Cambodia: UN human rights expert launches official
country visit
GENEVA / PHNOM PENH (7 October 2016) – The United Nations
Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Cambodia, Rhona Smith,
will carry out an official visit to the country from 10 to 20 October 2016 to
examine the general political situation and various aspects of discrimination.
“I will be focusing my mission on the current situation
of human rights, and on following up on recommendations made to the
Government. I aim to continue my
examination of the theme of discrimination, with a focus this time on assessing
the rights of ethnic minorities and marginalised groups” the Special Rapporteur
noted.
During her 10-day visit, she will meet with a wide range
of stakeholders, including senior members of the Royal Government, as well as
representatives from civil society, and the diplomatic community. The
independent human rights expert will also undertake field visits to gather
first-hand information.
The UN Special Rapporteur undertakes regular visits to
Cambodia and reports annually to the Human Rights Council. Since her
appointment in March 2015, she has conducted official country visits in
September 2015, as well as in March 2016. Ms. Smith will present her next
report to the Human Rights Council in September 2017.
The Special Rapporteur will hold a press conference at
the end of her visit, on Wednesday 19 October 3 p.m. - 4 p.m. at the UN Human
Rights Office (OHCHR), 4 Street 271, Sangkat Phsar Doeum Thkov, in Phnom Penh.
Access to the press conference is strictly limited to journalists.
(*) Check the Special Rapporteur’s reports on Cambodia:
http://ap.ohchr.org/documents/dpage_e.aspx?m=107
ENDS
Ms. Rhona Smith was appointed by the United Nations Human
Rights Council in March 2015. Ms. Smith
is a Professor of International Human Rights Law in the United Kingdom. She has
also taught international human rights law as a visiting professor in China and
Canada and spent time as a distinguished visitor in Vanuatu. Professor Smith
has also been a visiting professor at Pannasastra University in Cambodia where
she worked on designing and developing course curricula for the re-launch of
Cambodia’s first master level program in human rights law. To learn more, see:
http://www.ohchr.org/EN/HRBodies/SP/CountriesMandates/KH/Pages/SRCambodia.aspx
The Special Rapporteurs are part of what is known as the
Special Procedures of the Human Rights Council. Special Procedures, the largest
body of independent experts in the UN Human Rights system, is the general name
of the Council’s independent fact-finding and monitoring mechanisms. Special
Procedures mandate-holders are independent human rights experts appointed by
the Human Rights Council to address either specific country situations or
thematic issues in all parts of the world. They are not UN staff and are independent
from any government or organization. They serve in their individual capacity
and do not receive a salary for their work.
UN Human Rights, country page – Cambodia:
http://www.ohchr.org/EN/Countries/AsiaRegion/Pages/KHIndex.aspx
For additional information and media enquiries, please
contact:
In Phnom Penh: Ms. Christine Pickering (+855 23 993
590/91, Ext: 213 / cpickering@ohchr.org)
In Geneva (before and after the visit): Ms. Jennifer
Kraft (+41 22 928 9830 or write to srcambodia@ohchr.org)
You can access this media advisory here:
http://www.ohchr.org/EN/NewsEvents/Pages/DisplayNews.aspx?NewsID=20650&LangID=E
For media inquiries related to other UN independent
experts:
Mr. Xabier Celaya – Media Unit (+ 41 22 917 9383 /xcelaya@ohchr.org)
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