The 57th Session of the Human Rights Council, Item 10: Interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Cambodia, Statement by Ambassador OIKE Atsuyuki (7 October 2024)

   Thank you, Mr. President.
 
   Mr. Special Rapporteur, Japan expresses its sincere appreciation for your dedicated work.
 
   To improve the human rights situation in Cambodia, it is important to promote voluntary efforts by the government. We hope you will continue to support such efforts in cooperation with the OHCHR Cambodia Office.
 
   We appreciate Cambodia’s acceptance of the Special Rapporteur’s visit last year and the extension of the MOU with the OHCHR Office in Phnom Penh this year. Japan also recognizes Cambodia’s continuous efforts to promote socio-economic development and improve the situation of vulnerable groups, including its efforts to protect the rights of women and children.
 
   At the same time, as highlighted in the Special Rapporteur’s report, constraints on civic and political space remain a major challenge. We call on Cambodia to ensure the protection and promotion of civil and political rights, including freedom of expression, the press, assembly, and association, to foster an environment in which people can freely express various opinions.
 
   This year, the UPR of Cambodia was held. We strongly hope that Cambodia will pay attention to the voices of the international community and work with various stakeholders to further improve its human rights situation.
 
   Finally, we reiterate our continued support for the mandate of the Special Rapporteur.
 
   I thank you.