Cambodia Warned UN Officials Not to Interfere in Cambodian Affairs
The Mirror, Vol. 14, No. 672
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Cambodia accused the director of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights in Cambodia, Mr. Christophe Peschoux, claiming that he acted beyond his role when he criticized the deportation of two Thai red-shirt activists on Monday 5 July 2010, and the Ministry warned that such comment from him might make the government reconsider his presence in Cambodia.
Laws, Regulations, and Orders – and What Happens in Reality
There is no doubt – according to the Constitution of the Kingdom of Cambodia, this is a country which is to live as a state of law.
But we are mirroring, almost every week, where laws of the country, or regulations pronounced by the government, or orders given by persons in positions of high responsibility are disregarded. This is a fact, but this should not happen. Of course small or big violations of laws happen in every country. When we mirror quite a number of such violations, we do not focus on what violations of the law are committed just by some individuals. But we focus on examples where violations happen within the structures of society and its administration by the government.
The World Conference on International Telecommunications – and the Freedom of Communication
The International Telecommunications Union – ITU - an organ of the United Nations - is convening a World Conference on International Telecommunications – WCIT - in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, from 3-14 December 2012.
Preparations have been made by the governments of many countries during the last couple of months. The governments of some countries – like for example Bulgaria – have shared some of the related documents and discussions with the public, as the results of the conference in Dubai will affect its citizens; some other countries’ governments have involved business and civil society not only to discuss and plan together – but have even included members of the civil society into their delegations traveling to the Dubai ITU conference.
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Indian anti-corruption draft law due by 30 June 2011
After having reported in the past how a personal initiative by an anti-corruption social activist in India had gained more and more momentum, until the government agreed to a drafting committeefor new anti-corruption legislation where half the members were high ranking present or former government officials, and the other half were nominated by a group of social activists – it is now clear that the closer the target date for a final draft comes, the more tensions appear, almost derailing this unusual process. There are two issues which are more and more controversial:
First, will not only all ministers, but also the prime minister and the judges of the high court be under the scrutiny of an anti-corruption supervisor? And second, what will be the role of the parliament finalizing the new arrangements?
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Anti-Corruption Legislation on the Move
7 April 2011 will be a special date in the history of Cambodia in the fight against corruption: the deadline for submitting asset declarations – and thus establishing reference data when accusations of corruptly gaining wealth are made.
The concern about corruption has a long history in Cambodia, also among the leaders of the government. Some voices from different sources:
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The Press Reported Over Many Years About Aung San Suu Kyi
The Mirror, Vol. 14, No. 690
Many news media have one common theme on this Sunday: the release of Aung San Suu Kyi on Saturday, after having been under house arrest for 15 of the 21 years since 1990. Then the National League for Democracy – she was General Secretary of the party – had won 59% of the votes, and should have gained 392 of the 492 of the seats in the parliament of Burma. The power of the military prevented this, and had her isolated. On this Sunday, she was greeted again by a big crowds.
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“BRIEFING PAPER: Cambodia Gagged: Democracy at Risk?”
The Mirror, Vol. 14, No. 683
As I am in Germany – maybe about two more weeks – I had missed this Briefing Paper published by twelve Cambodian NGOs on 14 September 2010, which I am now mirroring belatedly on this Sunday’s edition of The Mirror.
Apologies for the delay, while traveling.
Norbert Klein
BRIEFING PAPER: CAMBODIA GAGGED: DEMOCRACY AT RISK?
Report on Freedom of Expression in Cambodia
1. Introduction
We, the above-mentioned non-governmental organizations, community organizations and unions today release a Report on the state of freedom of expression in Cambodia: Cambodia Gagged: Democracy at Risk?
Does Cambodia Benefit from Being a Member of the United Nations?
The Mirror, Vol. 14, No. 680
In a Comment to a previous report in The Mirror, the question was asked:
Why do we have to bank on the UN? aren’t they an international political entity? Do we really benefit from their philosophy?
Thanks for raising the question – I appreciate if we can enter into discussions on The Mirror – I try to respond. But I am not sure how to understand your comment – maybe you can further clarify? And other readers are of course also welcome to join.
Human Rights Defenders Encounter More Danger
The Mirror, Vol. 14, No. 680
“Phnom Penh: According to the latest report from the Cambodian League for the Promotion and Defense of Human Rights [LICADHO], titled ‘Attacks and Threats against Human Rights Defenders in Cambodia from 1 January 2008 to 31 December 2009,’ human rights defenders in Cambodia faced more danger during the last two years.
The Prime Minister Encourages Officials to Care about the National Interest
The Mirror, Vol. 14, No. 677
“Prime Minister Hun Sen advised high ranking officials yesterday [9 August 2010] that their positions cannot be passed on to their family members of the next generation, but he suggested to focus on creating contributions in the national interest rather than to maintain their positions.