The U.N.’s deputy high commissioner for human rights, Flavia Pansieri—who is on a weeklong mission in Cambodia —has been asked to address an arbitrarily enforced ban on public assemblies, which has been in place since January.
In a letter dated Monday, Muth Chantha, secretary-general of the Nationalism Party, says the ban is a “gross violation” of at least two articles in the Constitution.
“[W]e strongly urge you to raise the issue with Prime Minister Hun Sen and his authorities so as to lift the ban,” the letter said.
“We also urge you to put out a strong statement reminding the Royal Government of Cambodia about its international human rights obligations.” Ms. Pansieri arrived in Cambodia yesterday for a five-day visit.
Reached by telephone, Council of Ministers spokesman Phay Siphan said Mr. Chantha had the right to ask for pressure to be put on Mr. Hun Sen, but added: “It’s a temporary ban, because since that ban, everybody is happy. Phnom Penh has gone back to being normalized.”