(Phnom Penh): Samdech Techo Hun Sen, Cambodian Senate President, expressed support for efforts to promote democracy and respect for human rights in Cambodia, saying he hopes newly appointed United Nations Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Cambodia, Thomas Andrews, will work closely with the government to strengthen both.

He spoke on Wednesday (Jul. 22) during a courtesy meeting with Thomas Andrews at the Senate's Solidarity Palace.

According to Senate spokesperson Chea Thyrith, Samdech Techo congratulated Andrews on his appointment, succeeding Vitit Muntarbhorn, and said he hoped the meeting would provide a clearer understanding of Cambodia's progress on democracy and human rights.

The new UN special rapporteur thanked Samdech Techo for the opportunity to meet, describing it as a positive sign of the government's willingness to engage in dialogue on human rights issues. He noted that during his previous role as UN Special Rapporteur on Myanmar, he had never been granted a meeting with the country's top leadership.

The UN official also recalled Samdech Techo Hun Sen's appeal, made while serving as Cambodia's prime minister and ASEAN Chair, for Myanmar to reduce the death sentences imposed on political prisoners, saying the call had left a strong impression on him.

Andrews further commended Cambodia for being among the region's leading countries in ratifying international human rights treaties, calling it a significant achievement.

During the meeting, Andrews also raised concerns over several human rights issues, including freedom of expression.

In response, Samdech Techo Hun Sen said the right to life should remain the government's top human rights priority, arguing that freedom of expression can only be fully enjoyed in an environment of peace and stability.

Samdech Techo maintained that Cambodia, under both his administration and the current government led by Prime Minister Hun Manet, has upheld freedom of expression and human rights, while stressing that such freedoms must be exercised within the framework of the Constitution and the law.

Samdech Techo added that he supports constructive criticism but said speech that violates Cambodia's Constitution should not be regarded as protected freedom of expression.

On the occasion, the senate president also acknowledged that no country has achieved a perfect record on democracy, human rights and freedom of expression, noting that shortcomings exist everywhere and require continuous improvement.

Samdech Techo expressed hope that Andrews would work closely with the Cambodian government to further advance human rights and democracy in Cambodia.
=FRESH NEWS