Mu Sochua Speaks at the Geneva Summit for Human Rights

CALD Women’s Caucus Chair and Cambodian Member of Parliament Mu Sochua was one of the distinguished speakers at the Geneva Summit for Human Rights and Democracy held at the International Conference Center in Varembe, Geneva, Switzerland last 25 February 2014.

The Summit, held on the eve of the annual UN Human Rights Council Session, assembled hundreds of human rights victims and activists to discuss and raise awareness about urgent human rights issues.  The event was attended by human rights victims, activists and leaders  from Cuba, Iran, Kazakhstan, North Korea, Pakistan, Russia, Tibet and other countries who shared their experiences and struggles in fighting for freedom and democracy.   Apart from Mu, other prominent speakers include: Tibetan Member of Parliament and women’s rights activist Teniz Dhardon Sharling; Canadian Member of Parliament,  Irwan Cotter; Co-Founder of the Freedom Rights Project, Jacob Mchangama; and UN Watch Executive Director, Hillel Neuer.

Mu, who also represented CALD partner Liberal International in the Summit, spoke at the the parallel forum dealing with how diplomats, Members of Parliament and activists can make a difference in human rights protection and promotion.

Reflecting on the current political situation in Cambodia, Mu observed that “…grassroots empowerment is most cost-effective for long-lasting democracy and for the preparation for transfer of power in emerging democracies.”  It is in this light that her party, the Cambodia National Rescue Party, has been mobilising and empowering the grassroots to actively participate in the political process.

While the Summit was ongoing, Mu received the positive news that the ban on public assemblies, imposed by the Cambodian government at the height of the protests in January this year, had been lifted. The Cambodian MP, however, pointed out that much more needs to be done to improve the human rights situation in her country.