Cambodian Center for Human Rights
Encyclopedia
The Cambodian Center for Human Rights (CCHR) is a non-partisan, independent, non-governmental organization
that works to promote and protect democracy
and respect for human rights
throughout Cambodia
. It focuses primarily on civil and political rights and on a variety of interlinked human rights
issues. The white bird flying out of a circle of sky blue on the logo of the organization symbolizes Cambodia
’s quest for freedom.
, a member of the Cambodian National Assembly (1993-1998) and Senator (1999-2002), and current member of the Cambodian National Assembly (2008- ) and leader of the Human Rights Party.The CCHR was registered with the Ministry of Interior in October 2002 and officially launched on 12 November 2002 to promote and protect democracy
and human rights
in Cambodia
. It was to be governed by an impressive Board of Directors who shared a passion for human rights
and Cambodia
.
During Kem Sokha
’s leadership, the CCHR became renowned for organising regular public forums throughout Cambodia
. These remain the key project of the CCHR's Community Empowerment Program. In December 2006, Kem Sokha
and other civil rights leaders were arrested and imprisoned for allegedly defaming the Cambodian government. They were released after a campaign led by the CCHR’s current President Ou Virak
. Kem Sokha
was President of the CCHR from its launch to March 2007, when he resigned to form the Human Rights Party
.
. Ou Virak
is the founder of the Alliance for Freedom of Expression in Cambodia
(AFEC), and in 2007 he won the Reebok Human Rights Award
for his earlier civil society campaign
to secure the release of Kem Sokha
and the decriminalization
of defamation in Cambodia.
and support the CCHR's work - including:
.
in Cambodia
. For example, the CCHR coordinates the Alliance for Freedom of Expression in Cambodia (AFEC), working with other NGOs to promote and protect freedom of expression, information and assembly in Cambodia
; it works with the Southeast Asian Press Alliance
(SEAPA) on campaigns and joint press releases relating to press freedom and has worked with Amnesty International
, Human Rights Watch
and the International Federation of Human Rights
(FIDH) to engage with the United Nations Human Rights Council
's new Universal Periodic Review (UPR) mechanism.
(USAID), the British Foreign and Commonwealth Office
(FCO), the European Commission
(EC), the East West Management Institute (EWMI), the Asia Foundation, the Open Society Institute
(OSI) and Konrad Adenaeur Stiftung (KAS). Other supporters include the Human Rights section of the Law Society of England and Wales
, Oxford University and the University of Sussex
in the United Kingdom
, and the global law firm Baker & McKenzie
.
.
Non-governmental organization
A non-governmental organization is a legally constituted organization created by natural or legal persons that operates independently from any government. The term originated from the United Nations , and is normally used to refer to organizations that do not form part of the government and are...
that works to promote and protect democracy
Democracy
Democracy is generally defined as a form of government in which all adult citizens have an equal say in the decisions that affect their lives. Ideally, this includes equal participation in the proposal, development and passage of legislation into law...
and respect for human rights
Human rights
Human rights are "commonly understood as inalienable fundamental rights to which a person is inherently entitled simply because she or he is a human being." Human rights are thus conceived as universal and egalitarian . These rights may exist as natural rights or as legal rights, in both national...
throughout Cambodia
Cambodia
Cambodia , officially known as the Kingdom of Cambodia, is a country located in the southern portion of the Indochina Peninsula in Southeast Asia...
. It focuses primarily on civil and political rights and on a variety of interlinked human rights
Human rights
Human rights are "commonly understood as inalienable fundamental rights to which a person is inherently entitled simply because she or he is a human being." Human rights are thus conceived as universal and egalitarian . These rights may exist as natural rights or as legal rights, in both national...
issues. The white bird flying out of a circle of sky blue on the logo of the organization symbolizes Cambodia
Cambodia
Cambodia , officially known as the Kingdom of Cambodia, is a country located in the southern portion of the Indochina Peninsula in Southeast Asia...
’s quest for freedom.
