On 2 October 2026, the International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH) delivered a statement at the 63rd session of the United Nations (UN) Human Rights Council during the Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on human rights in Cambodia. The statement expressed concern over the Cambodian government’s relentless repression of peaceful dissidence and activism and called for the release of all individuals detained on politically motivated charges. Read the statement below.
Mister Vice-President,
FIDH welcomes the Special Rapporteur’s first report on Cambodia and stands ready to support him in the discharge of his mandate.
We are troubled by the relentless repression of peaceful dissidence and activism, which, in recent months, has led to an increase in the number of individuals arbitrarily detained or imprisoned for the legitimate exercise of their rights – reaching a record high of 131 in April this year, and currently standing at 110, including 10 women. The government’s misuse of “plotting” and “treason” charges, resulting in social media users, journalists, and political activists facing prison sentences of more than a decade, represents a worrying escalation of judicial abuse.
We are particularly disturbed by the ongoing imprisonment of five journalists, five environmental rights defenders from the award-winning grassroots organization Mother Nature, and two student activists from the Khmer Student Intelligent League Association on politically motivated charges.
All of them have had their bail applications consistently denied by courts, in a blatant violation of Cambodia’s obligation under international law. We reiterate our call for their release, the withdrawal of all charges against them, and an end to all acts of harassment against members of civil society.
The extremely limited civic and political space will make Cambodia’s next commune elections, scheduled for June 2027, a repeat of previous local polls, which were neither inclusive nor participatory, and in fact provided opportunities for further repression.
Thank you.
