NGOs urge UN action on human rights

Twelve NGOs have issued an open letter to the UN Human Rights Council urging it to adopt a strong resolution on what they term the grave deterioration of the human rights situation in Cambodia.

With UN Special Rapporteur on Cambodia Rhona Smith due to present her findings to the council at its 33rd session next month, the 12 signatories (including Human Rights Watch, Lichadho and Adhoc) have requested the council to call on the government to release political prisoners; repeal the NGO, trade union and telecommunications laws, which they say fall short of international standards; and put an end to “serious violations” of human rights.

The letter also asks that Smith – who recently came under criticism for her perceived inaction – be requested to conduct an assessment of Cambodia’s implementation of rights reforms recommended by UN bodies.

read more http://www.phnompenhpost.com/national/ngos-urge-un-action-human-rights