Units
The CCHR's members of staff are grouped into four specialist Units that reflect the scope of its work:- Freedom of Expression - Through its recognition of international human rightsHuman rightsHuman rights are "commonly understood as inalienable fundamental rights to which a person is inherently entitled simply because she or he is a human being." Human rights are thus conceived as universal and egalitarian . These rights may exist as natural rights or as legal rights, in both national...
mechanisms in Article 31 and expressly in Article 41, the Constitution of Cambodia provides for freedom of expression for all Cambodians. The CCHR's Freedom of Expression Unit works to make freedom of expression the norm in CambodiaCambodiaCambodia , officially known as the Kingdom of Cambodia, is a country located in the southern portion of the Indochina Peninsula in Southeast Asia...
, restriction the exception. Without freedom of expression - where space is provided for dialogue, criticism and new ideas - CambodiaCambodiaCambodia , officially known as the Kingdom of Cambodia, is a country located in the southern portion of the Indochina Peninsula in Southeast Asia...
’s human rightsHuman rightsHuman rights are "commonly understood as inalienable fundamental rights to which a person is inherently entitled simply because she or he is a human being." Human rights are thus conceived as universal and egalitarian . These rights may exist as natural rights or as legal rights, in both national...
problems will never be resolved.
- Fair Trials - Cambodia is bound by the Paris Peace Agreements of 1991 which include guarantees for independence of the judiciary and the right to a fair and public hearing by a competent, independent, and impartial tribunal. The Constitution of Cambodia provides that CambodiaCambodiaCambodia , officially known as the Kingdom of Cambodia, is a country located in the southern portion of the Indochina Peninsula in Southeast Asia...
shall recognize and respect human rightsHuman rightsHuman rights are "commonly understood as inalienable fundamental rights to which a person is inherently entitled simply because she or he is a human being." Human rights are thus conceived as universal and egalitarian . These rights may exist as natural rights or as legal rights, in both national...
as stipulated in all relevant international instruments (including the International Covenant on Civil and Political RightsInternational Covenant on Civil and Political RightsThe International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights is a multilateral treaty adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on December 16, 1966, and in force from March 23, 1976...
(ICCPR)). It provides also for the separation of powers and an independent judiciary guaranteed by the King with the assistance of the Supreme Council of the Magistracy. The CCHR's Fair Trials Unit works to encourage fairer trials in CambodiaCambodiaCambodia , officially known as the Kingdom of Cambodia, is a country located in the southern portion of the Indochina Peninsula in Southeast Asia...
which reflect the constitutional guarantees and protections outlined above.
- Land Rights - The Cambodia Land Law of 2001 sets out in detail how Cambodians’ land rightsLand rightsLand law is the form of law that deals with the rights to use, alienate, or exclude others from land. In many jurisdictions, these species of property are referred to as real estate or real property, as distinct from personal property. Land use agreements, including renting, are an important...
should be protected. The Land Rights Unit works to discourage unlawful land-grabbing in CambodiaCambodiaCambodia , officially known as the Kingdom of Cambodia, is a country located in the southern portion of the Indochina Peninsula in Southeast Asia...
and to promote peaceful resolution where conflict does arise.
- Democracy - The Constitution of Cambodia states that the country has united for ‘the restoration of CambodiaCambodiaCambodia , officially known as the Kingdom of Cambodia, is a country located in the southern portion of the Indochina Peninsula in Southeast Asia...
into an "Island of Peace" based on a multi-party liberalLiberalismLiberalism is the belief in the importance of liberty and equal rights. Liberals espouse a wide array of views depending on their understanding of these principles, but generally, liberals support ideas such as constitutionalism, liberal democracy, free and fair elections, human rights,...
democratic regime guaranteeing human rightsHuman rightsHuman rights are "commonly understood as inalienable fundamental rights to which a person is inherently entitled simply because she or he is a human being." Human rights are thus conceived as universal and egalitarian . These rights may exist as natural rights or as legal rights, in both national...
, abiding by lawLawLaw is a system of rules and guidelines which are enforced through social institutions to govern behavior, wherever possible. It shapes politics, economics and society in numerous ways and serves as a social mediator of relations between people. Contract law regulates everything from buying a bus...
, and having high responsibility for the nation's future destiny of moving toward perpetual progress, development, prosperityProsperityProsperity is the state of flourishing, thriving, good fortune and/or successful social status. Prosperity often encompasses wealth but also includes others factors which are independent of wealth to varying degrees, such as happiness and health....
