US concerned for NGOs in Cambodia

US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton (L) and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen (R) meet together in 2010

via CAAI

WASHINGTON — The United States on Wednesday urged Cambodia to ensure a free civil society, voicing deep concern at what it viewed as efforts to constrict the activities of non-governmental organizations.

The State Department called on Prime Minister Hun Sen's government to hold talks with non-governmental groups and other stakeholders on a new law and to "reconsider whether such a measure is even necessary."

"The United States has serious concerns about the law as drafted and strongly opposes the enactment of any law that would constrain the legitimate activities of NGOs," a State Department statement said.

"The United States believes that a strong and free civil society is vital to strengthening democratic institutions, enhancing economic and humanitarian well-being and promoting a sustainable economy," it said.

Non-governmental organizations have played an active role in rebuilding Cambodia since it emerged from the genocidal Khmer Rouge regime and civil war. Hun Sen has repeatedly clashed with groups over their power of the purse and occasional criticism of government policies.

Rights groups in December voiced alarm as Cambodia started introducing laws that would make it a crime to criticize judges or to hurt the feelings of public officials.

Government spokesman Phay Siphan at the time called the law "good news for Cambodia," saying it "protects human rights and keeps social order."

Also in December, the World Food Program apologized after coming under fire from Hun Sen for wrongly stating that Cambodia was vulnerable to food shortages.