Ministry Statements & Speeches:
Mr President,
New Zealand thanks the Special Rapporteur for his report on Cambodia.
Ahead of Cambodia’s commune and general elections, New Zealand remains deeply concerned by limitations on political participation and the targeting of opposition figures.
Opposition parties play a critical role in an open, well-functioning democracy. We urge Cambodia to end prosecutions of opposition politicians and to lift restrictions to enable the meaningful participation of opposition parties in the upcoming elections - in an environment free from intimidation and harassment.
The rights to freedom of expression and assembly play a key role in promoting tolerance, diversity and pluralism. New Zealand is concerned by undue restrictions on freedom of expression and media freedoms in Cambodia. We urge Cambodia to lift such restrictions, including reconsidering overbroad legislative provisions that can stifle freedom of expression and assembly. We also strongly encourage Cambodia to reconsider plans to enact a National Internet Gateway - which may further limit freedom of expression and access to information.
New Zealand continues to strongly support the Special Rapporteur’s important work on the human rights situation in Cambodia.
Thank you.