LIBRARY

1 May 2004

"(...)Human rights NGOs have long seen the need for a truly independent and effective National Human Rights Commission. An NGO draft law to establish such a commission has been in discussion by a group of NGOs since 1997, when it was written, and the fact that it is still being discussed today indicates its importance in ensuring human rights in Cambodia. The controversy that it has generated in negotiations reveals the power that the proposed commission would hold to challenge human rights abuses in the country.(...)"

Open letter by Dr. Kek Galabru, President of LICADHO

25 March 2004

The Cambodian Human Rights Action Committee (CHRAC), a coalition of 17 local human rights NGOs, welcomes the decision on March 19, 2004, by Phnom Penh Municipal Court judge Hing Thirith, to dismiss charges against two men accused of killing union leader Chea Vichea. According to information received by CHRAC, judge Hing Thirith decided to drop the charges against Born Samnang, 23, and Sok Sam Oeun, 36, who were arrested on 27 and 28 January 2004 because his investigation had not uncovered sufficient evidence that they were involved in the January 22 murder of Chea Vichea. Hing Thirith also noted irregularities in supposed confessions made in the case, and CHRAC investigation indicated major differences between witness testimony and these supposed confessions. The above judge's decision is a step towards the independence of the judiciary.

11 March 2004

At 10:00 Morning, the Phnom Penh municipal court opened a trial to try Sam Doeun and his partner Nhim Sophea, who committed intentional killings on October 27,2003. CHRAC welcomes the court opening the hearing to try Nhim Sophea.CHRAC believes that the court should not open the trial in the criminal case in secret. CHRAC appeal to all levels of the courts to ensure transparency, respect the equality of the law and freedom to access to public information so that the people trust the Cambodian Judicial system.

12 February 2004

The Cambodian Human Rights Action Committee (CHRAC), a coalition of 17 local NGOs, appeals for the release of Born Sam Nang and Sok Sam Oeun, who were arrested and detained for the January 22 murder of union leader Chea Vichea. CHRAC believes there is inadequate evidence against the suspects and their arrests did not follow lawful procedures.

19 December 2003

LICADHO welcomed charges brought against two U.S. citizens in courts in the United States for alleged fraud while arranging adoptions of Cambodian children. LICADHO hoped that such investigations would deter abuses during the adoption process.

22 October 2003

CHRAC urged the Appeal Court to review the decision of the trial of Ngoun Oun in connection to the killing of Khuon Dina, saying that the court's conduct in the trial appeared to reflect bias in favor of the alleged perpetrator.

21 October 2003

CHRAC expressed concern about the Prime Minister's request for the release of five customs officials who had been arrested in conection to a drug trafficking case, saying that the Prime Minister's actions interfered with the independence of the judiciary.

23 April 2003

CHRAC expressed concern that the independence of the judiciary would be further compromised by the murder of prominent Cambodian judge Sok Sethamony.

4 February 2003

Following the anti- Thai riots of January 29th, 2003, CHRAC called on the Cambodian government to release Mom Sonando, Director of Beehive radio. CHRAC emphasized that his arrest was groundless and that proper legal procedures had not been followed.

9 January 2003

CHRAC and others expressed strong support for holding a general election to select the Senate, opposing the idea of appointing the Senate as had been proposed by some parties who cited the government's budget constraints.

1 January 2003

CAMBOW held a public hearing at which domestic violence victims shared their experiences with key Senators and MPs. CAMBOW also raised several problems in the draft DV law, including a clause allowing a victim to be removed from her home in domestic violence complaints.

11 December 2002

CHRAC invited supporters of human rights to the trial of Khmer Rouge commander Sam Bith, who ordered an attack on a train carrying foreigners, who were taken hostage and later killed.

9 December 2002

CHRAC stressed the need for an independent, impartial and credible tribunal to try Khmer Rouge leaders following an agreement between the U.N. and the Cambodian government outlining the composition of the Tribunal.

8 October 2002

CAMBOW requested that a clause in the draft Domestic Violence Law, specifically allowing men to rape their wives, be removed. CAMBOW also raised concerns about other clauses in the law.

12 July 2002

CHRAC expressed its support of press freedoms following the detention of a journalist who provided information about the controversial issue of immigration.

21 February 2002

The Cambodian Human Rights Action Committee (CHRAC), a coalition of 18 local NGOs, would like to express its understanding of and support for the United Nations decision to withdraw from the current process of establishing a tribunal for the Khmer Rouge. For the past four years we have watched carefully the difficulties the UN has faced in dealing with the Cambodian Government over the establishment of a tribunal which will meet internationally accepted standards of justice.

Nevertheless, we, and the Cambodian people in general, are deeply saddened and disappointed by the loss of hope for justice with regard to this terrible period in our recent history. The following are among our reasons for sadness at the loss of the prospect of a credible tribunal:

17 October 2001

CHRAC expressed it concern over the denial of certain legal rights to members of the Cambodia Freedom Fighters, rights which are guaranteed by the Cambodian Constitution.

3 May 2001

CHRAC called on the Cambodian government to introduce amendments to the law on the creation of the Khmer Rouge Tribunal in order to bring the law into accord with the agreement between the Government and the United Nations.

1 February 2001

This report, a summary of the full report on rape and indecent assault, discusses the incidence of rape in Cambodia, the multiple challenges victims face in seeking legal redress, and the causes of impunity for offenders.

30 January 2000

"There is a growing behind-the-scenes debate within Cambodian political and donor communities over the merits of establishing a new, independent National Human Rights Commission by law, similar to such bodies set up in other Asian countries.

The need for an effective mechanism to protect Cambodians' human rights is selfevident. Virtually every day in Cambodia, serious rights violations are committed by State employees such as police, soldiers, bodyguards and civil servants. People are murdered, beaten, raped, or have their land taken. More often than not, the perpetrators do not face justice.(...)"

Open letter by Dr. Kek Galabru, President of LICADHO