, and glory.' The CCHR works to uphold these fundamentals by bringing elected officials and political party representatives face to face with marginalised groups, with the twin objectives of holding these leaders accountable to their electorate and providing space for citizens to understand democracyDemocracyDemocracy is generally defined as a form of government in which all adult citizens have an equal say in the decisions that affect their lives. Ideally, this includes equal participation in the proposal, development and passage of legislation into law...
, experience the democratic process, raise issues of concern relating to development, povertyPovertyPoverty is the lack of a certain amount of material possessions or money. Absolute poverty or destitution is inability to afford basic human needs, which commonly includes clean and fresh water, nutrition, health care, education, clothing and shelter. About 1.7 billion people are estimated to live...
and human rightsHuman rightsHuman rights are "commonly understood as inalienable fundamental rights to which a person is inherently entitled simply because she or he is a human being." Human rights are thus conceived as universal and egalitarian . These rights may exist as natural rights or as legal rights, in both national...
, and engage with political partiesPolitical PartiesPolitical Parties: A Sociological Study of the Oligarchical Tendencies of Modern Democracy is a book by sociologist Robert Michels, published in 1911 , and first introducing the concept of iron law of oligarchy...
and polices to advocate for themselves and effect change. The CCHR's primary goal in this area is for CambodiaCambodiaCambodia , officially known as the Kingdom of Cambodia, is a country located in the southern portion of the Indochina Peninsula in Southeast Asia...
to have a more inclusive democracyDemocracyDemocracy is generally defined as a form of government in which all adult citizens have an equal say in the decisions that affect their lives. Ideally, this includes equal participation in the proposal, development and passage of legislation into law...
.
Programs
The CCHR's staff work through three Programs:- Community Empowerment Program (CEP) - designed to empower marginalised Cambodians at the grassroots level, enabling them to understand principles of democracyDemocracyDemocracy is generally defined as a form of government in which all adult citizens have an equal say in the decisions that affect their lives. Ideally, this includes equal participation in the proposal, development and passage of legislation into law...
and human rightsHuman rightsHuman rights are "commonly understood as inalienable fundamental rights to which a person is inherently entitled simply because she or he is a human being." Human rights are thus conceived as universal and egalitarian . These rights may exist as natural rights or as legal rights, in both national...
, giving them the voice and opportunities to air their concerns and advocate for change, and providing alternative mechanisms for conflict resolutionConflict resolutionConflict resolution is conceptualized as the methods and processes involved in facilitating the peaceful ending of some social conflict. Often, committed group members attempt to resolve group conflicts by actively communicating information about their conflicting motives or ideologies to the rest...
. The CEP includes the Community Training Project, aimed at providing disadvantaged rural and urban communities affected by land conflicts and other human rightsHuman rightsHuman rights are "commonly understood as inalienable fundamental rights to which a person is inherently entitled simply because she or he is a human being." Human rights are thus conceived as universal and egalitarian . These rights may exist as natural rights or as legal rights, in both national...
violations with basic knowledge about their human rightsHuman rightsHuman rights are "commonly understood as inalienable fundamental rights to which a person is inherently entitled simply because she or he is a human being." Human rights are thus conceived as universal and egalitarian . These rights may exist as natural rights or as legal rights, in both national...
, the relevant Cambodian legislation, and the [democratic] and lawful methods to defend these rights; the Community Hearings Project, a form of alternative conflict resolution provides disadvantaged rural and urban communities that have been affected by particular land conflicts and related human rightsHuman rightsHuman rights are "commonly understood as inalienable fundamental rights to which a person is inherently entitled simply because she or he is a human being." Human rights are thus conceived as universal and egalitarian . These rights may exist as natural rights or as legal rights, in both national...
violations with an opportunity to have their concerns heard by local authorities, parliamentarians, representatives from the major political parties, NGO representatives, and other interested stakeholders; and the Public Forums Project, the CCHR's ‘signature’ project aimed at providing communities affected by human rights violations with the opportunity to discuss their concerns with and ask questions to local authorities, parliamentarians, representatives from the major political parties, NGO representatives, and other interested stakeholders.
