NGO warnings

UN special rapporteur for Human Rights in Cambodia Surya Subedi said yesterday he had spoken with the government regarding warnings issued to land-rights groups and the recent suspension of NGO Sahmakum Teang Tnaut.

“I have raised the suspension of Sahmakum Teang Tnaut and the warnings given to other human-rights NGOs working in the land sector in Cambodia,” he said.

Subedi added that he had also expressed concern that a draft law on associations and NGOs could restrict civil society.

“I have shared my concerns with the Royal Government at the highest level and hope that a law that protects and enables civil society will result,” he said.

Council of Ministers spokesman Phay Siphan could not be reached for comment.

MARY KOZLOVSKI