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As Cambodia prepares for the Human Rights Committee to consider the country’s second State Party Report, we must first note the political environment that currently exists. Corruption remains rampant and violence against government critics is systematic. The nation’s politically influenced justice system continues to prosecute more government opponents, while State actors and well-connected individuals continue to enjoy impunity. Activists and journalists have been murdered and the authorities have consistently failed to properly investigate these crimes and bring the perpetrators to justice.

The government’s use of the criminal justice system to carry out its political agenda has become increasingly brazen and the system of justice applied to land rights, land concessions, and land confiscation is blatantly skewed. In addition, human rights defenders are targeted for harassment, threats, unjustified criminal charges and violence.