- Monitoring, Research, Documentation & Information Program (MRDIP) - the CCHR works with other NGOs to monitor human rightsHuman rightsHuman rights are "commonly understood as inalienable fundamental rights to which a person is inherently entitled simply because she or he is a human being." Human rights are thus conceived as universal and egalitarian . These rights may exist as natural rights or as legal rights, in both national...
, research issues of concern, document its findings and provide information to Cambodians and other interested stakeholders on the human rightsHuman rightsHuman rights are "commonly understood as inalienable fundamental rights to which a person is inherently entitled simply because she or he is a human being." Human rights are thus conceived as universal and egalitarian . These rights may exist as natural rights or as legal rights, in both national...
situation in Cambodia. The CCHR aims to encourage a more sophisticated and collaborative approach by civil societyCivil societyCivil society is composed of the totality of many voluntary social relationships, civic and social organizations, and institutions that form the basis of a functioning society, as distinct from the force-backed structures of a state , the commercial institutions of the market, and private criminal...
in CambodiaCambodiaCambodia , officially known as the Kingdom of Cambodia, is a country located in the southern portion of the Indochina Peninsula in Southeast Asia...
. The MRDIP includes the 24-hour telephone Human Rights Hotline that Cambodians can call to inform the CCHR about human rightsHuman rightsHuman rights are "commonly understood as inalienable fundamental rights to which a person is inherently entitled simply because she or he is a human being." Human rights are thus conceived as universal and egalitarian . These rights may exist as natural rights or as legal rights, in both national...
violations; the user-friendly electronic Human Rights Database that has been developed by Human Rights Documentation and Information System International (HURIDOCS) and enables the electronic documentation of human rightsHuman rightsHuman rights are "commonly understood as inalienable fundamental rights to which a person is inherently entitled simply because she or he is a human being." Human rights are thus conceived as universal and egalitarian . These rights may exist as natural rights or as legal rights, in both national...
violations including information; and the Human Rights Portal for Cambodia ('Sithi'), a new website designed to be the best online resource for information on democracyDemocracyDemocracy is generally defined as a form of government in which all adult citizens have an equal say in the decisions that affect their lives. Ideally, this includes equal participation in the proposal, development and passage of legislation into law...
and human rightsHuman rightsHuman rights are "commonly understood as inalienable fundamental rights to which a person is inherently entitled simply because she or he is a human being." Human rights are thus conceived as universal and egalitarian . These rights may exist as natural rights or as legal rights, in both national...
in CambodiaCambodiaCambodia , officially known as the Kingdom of Cambodia, is a country located in the southern portion of the Indochina Peninsula in Southeast Asia...
.
- Advocacy Program (AP) - The CEP enables communities to set the agenda for the CCHR's advocacyAdvocacyAdvocacy is a political process by an individual or a large group which normally aims to influence public-policy and resource allocation decisions within political, economic, and social systems and institutions; it may be motivated from moral, ethical or faith principles or simply to protect an...
; the MRDIP provides the CCHR with the data and analysis with which to back this up. Based on these solid foundations, the AP includes policy and legislation proposals, dialogue, report writing, lobbying and campaigning. Collaboration with other NGOs and engagement with all stakeholders including the government underlie the program.
Kem Sokha
The CCHR was founded in 2002 by Kem SokhaKem Sokha
Kem Sokha is the President of the Human Rights Party in Cambodia. He was born on 27 June 1953 in Takéo, Cambodia.-Politics:National Assembly of the Kingdom of Cambodia 2008–Present• LAND RIGHTS. Active opponent of illegal evictions....
, a member of the Cambodian National Assembly (1993-1998) and Senator (1999-2002), and current member of the Cambodian National Assembly (2008- ) and leader of the Human Rights Party.The CCHR was registered with the Ministry of Interior in October 2002 and officially launched on 12 November 2002 to promote and protect democracy
Democracy
Democracy is generally defined as a form of government in which all adult citizens have an equal say in the decisions that affect their lives. Ideally, this includes equal participation in the proposal, development and passage of legislation into law...
and human rights
Human rights
Human rights are "commonly understood as inalienable fundamental rights to which a person is inherently entitled simply because she or he is a human being." Human rights are thus conceived as universal and egalitarian . These rights may exist as natural rights or as legal rights, in both national...
in Cambodia
Cambodia
Cambodia , officially known as the Kingdom of Cambodia, is a country located in the southern portion of the Indochina Peninsula in Southeast Asia...
