Logo of Phnom Penh Post newspaper Phnom Penh Post - Sweden urges focus on democracy

Sweden urges focus on democracy

Content image - Phnom Penh Post
Prime Minister Hun Sen meets Swedish ambassador to Cambodia Bjorn Haggmark (left) last year. In a press release on Friday, the embassy called on Cambodia to focus on human rights, democracy and the rule of law starting in July 2021. Council of Ministers

Sweden urges focus on democracy

Sweden has drawn a line with Cambodia and announced on Friday a need to focus on human rights, democracy and the rule of law starting in July 2021.

The Swedish embassy said in a press release the same day that the strategic shift is in line with the country’s new goals of cooperation in Asia and the Pacific region.

“This means that Sweden’s bilateral strategy for Cambodia will be phased out to end by July 1, 2021,” the embassy wrote.

The embassy said democracy, respect for human rights – including freedom of speech – and the possibility of civil society and the media operating freely have been severely restricted in Cambodia in recent years.

The Swedish government considers it necessary to focus cooperation on creating different, more democratic development in Cambodia.

Swedish International Development Cooperation Minister Peter Eriksson said in a statement that the democratic space in Cambodia has declined significantly, making it difficult to continue comprehensive and close cooperation.

“We will continue to support civil society, human rights defenders and democracy advocates in Cambodia. Sweden stands up for the principles of democracy and speaks out when they are undermined,” Eriksson said.

The press release said Sweden’s development assistance to Cambodia last year, based on the bilateral development cooperation strategy, amounted to about $24 million in grants.

The Embassy website states that the grants are available to Cambodia in the areas of governance democracy and human rights, education, environment and climate, infrastructure, citizens’ health, and reproductive health and other areas.

The Post couldn’t contact the embassy for further comment on Sunday about the shift in direction.

However, Cambodian officials said they welcomed the embassy’s press release which is focused on human rights, democracy and the rule of law.

“This is the donor’s right, and in cooperation, the donor always raises the point they want. However, we all think that democracy in Cambodia is a principle we have implemented and are committed to in the Constitution,” said government spokesman Phay Siphan.

Siphan said in Cambodia, during every election, there is always a complaint from the opposition parties about the election.

He said what Sweden can do with political parties in Cambodia is strengthen the competitive attitude and the attitude of participating in development and recognising election results,” he said.

Cambodia Human Rights Committee (CHRC) spokesman Chin Malin said on Sunday that Sweden had provided assistance to Cambodia based on human rights and democracy last year.

“Sometimes there is a consensus and disagreement regarding democracy,” he said, adding that through the discussion and talks, the two sides had a great deal of understanding on the different views and assessments.

Malin said Cambodia would continue to cooperate with Sweden through dialogue to better understand each other. However, he said, in his research, funding for civil society organisations mostly failed to promote human rights and democracy.

“This would seem to encourage force and weapons on civil society in a strategy of confrontation. A strategy that is more successful is the cooperative and complementary strategy,” he said.

MOST VIEWED

  • Newest horror film showcases unique Khmer culture, identity

    At first glance, the trailer to new horror sensation The Ritual: Black Nun looks like a western-produced feature film. As the story reveals itself to the viewers, it becomes clearer that this is a Khmer film, with a strong Cambodian identity and close links to

  • Ministry orders all schools, public and private, to close for SEA Games

    From April 20 to May 18, all public and private educational institutions will be closed to maintain order and support Cambodia's hosting of the 32nd SEA Games and 12th ASEAN Para Games, said a directive from the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport. Cambodia will host the

  • Almost 9K tourists see equinox sunrise at Angkor Wat

    Nearly 9,000 visitors – including 2,226 international tourists – gathered at Angkor Wat on March 21 to view the spring equinox sunrise, according to a senior official of the Siem Reap provinical tourism department. Ngov Seng Kak, director of the department, said a total of 8,726 people visited Angkor Wat to

  • Angkor Beer strengthens national pride with golden new look and fresher taste

    Angkor Beer – the "Gold of Angkor" – has a new look, one that is more stylish and carries a premium appeal, as well as a fresher taste and smoother flavour, making it the perfect choice for any gathering. Angkor Beer recently launched its new design, one

  • Water supply authority assures public shortages over early ‘24

    The Phnom Penh Water Supply Authority (PPWSA) asked for understanding from Phnom Penh residents in some communes where water pressure is weak. They assured residents that all supply issues will be resolved by early 2024, but have suggested that residents use water sparingly in the meantime.

  • Khmer ballet documentary debuts April 1

    A new documentary, The Perfect Motion, or Tep Hattha in Khmer, will premiere to the public on April 1. The documentary film follows two intertwined storylines: the creation of a show called Metamorphosis by the late Princess Norodom Buppha Devi (her very last production) and the