CALD Resolution No. 5 S. 2016

CALD resolution on the prohibition of Sam Rainsy from entering Cambodia and urging the government and opposition to seek dialogue to foster peace and stability in the country

The Council of Asian Liberals and Democrats (CALD):

Aware that Prime Minister Hun Sen ordered the police, immigration and aviation authorities to avert the return of opposition leader Sam Rainsy to Cambodia by any means possible;

Noting that a directive from the Council of the Ministers has been transmitted in border checkpoints, including airports, to “take legal action to stop this individual [Sam Rainsy] from coming into Cambodia, taking other action if necessary for serious and highly effective implementation;”

Mindful that Sam Rainsy, currently in self-imposed exile, promised to return to Cambodia before the 2018 national elections and recently reached out to King Norodom Sihamoni to seek a royal pardon;

Noting further that Cambodia’s Appeals Court has also upheld the verdict of the municipal court on the case of Cambodia National Rescue Party’s (CNRP) Acting President Kem Sokha;

Concerned that the democratic spaces in Cambodia are further curtailed by decisions that contradict the Cambodian Constitution and international human rights conventions;

Hereby:

Condemns the Cambodian government’s directive that prevents Sam Rainsy from entering Cambodia and other forms of political intimidation and suppression against the opposition;

Denounces the use of the justice system to systematically prevent the members of the political opposition to participate in the political process;

Urges the government and the opposition to seek inclusive dialogue that would foster peace and help ensure political stability in Cambodia;

Reiterates the call of the United Nations for all political players in Cambodia to refrain from violence, intimidation, and harassment;

Calls on the international community to remain cognizant on the political situation in Cambodia; and

Expresses that CALD is fully committed in upholding rule of law, human rights and democratic values and that any threat to these principles would be strongly opposed by liberals in Asia and its global network.

 For the Council of Asian Liberals and Democrats:

Oyun Sanjaasuren

Chairperson

Council of Asian Liberals and Democrats

5 November 2016

Categorised in: Resolutions

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