. It was to be governed by an impressive Board of Directors who shared a passion for human rights
Human rights
Human rights are "commonly understood as inalienable fundamental rights to which a person is inherently entitled simply because she or he is a human being." Human rights are thus conceived as universal and egalitarian . These rights may exist as natural rights or as legal rights, in both national...
and Cambodia
Cambodia
Cambodia , officially known as the Kingdom of Cambodia, is a country located in the southern portion of the Indochina Peninsula in Southeast Asia...
.
During Kem Sokha
Kem Sokha
Kem Sokha is the President of the Human Rights Party in Cambodia. He was born on 27 June 1953 in Takéo, Cambodia.-Politics:National Assembly of the Kingdom of Cambodia 2008–Present• LAND RIGHTS. Active opponent of illegal evictions....
’s leadership, the CCHR became renowned for organising regular public forums throughout Cambodia
Cambodia
Cambodia , officially known as the Kingdom of Cambodia, is a country located in the southern portion of the Indochina Peninsula in Southeast Asia...
. These remain the key project of the CCHR's Community Empowerment Program. In December 2006, Kem Sokha
Kem Sokha
Kem Sokha is the President of the Human Rights Party in Cambodia. He was born on 27 June 1953 in Takéo, Cambodia.-Politics:National Assembly of the Kingdom of Cambodia 2008–Present• LAND RIGHTS. Active opponent of illegal evictions....
and other civil rights leaders were arrested and imprisoned for allegedly defaming the Cambodian government. They were released after a campaign led by the CCHR’s current President Ou Virak
Ou Virak
Ou Virak is a well known Cambodian human rights activist and intellectual, the President of the Cambodian Center for Human Rights, founder of the Alliance for Freedom of Expression in Cambodia , and winner of the Reebok Human Rights Award for his civil society campaign for freedom of expression...
. Kem Sokha
Kem Sokha
Kem Sokha is the President of the Human Rights Party in Cambodia. He was born on 27 June 1953 in Takéo, Cambodia.-Politics:National Assembly of the Kingdom of Cambodia 2008–Present• LAND RIGHTS. Active opponent of illegal evictions....
was President of the CCHR from its launch to March 2007, when he resigned to form the Human Rights Party
Human Rights Party (Cambodia)
The Human Rights Party is a Cambodian political party founded on 22 July 2007 led by Kem Sokha. Critics allege that its foundation is meant to weaken opposition parties and is driven by the ruling party...
.
Ou Virak
Since April 2007, the CCHR has been led by Ou VirakOu Virak
Ou Virak is a well known Cambodian human rights activist and intellectual, the President of the Cambodian Center for Human Rights, founder of the Alliance for Freedom of Expression in Cambodia , and winner of the Reebok Human Rights Award for his civil society campaign for freedom of expression...
. Ou Virak
Ou Virak
Ou Virak is a well known Cambodian human rights activist and intellectual, the President of the Cambodian Center for Human Rights, founder of the Alliance for Freedom of Expression in Cambodia , and winner of the Reebok Human Rights Award for his civil society campaign for freedom of expression...
is the founder of the Alliance for Freedom of Expression in Cambodia
Cambodia
Cambodia , officially known as the Kingdom of Cambodia, is a country located in the southern portion of the Indochina Peninsula in Southeast Asia...
