The EP declares itself troubled by a recent wave of arrests and prosecutions by the government of Cambodia and encourages it to revert this trend by upholding to “the commitments it has given to its people and to donors to build a more open, democratic and just society.” Also, by virtue of this resolution, the EP urges the government of Cambodia to meet “obligations and commitments related to democratic principles and human rights.”

Furthermore, the EP also requests full implementation by the Cambodian authorities of the 1951 Convention relating to the Status of Refugees “both with regard to the protection of Montagnard refugees, refraining from illegal forced deportation to Vietnam, and to granting refugee status to ethnic Khmer Krom escaping from Vietnam.”

UNPO has previously voiced its concern for Khmer Krom fleeing from Vietnam and seeking refuge in Cambodia. In particular, UNPO was alarmed by the UNHCR decision in August 2005 announcing that the responsibility for Khmer Krom refugees in Cambodia was no longer with the UN refugee agency, but rather with the Cambodian authorities.

UNPO is therefore pleased that the Parliament has urged the granting of refugee status for Khmer Krom fleeing from repression in Vietnam and welcomes the adoption of the resolution calling for an end to political repression in Cambodia.

Source and full text: European Parliament