The Cambodian Human Rights Action Committee (CHRAC), a coalition of 17 local NGOs, strongly urges the Government to grant permission for the Khmer Human Rights and Anti-Corruption Organization (KHRACO) and the Cambodia Independent Watch Committee on Corruption to organize a rally to celebrate International Anti-Corruption Day. The rally was planned for December 14 in Wat Botum Vatei park.

International Anti-Corruption Day marks the continued efforts by nations around the world to end corruption. The UN General Assembly adopted the Convention Against Corruption on the 31 October this year. International Anti-Corruption Day saw the first signatures of 125 states in support of the convention. Cambodia has not yet signed the convention.

Instead of supporting such an important event, the Cambodian Government has indicated that it will refuse permission for the rally because it views the rally as propaganda and a threat to national security. Interior Ministry spokesman, General Khieu Sopheak, said Anti-Corruption day rally was unnecessary, as the government has already shown its commitment to fighting corruption by proposing a draft law which now awaits National Assembly debate. When asked if the UN's planned presence at the rally would sway his decision, General Khieu Sopheak replied that he hoped that the UN would not do anything to compromise public security.

In the past few months, local authorities have banned peaceful gatherings such the one planned to highlight World Environment Day (June 2003) and anther one for survivors of domestic violence and representatives of women's rights groups who had wished to meet and discuss the draft law on domestic violence with their elected representatives ( May 2003).

No allowing peaceful gatherings by people is a clear breach of the Constitution and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, both of which guarantee freedom of assembly and freedom of speech." says Dr Kek Galabru, Chairperson of CHRAC and President of LICADHO.

Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) provides for freedom of expression, (1) Everyone shall have the right to hold opinion without interference; (2) Everyone should have the right to freedom of expression; this right shall include freedom to seek, receive and impart information and ideas of all kinds'. Article 21 of the ICCPR provides for freedom of assembly, the right of peaceful assembly shall be recognized. No restrictions may be placed on the exercise of this right other than those imposed in conformity with the law and which are necessary in a democratic society in the interests of national security or public safety, public order ( order public), the protection of public health or morals or the protection of the rights and freedoms of others. The constitution of Cambodia expressly recognizes the right to peaceful demonstration ( Article 37), and implements international human rights treaties such as the ICCPR (Article 31)

CHRAC urges the Cambodian government to respect freedom of assembly and freedom of expression and allow KHRACO and other NGOs to hold a rally in the celebration of International Anti-Corruption Day.

For more information, please contact:
▪ Dr. Kek Galabru, Chairperson of CHRAC and President of LICADHO, 012 940 645
▪ Mr. Thun Saray, President of ADHOC, 016 880 509
▪ Mr. Sok Sam Ouen, Executive Director of CDP, 012 901 199

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