Government type: constitutional monarchy Independence: 9 November 1953 (from France)   Chief of State: King Norodom Sihamoni (since 29 Oct. 2004) Head of government: Prime Minister Hun Sen (since 14 Jan. 1985) and Deputy Prime Ministers Sar Kheng (since 3 Feb. 1992), Norodom Sirivudh, Sok An, Lu Lay Sreng, Tea Banh, Hor Namhong, Nhek Bunchhay (since 16 July 2004) Cabinet: Council of Ministers in theory appointed by the monarch; in practice named by the prime minister

The "killing fields" of Choeung Ek, 14.5 kilometers from Phnom Penh, a tourist attraction with the sight of 8,000 human skulls in a glass shrine, represents the horror of genocide and a painful past of Cambodia.  Its far-reaching implications, however, may not have penetrated the ruling authority. Despite the political progress, the government’s human rights record remains poor due to serious problems of corruption and human rights abuses.

The country ranks 130 out of 175 in the UN's Human Development Index and is one of the poorest countries in the world even with a free market economy and foreign aid accounting for at least 50% of government budget. Its social indicators reflect poverty and lack of access to basic health services. Despite its tremendous effort to lower the HIV rate, Cambodia still faces the most serious HIV/AIDS epidemic in Asia [R5]. 

Political and human rights development

Communist Khmer Rouge forces captured Phnom Penh in April 1975 and during its regime under Pol Pot’s dictatorship (1975-78), at least 1.7 million Cambodians died. Many of whom were tortured before being killed. A Vietnamese invasion in December 1978 led to a 10-year Vietnamese occupation and 13 years of civil war. The 1991 Paris Peace Accord mandated democratic elections and a ceasefire. But, it was not respected by the Khmer Rouge. UN-sponsored elections in 1993 helped to restore some semblance of peace. Factional fighting in 1997 ended the first coalition government, the first democratically elected leader was overthrown in a coup staged by Hun Sen who was subsequently elected Prime Minister in 1998 elections that was reported to be severely flawed by violence and intimidation. Some hardcore members of Khmer Rouge were recruited into the government and armed forces. The July 2003 elections, though far from perfect, were relatively peaceful. Hun Sen once again emerged victorious. However, a coalition government was formed only after a year of negotiations between the contending political parties.

The government is said to be highly “motivated by material benefit accrued from stealing foreign aid and facilitating organized crime rackets” [R6].  The judiciary, though constitutionally independent, is subject to interference by the current regime and is utterly corrupted by bribery and intimidation of judges.  Denial of fair trial is a norm.  Arbitrary arrests and detention are not uncommon. Credible sources indicate that those who “openly challenge criminal syndicates or their associates in the government, are liable to be murdered.” In other words, the judicial system is weak and unable to protect human rights or fairly resolve commercial disputes.

Media is largely controlled. Freedom of assembly is constantly interfered. Societal discrimination and domestic violence against women remains a problem. The 2004 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices recounted the continuous problems of forced child labour and trafficking in both women and children. Rampant torture and physical mistreatment of prisoners are abetted in the Government’s lack of political will to act against human rights abuses. Because of prevailing injustice, civilians seem to have taken the laws into their hands to prevent crime and punish criminals; this leads to unlawful mob assault and revengeful killings, even for the suspicion of sorcery. There is also the problem of unlawful seizures of land by powerful government officials.

The government generally respects freedom of religion as provided by the Constitution. Although Buddhism is considered intrinsic to the country's ethnic and cultural identity, the Constitution prohibits discrimination based on religion. There has been no report on religious prisoners or detainees, forced religious conversion and no significant constraints on religious assembly. The 2003 Directive on Controlling External Religions requires registration of places of worship and religious schools, teachings respecting other religions, and government approvals for new construction of places of worship.  It also prohibits public proselytising, but the enforcement has so far been limited to a ban on door-to-door proselytising during the lunch hours of 12:00 to 2:00 p.m. daily [R4].

The relationship among religions appears amicable with some reported minor conflicts between Muslims and Christians as well as occasional tensions among the branches of Islam.

Suggested prayer items:

1.       For honesty, integrity and righteousness at every level of Government and society.

2.       For King Sihamoni, Prime Minister Hun Sen and members of the coalition government and National Assembly to lead and govern the nation with wisdom, justice and fairness in a spirit of co-operation.

3.       For effective judiciary to balance executive decision-making and monitor policy implementation. For judges with integrity and wisdom.

4.       That the Government respects and protects civil liberties and human rights. For strong, effective measures to combat lawlessness, crime and corruption.

5.       For effective policies and strategies as well as government’s genuine interest to eradicate poverty, and that resources be fairly distributed to all areas and key institutions, e.g. health and education.

6.       For an effective healthcare system. Every day, 20 more Cambodians become infected with HIV. This results in lower life expectancy, higher infant mortality and death rates.

7.       For the protection of women, children, youth and families from the effects of prostitution and drug abuse and trafficking. 

8.       For unity among churches and active involvement in nation building. For more effective networking and co-operation among Christian, government, religious and secular institutions.

Source:

1.       CIA Factbook, 10 February 2005.

2.       http://www.mekong.net/cambodia/facts.htm

3.       Country Reports on Human Rights Practices 2004, released Feb 2005

4.       International Religious Freedom Report Sept 2004 (IRFR 2004)

5.       http://www.un.org.kh/undp/

6.       Far Eastern Economic Review, March 2005, pp74-77.