PHNOM PENH: Chairman of the Cambodian Human Rights Committee (CHRC), Keo Remy, said that his committee’s priority is to provide human rights education to officials and authorities at the district level. Previously the CHRC had focused on human rights training at the national and provincial level, but says it is ready to act on a more local level.

During a press conference following a meeting with the UN’s Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), Roueida El Hage, the CHRC chairman said, "When a country protects the interests and the rights of its people, both legally and practically, the understanding of regional and national officials will bring honor to the country…[our status on] the international arena is very valuable."

Keo Remy emphasized that the CHRC has resolved a number of human rights complaints related to prisoner living conditions and educating children who live with their mothers in prison. He said that under the new government administration, his committee will focus on disseminating human rights information to police at the district level. He also promised that the digital software used to report human rights violations would be updated.

He added that the CHRC is working with other government ministries to ensure citizens enjoy the dignity of their rights in addition to protecting the weak in hopes of improving Cambodia’s reputation on the international stage.

The chairman added that under former prime minister Hun Sen’s leadership, the Royal Government made achievements in society, culture, politics, and democracy, without mentioning any specifics. He said the CHRC will continue cooperating with the OHCHR to achieve shared goals.