Peaceful Demonstrations as Catalysts for Progress [U.S Ambassador: The United States strongly supports the right of people to protest peacefully]

By William E. Todd, U.S ambassador to Cambodia

Thank you all very much for reading my weekly column.  Your questions contribute to a valuable discussion about the most relevant and timely issues in Cambodia.  In keeping with current events, many of you have asked, “What is the U.S. reaction to the recent demonstration in Freedom Park?”

Last week, thousands of Cambodians rallied peacefully in Phnom Penh in support of their desire to see a credible investigation into reported irregularities with the July 28 national elections.  The Royal Government of Cambodia did a laudable job of facilitating a peaceful forum for these citizens to exercise their freedoms of expression and assembly.  I commend the leadership of the Ministry of Interior and its security personnel for their measured restraint and presence in securing the public’s safety, including that of the rally participants.  All involved in the event conducted themselves in a respectful, peaceful manner, which should serve as the model for ensuring that any future demonstrations remain constructive and non-violent.

The Cambodians who participated in last week’s rally clearly sense a shifting mood in their country in support of major reforms.  They understand that Cambodia is maturing as a democratic nation, which requires citizens to have greater confidence in the electoral process.  The United States strongly supports the right of people to protest peacefully, which provides citizens an important means to bring their concerns to the government’s attention.  Such lawful activity is a critical aspect of the democratic process, but it requires space for people to feel free to engage on important issues without fear of threats, intimidation, or violence.



The recent rally at Freedom Park reminded me of the hope demonstrated at the March on Washington in 1963 when Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. gave his iconic “I Have a Dream” speech from the steps of the Lincoln Memorial.  On August 28 last week, more than 100,000 people gathered at those same steps to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the March on Washington, one of the largest political rallies for civil rights in U.S. history and a key driver in the adoption of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.  Other peaceful protest movements – including those demanding women’s right to vote, the end of the military draft, equal educational and employment opportunities, and rights for the disabled – positively changed the course of U.S. history.

When I reflect on the March on Washington and the other protest movements, I feel a lot of pride.  The people who participated in these events believed in what was best about America.  They came together to ask that the rest of the country to join them in their positive vision – of what America was and what it could be.  They gathered in a peaceful manner to speak their minds about needed changes – changes that would allow America to live up to its ideals and be a great nation.

Similarly, in Cambodia we are witnessing the dynamism of citizens who have a profound understanding that they are the heart of the country’s democracy.  They are seeking reforms that will lead to a better future for themselves, their families, and their nation.  As the weeks have passed without a resolution to the national elections, it is unsurprising that these citizens gathered last week in Freedom Park to remind their elected leaders that they expect progress on promised reforms. 

As we look ahead, I encourage all political parties in Cambodia and their supporters to continue to act in a peaceful manner.  A resolution of the ongoing electoral dispute can best be achieved through a dialogue focused on the best interests of the Cambodian people.  I urge the leaders of Cambodia’s political parties to seize every opportunity to work together in good faith toward a productive outcome that supports the aspirations of the Cambodian people.  As President Obama said on the 50th anniversary of the March on Washington, “The promise of [a] nation will only be kept when we work together.”

Once again, thank you all for reading my column.  I look forward to receiving more of your questions and comments at AskAmbToddPP@state.gov.  Also, I invite you to follow us on Facebook and to watch for new stories on my blog.

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