissioner of Human Rights had still not been signed. 
 
Twenty-five years ago, the framework for a comprehensive political settlement of the Cambodian conflict had brought peace to the country.  But the benefits of the resulting progress had not been enjoyed equally among the whole population.  There was increasing evidence that laws were being applied in a manner which harshly punished political dissent and comment.   Laws which were capable of being applied in a way which restricted core human rights protected by the Cambodian constitution needed to be reviewed and revised.  She said that it seemed that Cambodian authorities were of the opinion that the country was on the brink of a precipice, rather than the stable, peaceful country the Government indicated it was.  She reinforced her recommendation that the Government should review the salient provisions of the criminal code and the application of laws on peaceful demonstration.  In recent weeks, military exercises in Phnom Penh had contributed to a sense of intimidation and fear.  There was provocation and counter-provocation in the rhetoric of both the main political parties.  As the Cambodian people had expressed their support for both those parties, she said they needed to work together to serve those who elected them.  A temporary halt to the aggression seen recently provided an opportunity to resume the culture of dialogue by addressing fundamental issues.
 
Statement by the Concerned Country
 
Cambodia, speaking as the concerned country, took note of some recommendations and appreciated the insightful contribution of the report.  However, Cambodia found that the report did not comprehensively translate the full image of the progress on the ground.  All political parties freely conducted their activities in accordance with the existing laws and legal instruments.  Cambodian people were enjoying harmonious lives, peace, security, stability and remarkable economic growth of seven per cent.  Accordingly, it was improper, if not wrong, to claim that political tension existed in Cambodia.  Nevertheless, some individuals or groups had been exploiting the human rights agenda for their political purposes aimed at destabilizing the country and overthrowing the constitutionally elected Government.  In a genuine democracy, there was no room for acts of destruction of property, public order, tranquillity and harmonization of the society.  The culprits had to be held accountable for their acts.  The Government was committed to taking a holistic approach to land registration.  But, some land issues had been politicized by certain political parties.  As for the administration of justice, Cambodia clearly provided for the separation of the executive, legislative and judiciary powers.
 
Interactive Dialogue on the Situation of Human Rights in Cambodia
 
European Union noted that the positive programmes and reforms by the Government were being overshadowed by the current escalation of political tensions, with arrests and detentions of members of civil society and opposition parties.  What was the status of implementation of the recommendations made by Special Procedures, especially regarding  freedoms of expression, assembly and association?   Thailand said that the endeavours of Cambodia to improve the situation of human rights of its people were evidence of the commitment to comply with its international obligations.  How was the Special Rapporteur coordinating with others in supporting Cambodia in the implementation of its Universal Periodic Review recommendations?  Japan encouraged the people of Cambodia to engage in dialogue and find a solution to outstanding issues, and emphasized the appropriate implementation of the laws on freedoms of expression and association, and on non-governmental organizations.  How was the Special Rapporteur cooperating with the Office and other Special Procedures?  Czechia shared the opinion that the fruits of economic growth must be shared more equally by all members of the society in Cambodia and expressed concern about restrictions on the activities of civil society.  A prompt and independent investigation into the murder of Kem Ley was needed.
 
France said that the report bore out France’s concerns about Cambodia, and encouraged Cambodian authorities to promote the freedom of expression of their diverse civil society.  France also recalled its commitment to an independent judiciary, and in that regard expressed concern about the detention of political opponents in Cambodia.  Australia encouraged Cambodia to renew its Memorandum of Understanding with the Office of the High Commissioner of Human Rights, and expressed shared concern with the Special Rapporteur that the positive human rights developments occurring in Cambodia had been overshadowed by the prevailing political climate.  United States said it remained concerned about the human rights situation in Cambodia, and encouraged the Government to resume a genuine political dialogue with the opposition, asking the Special Rapporteur what she had observed regarding preparations for free and fair elections in 2017 and 2018.  China noted that Cambodia had been enjoying continuous economic growth over the last 20 years, and that the country had actively raised living standards for its people, expressing support for Cambodia’s choice of a suitable human rights model in light of its historical and cultural traditions.
 
Switzerland acknowledged the efforts made by Cambodia to increase awareness about women’s rights and election procedures.  But, it remained concerned about the limitations on civil society space and restrictions of freedom of expression and assembly.  Ireland noted that much of the progress made in Cambodia had been overshadowed by an increasing number of arrests and detentions of civil society actors and members of the largest opposition party.  It urged the Government to safeguard freedom of association and to take effective measures to protect civil society.  New Zealand welcomed the reforms made by Cambodia to create a more robust and transparent voter registration process.  However, it shared concern about the increasing use of State mechanisms to investigate, arrest, detain or threaten opposition politicians and members of civil society.  United Kingdom was deeply concerned by the further escalation of actions taken against opposition politicians and representatives of civil society.  It emphasized the need for an independent and impartial judiciary at all levels.  Myanmar commended Cambodia for its continued engagement and full cooperation with the international human rights mechanisms.  It encouraged the international community to provide technical assistance and capacity building for the promotion of human rights in Cambodia. 
 
