LIBRARY

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.

22 January 2004

The Cambodian Human Rights Action Committee (CHRAC) deplores the killing of union leader Chea Vichea this morning, and demands swift action by the authorities to bring the perpetrators to justice. Chea Vichea, President of the Cambodian Free Trade Union of Workers of the Kingdom of Cambodia, was shot dead at approximately 9:30 AM while reading a newspaper at a newstand on Street 51 near Wat Lanka in Phnom Penh. An unidentified gunman walked up to him and shot him three times, before escaping with an accomplice who had been waiting on a motorcycle.

22 December 2003

LICADHO released a report documenting the increase of attacks in which the perpetrator pours acid on the victim, causing serious disfigurement. LICADHO called for stronger action to punish and prevent such acid attacks.

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.

15 December 2003

Following the deportation of 11 Montagnard asylum seekers, CHRAC urged the government to allow asylum claims to be determined through a fair and transparent process. Given the strong possibility that Montagnards would face persecution in Vietnam, Cambodia is required under the Refugee Convention not to forcibly deport them.

15 December 2003

CHRAC urged the Cambodian government to grant permission to two organizations to organize a rally to celebrate International Anti-Corruption Day, despite indications from the government that permission would not be granted.

1 December 2003

In this report, the Neutral and Impartial Committee on Free and Fair Elections in Cambodia (NICFEC), releases its final evaluation of whether the July 2003 National Assembly Elections in Cambodia were free and fair.

1 December 2003

This briefing paper provides the most recent update on the nature and extent of threats facing human rights defenders in Cambodia.

1 December 2003

Throwing acid is one of the worst crimes that a person can commit. The perpetrator usually does not want to kill the victim, but wants to do something worse than murder - make the victim suffer forever. Acid melts human flesh and even bones, causing excruciating pain and terror, and leaves the victims mutilated and scarred for the rest of their lives. Some suffer permanent disabilities such as blindness.

In this report LICADHO explores the increase in the use of acid in attacks and documents the reasons for its use.

30 November 2003

CAMBOW announced that it would hold activities in Phnom Penh and three provinces as part of the International 16 Days of Activism against Gender Violence.

23 October 2003

CHRAC expressed concern about tension and security in Cambodia following the shooting of popular singer Touch Sunich, which followed only a few days after the murder of a radio station editor.

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.

18 October 2003

CHRAC denounced the murder of Chhuor Chhetharith, Ta Prohm radio station editor, by two men on a motorbike. CHRAC expressed concern that the killing would intimidate the Cambodian press.

20 August 2003

The Cambodian Human Rights Action Committee (CHRAC) strongly condemns the bombing of the United Nations headquarters in Iraq which killed at least 17 people and wounded more than 100 innocent people.

14 August 2003

CHRAC condemned the killing of the daughter of an SRP activist by a village chief in Chup Rubber Plantation, and expressed its opinion that the motive was political.

14 August 2003

CHRAC expressed concern about reports that firefighters had demanded payment before extinguishing a fire, and urged authorities to investigate this violation of rights to public services.

25 July 2003

CHRAC expressed concern that the National Police were preparing to crackdown on any demonstrations which might occur following the National Elections. CHRAC affirmed that the government must protect the right to freedom of expression as guaranteed in the Constitution.

13 July 2003

CHRAC condemned the continued crackdown on striking factory workers by Phnom Penh police which resulted in the death of one demonstrator, and appealed to the Cambodian government to investigate the events which occurred during the demonstration.

12 June 2003

CHRAC appealed to the government to respect the people's rights guaranteed in the Constitution after a police crackdown on a peaceful demonstration by Terratex garment factory workers striking for better working conditions.