News & Events Details

On October 22, 2023; associations, trade unions, NGOs, and the communities celebrated the 32nd anniversary of the Paris Peace Agreement in Cambodia (23 October 1991-23 October 2023) on the topic; “Promoting spirit and obligations of signatories of the Paris Peace Agreement in Cambodia” at the Freedom Park of Sangkat Russei Keo, Khan Russei Keo, Phnom Penh.

Joint Statement: The Paris Peace Agreement on Cambodia, known as the Agreement on a Joint Resolution of Political Disputes for Cambodia, has been agreed with the four parties to end the war, keep the peace, national reunification, and restore Cambodia by ensure the respect, protect and fulfill human rights obligations to lead Cambodia in the path of liberal democracy, pluralism and sovereignty, independence with the inviolable integrity of the neutral territory and national unity of Cambodia.
Most of the key agreements and principles were included in the 1993 Constitution of the Kingdom of Cambodia, but since then the Constitution has been amended several times with the practical and law; we have observed that some policies have not been implemented or violated:-Some Cambodians have been discriminated against and divided into political conflicts since 2017. As a result, dozens of politicians and political supporters were imprisoned and threatened to flee the country with dissent.
-The Cambodian Constitution guarantees respect and protection of fundamental rights, especially fundamental freedoms such as public assembly, expression, establishing association, and political rights. The loss of party membership and the party dissolution led to the representatives losing their seats; it is contrary to the will of the voters to give confidence to their representatives.
-The active citizens, especially the youth, who dare to express their rights and freedoms to protect human rights, the environment, and natural resources have been violently detained by authorities and courts-proving that they do not have enough right to express their concerns.

Therefore, on behalf of associations, unions, communities, and non-governmental organizations, we recommend the following:
1. May the politicians stop the political accusations and practice the spirit of national unity and unification of all political parties.
2. May the new government review and reform the law, including the law on free and fair elections, and the law that guarantees the rights of citizens, open the freedom space for the people, and punish those who violate the rights and suppress the rights of citizens guaranteed by the Cambodian Constitution.
3. Reform the law to guarantee the mandate of a parliament member even if that member loses his or her party membership or the party is dissolved.
4. Guarantee, protect, and promote human rights defenders institutions, and journalists. Development, social activities, and youth initiatives should be promoted and supported at the same time.
5. May the Royal Government expand a democratic space with meaning, and freedom of expression to the people, and stop harassing those who dare to protect human rights, the environment, and natural resources.
6. May the Cambodian government guarantee press freedom and maintain an independent press in the country to fulfill the needs of sustainable and democratic social development through well-informed citizens.
7. May the signatories of the Paris Peace Agreement, including the Royal Government of Cambodia, ensure the full implementation of the Paris Peace Agreement by the spirit and obligations of this Agreement.

Please note that this celebration of the 32nd Paris Peace Agreement in Cambodia was co-organized by more than 20 communities, unions, and NGOs with around 2,000 participants.