Phnom Penh, 25 August 2025 — The Cambodian National Assembly on Monday approved two laws during its fourth session of the 7th legislature. The session was led by Assembly President Samdech Maha Rathsapheathika Thipadei Khuon Sudary, with 120 lawmakers participating.

The assembly approved the Draft Law on the Amendment of the Law on Nationality and a draft law ratifying an agreement under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, or UNCLOS, concerning the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction.

The nationality law amendment, involving two articles, addresses concerns over threats to Cambodia’s national security and sovereignty. The government said some Cambodians, especially overseas, have engaged in acts of betrayal and collusion with foreign powers.

Under the new Article 153 of the constitution, Prime Minister Hun Manet and the assembly president, Khuon Sudary, led the effort to amend Article 33 of the constitution with support from all 125 lawmakers. The amendment allows for revoking Cambodian nationality from individuals convicted of treason.

The government noted that revocation of nationality is already practiced in more than 150 countries, including France, the United Kingdom, the United States, Germany, Australia, India, South Korea, and Singapore.

The law aims to strengthen legal measures to protect Cambodia’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and public order. It also seeks to prevent foreign interference and reinforce citizens’ constitutional duties.

The law applies only to individuals convicted of treason, cutting off their legal and political ties to the country. It also provides for notification to international partners about individuals whose nationality has been revoked.

Following a discussion, the assembly approved the nationality law amendment unanimously, with all 120 members voting in favor. The assembly also ratified the marine biodiversity agreement, with 119 votes out of 120 members present.

The government said the treaty reflects Cambodia’s commitment to environmental sustainability, climate change mitigation, and the promotion of a green economy. The country aims to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.

Building on achievements over the past 25 years, including the Triangular Strategy and the Rectangular Strategy’s four phases, Cambodia has launched the Pentagonal Strategy-Phase I to promote growth, employment, equity, efficiency, and sustainability. The Ministry of Environment developed the Environmental Chakra Strategy 2023–2028 to set priorities for protecting natural resources and increasing climate resilience.

The UNCLOS agreement aims to conserve marine biological diversity for present and future generations. In May 2025, Cambodia signed the treaty during the Third United Nations Ocean Conference in Nice, France.

Officials say the agreement will strengthen Cambodia’s international cooperation, improve its global standing, and mobilize resources to support national development and environmental protection.