Lao People’s Democratic Republic stated that a country-specific human rights resolution would not help to address human rights issues in Cambodia.  It commended Cambodia for its constructive engagement with the Universal Periodic Review, and called on the international community to positively engage with Cambodia.  Indonesia appreciated Cambodia’s continuous engagement with the United Nations human rights mechanisms despite the existing challenges.  Cambodia was trying to combine progress in development with progress in human rights, and Indonesia expressed hope that the international community would provide Cambodia the necessary technical assistance in that respect.  United Nations Children’s Fund said that Cambodia had demonstrated good commitment to addressing disparities in educational participation.  The United Kingdom’s ts Multilingual Education National Action Plan set out the right of ethnicity children to education in their mother tongue.  However,  there was a need for an increase of Government scholarships  targeting vulnerable groups.   
 
World Organisation Against Torture, in a joint statement with CIVICUS - World Alliance for Citizen Participation, expressed concern about the escalating attacks on civil society and dissenting voices and, taking into account the approaching communal and national elections, called on the Government to comply under the obligations under the Paris Peace Agreements and release all political prisoners.  The Special Rapporteur should conduct robust monitoring, assessment and follow up of all recommendations made to Cambodia.  Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development said that in July, vocal government critic and influential political commentator Kem Ley had been gunned down in broad day light in Phnom Penh, but the Government had shown no willingness to seriously investigate his murder.  His death was a grave reminder of the severity of threats faced by human rights defenders and dissenters in Cambodia.  Lawyers’ rights Watch Canada said that Cambodia’s crackdown on critics and human rights defenders was deeply troubling.  Despite more than two decades of technical assistance since the Paris Peace Accords, impunity for murders of critics and defenders continued, and the Government continued to abuse laws and utilize corrupt and non-independent courts to harass critics and rights defenders.  International Commission of Jurists said that since 2014, Cambodia had adopted laws inconsistent with its international human rights obligations, including undermining the independence of the judiciary and unduly restricting the work of civil society.   All stakeholders should ensure that the Paris Agreements were given full effect, particularly in the light of the elections scheduled in 2017 and 2018.  International Federation for Human Rights Leagues said that at least 27 human rights defenders and political activists remained incarcerated on politically-motivated charges, including 19 members and supporters of the political opposition.  Five had been arbitrarily detained on trumped-up charges for 153 days.  Cambodia was at a critical juncture and it was vital to monitor the human rights situation.
 
Human Rights Watch said that Prime Minister Hun Sen and his Cambodian People’s Party appeared intent on eliminating all opposition and independent voices and undoing most of what had been accomplished in the country since the Paris Peace Agreements signed 25 years ago.  Article 19 called for independent, speedy and effective investigations and prosecutions for all attacks and violence against environmental human rights defenders in Cambodia, and full redress for victims.  It asked the Special Rapporteur on how to keep the pressure on the Government to reverse the trend of impunity. International Catholic Child Bureau, in a joint statement with International Volunteerism Organization for Women, Education and Development – VIDES; Istituto Internazionale Maria Ausiliatrice delle Salesiane di Don Bosco; and Association Points-Coeur, stressed the difficulties in addressing violence against children in Cambodia.  Children in prison endured many forms of violence.  The organization recommended that Cambodia adopt a specific framework on sex tourism, which generated harmful and adverse consequences on children.
 
Concluding Remarks
 
Cambodia noted that democracy should not be extorted or hijacked by any individual or group for their malign hidden agenda.  Undermining other peoples’ rights while stating and executing one’s own was infringing the paramount principles of human rights.  Human rights had been exploited and used as a political tool to embarrass the Government of Cambodia.  There was no room for any intention to constrain freedom or to shrink space for civil society.  Law was an evolving process, not an eternal, unchangeable tool.  It needed to be revised and amended if necessary in accordance with the development of the surrounding environment, and responding to the reality encountered during its application.  The Cambodian delegation was of the view that generalizing the whole image of Cambodia by merely using a single angle was not acceptable. 
 
RHONA SMITH, Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Cambodia, in her concluding remarks, reminded the delegations that her recommendations had just been made and it was not yet possible to comment on their implementation.  Those recommendations had been based on those already made by human rights treaty bodies and on those accepted by Cambodia during the Universal Periodic Review.  This was an example of the cooperation of the mandate with other human rights mechanisms, said the Special Rapporteur.  Turning to the questions of elections, Ms. Smith said that most of the eligible voters should be registered under the new registering system, which would provide a good foundation for the credibility of the electoral process, but there were other concerns which might impinge on that credibility. 
 
In terms of moving forward, the priorities in the near future would include freedom of expression and association given how fundamental they were to the current situation of Cambodia and the upcoming elections; a culture of dialogue and the creation of space for the civil society; and voter education in the run up to the elections.  The international community should continue to monitor the situation in the country and continue to support the Government with technical assistance in the implementation of the recommendations from treaty bodies and the Universal Periodic Review.  The Special Rapporteur urged the international community to raise their concerns directly with the Government using the appropriate diplomatic channels, and to monitor the situation in a way that would not infringe on the sovereignty of Cambodia, but would send a signal of interest and concern for its people and Government.  All States had an obligation to work on the promotion and protection of human rights in all countries, including in Cambodia.

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