UN rights expert to launch fact-finding mission in Cambodia

Xinhua News Agency | Fri,2016-03-18 UN rights expert to launch fact-finding mission in Cambodia 

PHNOM PENH, March 18 (Xinhua) -- The United Nations Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Cambodia, Rhona Smith, will carry out a visit to Cambodia from March 21 to 31 to assess the enjoyment of rights by women and indigenous peoples in the country, said a statement on Friday.

"I will be focusing on discrimination during my second official visit to Cambodia, examining the situation of marginalized and disadvantaged groups, such as women, indigenous peoples, and victims of race and ethnic discrimination," she said in the statement released by the UN's Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights in Cambodia.

"A closer examination of the human rights situation with respect to marginalized and disadvantaged groups in the country will enable me to assist the government's efforts to achieve an equitable and prosperous society," she added.

Smith added that the visit will also allow her to assess progress on other human rights issues in Cambodia.

During her 10-day visit, the expert will meet with senior members of the government as well as the senate and the parliament, the statement said, adding that she will also meet with representatives from civil society, the UN country team and the diplomatic community.

Smith will present her fact-finding mission report to the Human Rights Council in Sept. 2016. Enditem