CALD Resolution No. 4 S. 2017

CALD Resolution No. 4 S. 2017

CALD resolution decrying the Cambodian government’s
clampdown on the CNRP, NGOs and independent media organizations

The Council of Asian Liberals and Democrats (CALD):

Concerned that in the early hours of 3 September 2017, Cambodia National Rescue President (CNRP) President Kem Sokha was arrested over accusations of conspiring with a foreign power and treason;

Aware that this arrest came after the Cambodian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation ordered the US-funded National Democratic Institute (NDI) on 23 August to stop its operations and for its foreign staff to leave the country; 

Mindful that the English-language paper The Cambodia Daily, which is owned by an American citizen, also closed down due to its inability to settle immediately a purported $6.3 million tax bill;

Concerned that the Ministry of Information also recently shut down 15 radio stations for allegedly not adhering to the law requiring them to disclose to the Ministry the names of the clients who purchased their airtime;   

Cognizant that other NGOs are also reportedly being threatened with closure for alleged violations of registration and/or tax laws;      

Hereby:

Decries the seemingly systematic, orchestrated and politically motivated attacks against the CNRP, NGOs and independent media organizations in Cambodia ahead of the 2018 general elections;

Laments this escalating government campaign as a blatant violation of democratic principles and fundamental human rights guaranteed by the Cambodian constitution and by the international human rights instruments where Cambodia is a state-party;

Denounces the manner CNRP President Kem Sokha was arrested as it was done in the middle of the night, without an arrest warrant, and with police force that reportedly numbered between 100-200;

Calls on the Cambodian authorities to ensure that its penal, NGO, and tax laws are applied fairly and without discrimination, and not to selectively use them to suppress political opponents and independent democratic institutions;

Implores the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to exercise its influence on Cambodia and other similarly situated Southeast Asian countries to ensure the realization of “a just, democratic and harmonious environment” that the ASEAN Community envisions; and

Urges the Cambodian people and the international community to remain vigilant against escalating to threats to fundamental freedoms in the country, to condemn any attempt to circumvent the people’s will in the upcoming general elections, and to ensure that Cambodia gets back to the liberal democratic track as envisioned by the 1991 Paris Peace Agreement.

For the Council of Asian Liberals and Democrats:

Abhisit Vejjajiva Kiat Sittheeamorn

CALD Chairperson CALD Secretary General

4 September 2017

Categorised in: Resolutions

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