Freedom of Assembly is Vital for Driving Reforms

William E. Todd is U.S. Ambassador to the Kingdom of Cambodia

I would like to thank all my readers for following this column and for sending me your questions.  I continue to enjoy this free exchange of ideas on the important issues that are on people’s minds.  Recently, many of you expressed concern about recent incidents in Freedom Park, which prompted Tolika to ask, “Will the ban on public demonstrations harm Cambodia’s chances at reform?”

The right to form groups and assemble together,in order to express views on matters of public concern, is a fundamental element ofa democratic society.  Such public gatherings provide citizens an important avenue for communicating with their leaders and for influencing the policies of their government. Restrictions on peaceful assembly in Phnom Penh, including the denial of permission for groups to use Freedom Park for events, are an unfortunate setback for Cambodia’s democratic development.  More troubling have been recent instances in which informal government security personnel have prevented people from even entering Freedom Park, with the most recent incident degenerating into the use of unnecessary violence by security personnel.  

Last year’s exuberant national elections, in which millions of voters peacefully cast their ballots, show that Cambodians are united in a desire to see their country grow and develop into an enduring democracy that provides opportunities for all its people.  There is little debate that the elections were a clarion call by voters for change, specifically reforms to combat corruption, impunity, disregard for due process, and other societal ills that are holding Cambodia back from achieving its true potential. Peaceful protest is an important way to promote change, and the demonstrations in the wake of the elections were a continuation of the call for genuine reforms that benefit the average Cambodian.  

Reflecting on my own country’s history, it is inconceivable to think that many of the most important changes in our society would have come about without peaceful protests.  I can’t imagine the civil rights movement, which finally brought equal rights to African-Americans,being successful without the historic March on Washington.  Similarly, women only won the right to vote by filling city streets while carrying placards and shouting slogans demanding this most basic of democratic entitlements.  Throughout America’s history, respect for freedom of assembly has allowed individuals to take to the streets and sidewalks to promote viewpoints that have changed public perceptions and galvanized public support for positive change. 

History also shows that preventing citizens from exercising their basic human rights, particularly freedom of assembly, is often counterproductive to maintaining peace, security, and stability in a nation.  Overreacting to protests through harsh or disproportionate force and repression by police and other officials usually inflames tensions and leads to increased hostility and violence.  Once a government decides to silence voices of change, it invariably must take increasingly repressive measures, until the country’s citizens live in fear and doubt.  

Cambodia’s way forward in creating a better future requires the full participation of its citizens in finding solutions to the challenges the country faces.  Respect for the freedoms of expression and assembly are essential for enabling Cambodians to help shape their nation’s future.  Lifting the ban on public gatherings is vital to providing Cambodians the space needed to voice their opinions and to put the country back on a positive path.

Fortunately, Cambodia has several opportunities over the next few weeks to demonstrate a renewed commitment to reform, change, and respect for basic human rights. On May 1, workers around the world will celebrate International Labor Day, and Cambodian workers hope to gather at Freedom Park to commemorate the struggle for workers’ rights and to voice their concerns over wages and working conditions.  Additionally, the campaign period for the upcoming commune council elections is a prime opportunity for Cambodians to hear directly from the political parties about their platforms through rallies and other public gatherings.  I urge the Royal Government to work collaboratively with all stakeholders to ensure these events are able to take place in a peaceful and secure environment.

Cambodia is at a pivotal moment in its history, and the country’s future turns upon decisions that will be made in the coming days, weeks, and months regarding such fundamental issues as protecting basic liberties and respecting voices of dissent.  Given the creativity, enthusiasm, and boundless optimism of the Cambodian people, I know the country’s future will be a bright one if they are able to participate fully and freely in determining the way ahead.  Their unprecedented exercise of personal freedoms last year – before, during, and after the national elections – is a beacon of hope that Cambodia can,and will, get back on the right track and that positive change is possible when people can gather and peacefully express their points of view.

Thank you very much for giving me the opportunity to answer your important questions.  Please continue to send me your questions at AskAMBToddPP@state.gov and leave comments on my blog at http://blogs.usembassy.gov/todd.

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