On December 11th, 2012, two journalists of Voice of Democracy, a radio production program run by the Cambodian Center for Independent Media (CCIM) in Phnom Penh met with Dr. Surya Subedi, the United-Nations Special Rapporteur for Human Rights in Cambodia, to discuss the evolution of the human rights situation in the country.
“There have been achievements in some areas. For example, the controversial NGO law is being reviewed, BoengKak Lake disputes are being taken into account and a land titling program is under way”, DrSubedi told Sun Narin, reporter for VOD. “However, there is not enough progress on freedom of expression, land rights and independence of the judiciary. My mandate is to follow up and offer my help to the Cambodian government for my recommendations to be implemented”, he continued. Dr. Subedi insisted on the fact that only an independent judiciary system with a better capacity will resolve conflicts and attract more foreign investments, reminding that rights come with responsibilities and calling for Cambodians to pay attention to each other’s rights.
Answering to the critics he received from the Cambodian authorities after the publication on his report about the human rights situation on September 25th (http://cambodia.ohchr.org/WebDOCs/DocNewsIndex/2012/092012/SR_report_on_ELC_Eng.pdf), he told VOD “my reports are based on evidence and information received. I am here to do a very important job on behalf of the United-Nations and I always follow three things while carrying my tasks: independence, objectivity and impartiality. What a person says about my work is not important. It does not distract me from my task”.
Following up with his last visit,Dr. Subedi told VOD that he requested a meeting with Prime Minister Hun Sen and hopes to hear from his office in the next day or two. “The last time, he sent an emissary to tell me he would see me “next time”. This is the “next time””, he told Narin. “I will tell him that I am a friend of Cambodia, I want to help you so please use my expertise. My recommendations are sensible and one day or another, I know your government will have to implement them”, he continued.
The whole interview will be broadcast on SarikaFM in Phnom Penh on 106.5 FM and Siem Reap on 95.5 FM from noon on Wednesday, December 12th, 2012.A press conference will be held on Friday, December 14th 2012 where the UN Special Rapporteur will share his observations and a first impression of his eighthfact-finding visit to the Kingdom of Cambodia since 2009.
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