PHNOM PENH: The Cambodian Human Rights Committee, in collaboration with the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), organized a consultative workshop with unions on the “Draft Law on the Organization and Functioning of the Human Rights Commission of Cambodia” on Monday, which aims to collect additional input from unions and stakeholders to ensure transparency and participation from all relevant parties.

Monday’s discussion took place in the hall of the Royal University of Phnom Penh, focusing on the content of the draft law aimed at ensuring the National Committee for Human Rights of Cambodia, which will be established as an independent professional body, and ensure the protection, promotion and respect of human rights for all citizens without discrimination.

Speaking at the discussion at the Royal University of Phnom Penh this morning, the Chairman of the Cambodian Human Rights Committee, Keo Remy, stated that the establishment of the National Committee for Human Rights of Cambodia is an effort of the Royal Government to promote human rights. He further stressed that the National Committee for Human Rights of Cambodia will act as an independent, neutral national body working in the field of human rights.

OHCHR Representative, Pradeep Wagle, spoke in support of the establishment of the national human rights committee, saying that it was a step forward by the Royal Government of Cambodia to protect and promote human rights for all Cambodians.

The Draft Law on the Organization and Functioning of the Human Rights Commission of Cambodia was prepared by the Cambodian Human Rights Committee, with provided technical assistance from the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights in Cambodia, and the Asia Pacific Forum (APF) located in Australia. This draft law has 8 chapters and 32 articles, and is designed to ensure the promotion of human rights as defined by the United Nations and in accordance with the Paris Principles.

This draft law was prepared in July 2021 and was publicly announced to gather input from the general public from July 2021 until now. Consultations are also being held with all stakeholders for the purpose of this draft law, with Monday’s meeting marking the second consultation conducted after the first consultation was completed with civil society organizations.