Communities Across Cambodia Celebrate International Human Rights Day 2023
Published on 10 December 2023
Around 3,000 people across Phnom Penh and multiple provinces including Banteay Meanchey, Siem Reap, Battambang, Kampong Chhnang, Kampong Thom, Kampong Speu, Kampot, Koh Kong, Kratie, Preah Vihear, Svay Rieng, Stung Treng, and Tbong Khmum celebrated International Human Rights Day 2023 this week.
International Human Rights Day is itself observed on 10 December each year in recognition of the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR). This year marks the 75th anniversary of the signing of the UDHR.
Participants gathered to acknowledge the day, and to raise issues regarding their human rights. As well as community-led events within 12 provinces, two marches were held: one from Siem Reap province including youth activists, monks, union members and civil society representatives; and a march from Boeung Kak Lake by youth activists from Mother Nature Cambodia. Both marches ended in Phnom Penh on 10 December, where participants joined other civil society members, international NGO representatives and embassy staff for final celebrations at Freedom Park. At least two events faced obstruction and surveillance by authorities.