(AFEC), and in 2007 he won the Reebok Human Rights Award
Reebok Human Rights Award
The Reebok Human Rights Award honours activists under the age of 30 who fight for human rights through non-violent means. Each year, the award is given to four or five individuals. Each receives a grant of US$50,000 that must be used to support their human rights work. The awards are underwritten...
for his earlier civil society campaign
Civil society campaign
A civil society campaign is one that is intended to mobilize public support and use democratic tools such as lobbying in order to instigate social change. Civil society campaigns can seek local, national or international objectives...
to secure the release of Kem Sokha
Kem Sokha
Kem Sokha is the President of the Human Rights Party in Cambodia. He was born on 27 June 1953 in Takéo, Cambodia.-Politics:National Assembly of the Kingdom of Cambodia 2008–Present• LAND RIGHTS. Active opponent of illegal evictions....
and the decriminalization
Decriminalization
Decriminalization or Decriminalisation is the abolition of criminal penalties in relation to certain acts, perhaps retroactively, though perhaps regulated permits or fines might still apply . The reverse process is criminalization.Decriminalization reflects changing social and moral views...
of defamation in Cambodia.
Board of Directors
The Board of Directors includes:- Son Soubert, a Member of the Constitutional Council of Cambodia, former Vice Speaker of the Cambodian National Assembly, former President of the Buddhist Liberal Democratic PartyBuddhist Liberal Democratic PartyThe Buddhist Liberal Democratic Party was a Cambodian political party founded in 1993 by former Cambodian Prime Minister Son Sann. The BLDP was created as a successor to the Khmer People's National Liberation Front , an anti-communist group also started by Son Sann.-1993 Cambodian election:The...
of CambodiaCambodiaCambodia , officially known as the Kingdom of Cambodia, is a country located in the southern portion of the Indochina Peninsula in Southeast Asia...
, President of the Son Sann Foundation and the son of Son SannSon SannSon Sann was a Cambodian politician and anti-communist resistance leader. Born in Phnom Penh, he held the office of Prime Minister in 1967-68. A devout Buddhist, he fathered seven children and was married....
(Prime Minister of the Kingdom of CambodiaCambodiaCambodia , officially known as the Kingdom of Cambodia, is a country located in the southern portion of the Indochina Peninsula in Southeast Asia...
(1967-68)); - Kek Galabru, one of Cambodia’s leading human rightsHuman rightsHuman rights are "commonly understood as inalienable fundamental rights to which a person is inherently entitled simply because she or he is a human being." Human rights are thus conceived as universal and egalitarian . These rights may exist as natural rights or as legal rights, in both national...
advocates, founder of the Cambodia League for the Promotion and Defense of Human Rights (LICADHO), and nominee for the 2005 Nobel Peace PrizeNobel Peace PrizeThe Nobel Peace Prize is one of the five Nobel Prizes bequeathed by the Swedish industrialist and inventor Alfred Nobel.-Background:According to Nobel's will, the Peace Prize shall be awarded to the person who...
as part of the 1000 Women for the Nobel Peace Prize project ; and - Lao Mong Hay, a prominent and well-respected scholar of the politics of CambodiaPolitics of CambodiaThe Politics of Cambodia takes place in a framework of a constitutional monarchy, whereby the Prime Minister is the head of government and a Monarch is head of state. The kingdom formally takes place according to the nation's constitution in a framework of a parliamentary, representative...
and human rightsHuman rightsHuman rights are "commonly understood as inalienable fundamental rights to which a person is inherently entitled simply because she or he is a human being." Human rights are thus conceived as universal and egalitarian . These rights may exist as natural rights or as legal rights, in both national...
, a Senior Researcher at the Asian Human Rights CommissionAsian Human Rights CommissionThe Asian Human Rights Commission is an independent, non-governmental body, which seeks to promote greater awareness and realisation of human rights in the Asian region, and to mobilise Asian and international public opinion to obtain relief and redress for the victims of human rights violations...
(AHRC), and winner of the Human Rights WatchHuman Rights WatchHuman Rights Watch is an international non-governmental organization that conducts research and advocacy on human rights. Its headquarters are in New York City and it has offices in Berlin, Beirut, Brussels, Chicago, Geneva, Johannesburg, London, Los Angeles, Moscow, Paris, San Francisco, Tokyo,...
Award (1997) and United Nations High Commissioner for RefugeesUnited Nations High Commissioner for RefugeesThe Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees , also known as The UN Refugee Agency is a United Nations agency mandated to protect and support refugees at the request of a government or the UN itself and assists in their voluntary repatriation, local integration or resettlement to...
Nansen Medal (2000).
