UN rights envoy troubled by land, freedom of expression in Cambodia

Prof. Subedi shakes hand with Prime Minister Hun Sen (L) during his last visit to Cambodia in January 2010.

Critics and monsters
Jun 3, 2011,

Phnom Penh (DPA)- The UN human rights envoy to Cambodia said Friday that land rights and freedom of expression dominated his concerns as he wrapped up a five-day visit.

Surya Subedi said he was also monitoring closely the tendency of parliament, which is dominated by the ruling Cambodian People's Party, to strip the immunity of opposition legislators who speak out.

'Democracy is about dialogue and debate on all issues of national importance, and this is especially so in the case of parliament, which by definition is a chamber where members of parliament can debate freely any issues of national importance,' he said.