PHNOM PENH: The Cambodian Human Rights Action Committee (CHRAC) organized a full-day regional workshop on Tuesday at the Himawari Hotel with the participation of officials representing the Royal Government, the National Assembly, and the Senate. The CHRAC and other stakeholders discussed and provided input on the draft law for the "Organization and Functioning of the National Human Rights Committee" to ensure it is comprehensive, inclusive, and consistent with the Paris Agreement.

The Chairman of the CHRAC, Keo Remy, stated that at a time when Cambodia is moving towards the establishment of an independent national human rights body in line with the Paris Agreement, all National Human Rights Institutions will play an important role in promoting the protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms.

"This institution will only act as a bridge between the Royal Government and national and international civil society groups on human rights work," he said. "On the other hand, the establishment of this National Human Rights Institution is a testament to the Royal Government's commitment to the field of human rights and the fulfillment of international human rights obligations on behalf of Cambodia as a member of the United Nations.”

The Vice-Chairman of the CHRAC and the Chairman of the Working Group on Drafting the Law, Chet Chealy, stated that the draft law on "Organization and Functioning of the National Human Rights Committee" has actually been planned several times since 2007, but was postponed. Right before the outbreak of Covid-19 in Cambodia, the Royal Government had decided to re-draft the law as Cambodia moves towards the establishment of a human rights body to monitor and implement human rights nationally.

According to Chet Chealy, the draft law could be finalized by the end of 2022. This draft law was made in consultation with civil society organizations, government units, ministries, departments, local authorities, and citizens.

Chet Chealy emphasized that after receiving more legal input at Tuesday’s regional workshop, the CHRAC will submit the draft law and send it to the Council of Ministers for further revision.

He stated that in the future, the CHRAC will continue to consult with the Legislative Organization, the Supreme Council of the Judiciary, and the political parties that do not have a voice in the National Assembly, to receive recommendations and suggestions to improve the draft law.

Chet Chealy stated that this draft law has a selection committee, however all prospective candidates must first be considered by the National Assembly, who will vet all candidates and select the most qualified.

The head of the drafting team said, "we have not yet decided how many members to choose [for the committee], but it can be from five to 10 people. In the Philippines, there are only five or six members, and in Malaysia, there are only five or six members. Some countries also have more than 10 people."