The Morrison government is helping Cambodia establish its own version of Australia’s Human Rights Commission, despite protests from local human rights groups who say strongman leader Hun Sen will use it as propaganda in his bid for international credibility.
With political opponents including opposition leader Kem Sokha still facing trial amid an ongoing crackdown on dissent, there are fears the new entity would simply be a front for the regime of Hun Sen, who has ruled for 37 years and now presides over what is effectively a one-party state.
Australia has prioritised ties with Cambodia, this year’s ASEAN chair, despite misgivings about its government’s human rights record.
