The human rights situation in Cambodia began 2012 teetering on the edge of a precipice, and by the end of the year had fallen off the cliff, according to a new report from LICADHO.

The past year was the most violent year ever documented in terms of the authorities using lethal force against activists, according to the report, “Human Rights 2012: The Year in Review.” The year also saw four deaths related to conflicts over natural resources, a growing atmosphere of fear and intimidation and the mass arrests of activists.

Independent radio station owner Mam Sonando was sentenced to 20 years in prison on politically-motivated charges. The country’s most prominent environmental activist was shot dead in the forest while investigating illegal logging. A journalist working on logging issues was murdered in Ratanakiri province. A town governor opened fire on protesting garment workers, and charges were dropped before he spent a single day in prison. And 17 leaders from Phnom Penh communities facing eviction spent time in prison.

A one-month period alone in April and May saw 15 human rights defenders jailed, an activist monk detained and threatened with de-frocking, and three people shot dead by state forces. Meanwhile, a three-day period in December saw an NGO staff member summoned to court for questioning on charges related to his work, two land activists sentenced to prison time, and the unfathomable re-conviction of Born Samnang and Sok Sam Oeun – widely acknowledged as scapegoats and already freed once by the Supreme Court – for allegedly murdering unionist Chea Vichea in 2004.

“The sheer volume of shocking turns makes it difficult to choose where to begin a summary of 2012,” said LICADHO Director Naly Pilorge. “And the stage is set for another tense year in 2013, with National Assembly elections coming in July.”

The report provides an narrative and pictorial review of 2012’s key human rights events, from the Borei Keila eviction on January 3, to Court of Appeals decision to reinstate the prison sentences of Born Samnang and Sok Sam Oeun on December 26. It also provides an overview of LICADHO’s activities over the past year, from its humanitarian aid to its assistance to women and children to its advocacy work.

“LICADHO recently celebrated its 20th anniversary,” said LICADHO President Dr. Pung Chhiv Kek. “This milestone was of course a joyous occasion, but it was also solemn: Many of the gains achieved by civil society in the past 20 years are being rapidly undone. It is clear that Cambodia still has an acute need for organizations like LICADHO. In fact, our work may now be more important than ever.”

For more information, please contact:
▪ Dr. Pung Chhiv Kek, President of LICADHO Tel: (+855) 012-802-506 [English, French, Khmer]
▪ Mr. Am Sam Ath, Technical Supervisor Tel: (+855) 012-327-770 [Khmer]
▪ Ms. Naly Pilorge, Director of LICADHO Tel: (+855) 012-803-650 [English, French]

PDF: Download full statement in English - Download full statement in Khmer
MP3: Listen to audio version in Khmer