Cambodia’s failed human rights record

 May 24, 2012. • Section: Think Tank

There’s little good in the U.S. government’s assessment of Cambodia’s human rights record. Here’s just a sampling of what it said in its  annual report on human rights around the world which was released Thursday.

“A weak judiciary that sometimes failed to provide due process and a fair trial procedure was a leading human rights problem. The courts lacked human and financial resources and were subject to corruption and political influence.”

“The continued criminalization of defamation and disinformation and a broad interpretation of criminal incitement constrained freedom of expression.”

“Members of the security forces reportedly committed arbitrary killings. Detainees were abused, often to extract confessions, and prison conditions were harsh.”

“The government at time interfered with freedom of assembly.”

“Corruption remained pervasive, governmental human rights bodies reportedly were ineffective and discrimination and trafficking in women and children persisted.”

“Domestic violence and child abuse occurred and education of children was inadequate.”