Human Rights in Cambodia – 30 Years After the Paris Peace Agreement

Webinar Description

To mark the 30th Anniversary of the historic Paris Peace Agreement and the International Day for the Prevention of Genocide, this webinar will bring together four eminent statesmen, jurists and activists deeply concerned with democracy and human rights. They will reflect on the growing importance of civil society as the defender of international human rights standards and the need to protect and promote civil society space and cooperation in solidarity with those in Cambodia, Myanmar and other countries where peaceful advocacy is becoming so dangerous.

Background

30 years ago in 1991, following the genocide of the Pol Pot Regime, Australia’s then Foreign Minister the Hon Gareth Evans, played a critical role in bringing peace to Cambodia. The Paris Peace Agreement, developed through painstaking regional diplomacy and the United Nations, promised peace and democracy to Cambodians.  The United Nations appointed the Hon Michael Kirby as the Special Representative of the Secretary General for Cambodia, to promote human rights and the rule of law.  30 years later, concerns over human rights and democracy in Cambodia are growing. With democratic political opposition marginalised and domestic movements for human rights facing increasing repression, the international community is challenged to fulfil its responsibilities to the peoples of Cambodia. The repression of civil society and the rise increasingly authoritarian governments is one of the greatest challenges to human rights and peace in the region.

As Cambodia assumes the leadership of ASEAN, and new responsibilities to lead ASEAN’s response to the human rights and humanitarian crisis in Myanmar, this webinar will reflect on the role of ASEAN, and the international community and how global civil society movements and the Cambodian diaspora can support democracy and human rights in Cambodia and ASEAN today.

The Webinar will take place on December 9th, International Day for the Commemoration and Prevention of Genocide.

Moderator: H.E. Yuyun Wahyuningrum, Representative of Indonesia to ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission of Human Rights

Speakers:
The Hon Gareth Evans, Former Foreign Minister of Australia

Sopheap Chak, Executive Director, Cambodian Centre for Human Rights

Karel Jiaan Antonio Galang, Program Officer, Asia Democracy Network

Message From:
Vitit Muntarbhorn, United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Situation of Human Rights in Cambodia