Cambodia Faces International Backlash Over Sentencing of Environmental Activists

"We are deeply troubled by these convictions, which reflect a systematic effort by the State to shrink civic space and suppress dissenting voices in Cambodia," the experts stated.

Today, a group of independent experts strongly condemned Cambodia's sentencing of 10 environmental activists, describing it as part of a broader crackdown on human rights defenders in the country.

"We are deeply troubled by these convictions, which reflect a systematic effort by the State to shrink civic space and suppress dissenting voices in Cambodia," the experts stated. "This ruling sets a dangerous precedent and will undoubtedly intimidate human rights defenders nationwide."

On July 2, 2024, the Phnom Penh Court of First Instance handed down severe sentences of six to eight years in prison along with fines to activists from Mother Nature Cambodia, an organization dedicated to safeguarding Cambodia's natural environment and supporting local communities in defending their rights. Three activists were convicted of conspiracy and lèse majesté, receiving eight-year prison terms and fines of 10 million riels (approximately USD 2,400) each. Additionally, seven others were sentenced to six years in prison. Notably, six of the convicted activists were minors at the time of the alleged offenses.

The experts expressed grave concerns about the trial proceedings, highlighting significant deficiencies in due process and fair trial standards. "This trial failed to meet both Cambodian law and international human rights standards," they emphasized.

Calling for immediate action, the experts urged the Cambodian Appeals Court to meticulously review the activists' cases and demanded their unconditional release.

They criticized the use of repressive laws to criminalize fundamental freedoms of expression, peaceful assembly, and association, stressing that such actions violate Cambodia's obligations under international human rights law, particularly the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.

"With the recent change in government, there is an urgent need for judicial reforms to halt the ongoing harassment of human rights defenders and environmental activists through the judicial system," the experts asserted.

The experts also voiced concerns about the ongoing smear campaign and judicial harassment targeting the Centre for Alliance of Labor and Human Rights (CENTRAL), a labor rights organization advocating for freedom of association for workers and unions.

They called on the Cambodian government to review existing legislation, including the lèse majesté law and the Criminal Code, to ensure that they are not used arbitrarily against human rights activists engaged in legitimate and peaceful advocacy work.

The international community continues to monitor the situation closely amid growing concerns over Cambodia's treatment of activists and its adherence to human rights standards.