Khmer Democracy Forum: Where Do We Go From Here?
Venue: Long Beach City College, Drye Hall
Over the past months and years, we have witnessed Hun Sen systematically solidify his autocratic power by making free, fair, and legitimate elections in Cambodia impossible by eliminating any meaningful political opposition, jailing its leaders in mass criminal trials, shutting down the independent media, and dismantling civil society. These distressing developments give rise to a prevailing question in the minds of the Khmer people worldwide: Where do we go from here?
Thankfully, the United Nations has provided an initial set of answers to that question. For the first time, the UN has unequivocally spoken out against these repressive policies, condemning the Hun Sen government without hesitation. Recognizing the significance of our voices and concerns, the UN has extended an invitation, granting the Khmer community a number of unique opportunities to present our views. In addition to the June 14 UN “Call for Submissions,” these include:
September 23, 2023: Universal Periodic Review (UPR) written submission to the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC). The primary United Nations forum where Cambodia’s human rights are presented and reviewed.
September/October 2023: The UNHRC considers the Special Rapporteur for Cambodia’s annual report on the reform measures.
November 1, 2023: “Strategic Planning Session: Effective Advocacy Action in the Aftermath of Cambodia’s Rigged National Election” hosted by the Commission of Inquiry for Cambodia and international groups. This session will bring together a panel of international experts to identify and explore strategies for effective advocacy action in Cambodia.
April 2024: UNHRC’s Universal Periodic review session in Geneva. A full hearing and many opportunities for the Khmer community to get their views and concerns heard by the members of the Human Rights Council.
We must seize these opportunities to strengthen our partnership with the UN and effectively convey our message with strength and effectiveness.
With the recent strong and clear challenges posed by the UN, the opportunities they are providing to us, and the Khmer community’s new international advocacy efforts a — pathway to “new hope” emerges, creating the possibility for meaningful and effective change.
Speakers:
Morton Sklar, Legal Counsel for the Cambodian community and Co-Founder of Commission of Inquiry for Cambodia (pre-recorded)
Brad Adams, Former Executive Director of Human Rights Watch Asia Division
Thayvie Sinn, Founder and President of Save Cambodia and Co-Founder of Commission of Inquiry for Cambodia
Organizer:
Khmer Democracy Forum