Counsellors
The CCHR also has a group of Counsellors – successful and influential individuals who have a passion for human rightsHuman rights
Human rights are "commonly understood as inalienable fundamental rights to which a person is inherently entitled simply because she or he is a human being." Human rights are thus conceived as universal and egalitarian . These rights may exist as natural rights or as legal rights, in both national...
and support the CCHR's work - including:
- Jonathan AitkenJonathan AitkenJonathan William Patrick Aitken is a former Conservative Member of Parliament in the United Kingdom, and British government minister. He was convicted of perjury in 1999 and received an 18-month prison sentence, of which he served seven months...
, an author and broadcaster, Director of Prison Fellowship InternationalPrison Fellowship InternationalPrison Fellowship International is an international non-governmental organisation of national Prison Fellowship organisations from 117 countries.-Primary Mission:...
, Executive Director of the Trinity ForumTrinity ForumThe Trinity Forum is a Christian non-profit organization founded in 1991 that fosters the development of networks of leaders who share its commitment to cultural renewal. The organization conducts seminars and retreats for leaders to discuss issues involving faith and culture, including private...
in EuropeEuropeEurope is, by convention, one of the world's seven continents. Comprising the westernmost peninsula of Eurasia, Europe is generally 'divided' from Asia to its east by the watershed divides of the Ural and Caucasus Mountains, the Ural River, the Caspian and Black Seas, and the waterways connecting...
, Honorary President of Christian Solidarity WorldwideChristian Solidarity WorldwideChristian Solidarity Worldwide is a human rights organisation which specialises in religious freedom, works on behalf of those persecuted for their Christian beliefs and promotes religious liberty for all. Its current president is Jonathan Aitken, having taken over from Baroness Cox in 2006...
, Chairman of the Centre for Social JusticeCentre for Social JusticeThe Centre for Social Justice is an independent, not-for-profit thinktank set up by the Rt. Hon Iain Duncan Smith MP, to advance the education of the public in the subject of social justice and to promote the role of the voluntary sector...
’s policy study group on Prison reformPrison reformPrison reform is the attempt to improve conditions inside prisons, aiming at a more effective penal system.-History:Prisons have only been used as the primary punishment for criminal acts in the last couple of centuries...
, and former British Member of ParliamentMember of ParliamentA Member of Parliament is a representative of the voters to a :parliament. In many countries with bicameral parliaments, the term applies specifically to members of the lower house, as upper houses often have a different title, such as senate, and thus also have different titles for its members,...
and Cabinet Minister;
- Barbara CrossetteBarbara CrossetteBarbara Crossette is an American journalist and instructor in journalism.She wrote for The New York Times for over twenty years, and served as the paper's chief correspondent in South East Asia...
, a journalist and author, The New York TimesThe New York TimesThe New York Times is an American daily newspaper founded and continuously published in New York City since 1851. The New York Times has won 106 Pulitzer Prizes, the most of any news organization...
bureau chief at the United NationsUnited NationsThe United Nations is an international organization whose stated aims are facilitating cooperation in international law, international security, economic development, social progress, human rights, and achievement of world peace...
from 1994 to 2001 and former chief correspondent in Southeast AsiaSoutheast AsiaSoutheast Asia, South-East Asia, South East Asia or Southeastern Asia is a subregion of Asia, consisting of the countries that are geographically south of China, east of India, west of New Guinea and north of Australia. The region lies on the intersection of geological plates, with heavy seismic...
and South AsiaSouth AsiaSouth Asia, also known as Southern Asia, is the southern region of the Asian continent, which comprises the sub-Himalayan countries and, for some authorities , also includes the adjoining countries to the west and the east...
, and winner of the George Polk Award (1991), The Silurians 25-Year Achievement Award (1998), the Business Council of the United Nations Korn Ferry Award (1998), and the Nations Correspondents Association lifetime achievement award (2003); and - Wayne Jordash, a British international criminal defence lawyer who has represented clients in the United Kingdom, the International Criminal Tribunal for RwandaInternational Criminal Tribunal for RwandaThe International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda is an international court established in November 1994 by the United Nations Security Council in Resolution 955 in order to judge people responsible for the Rwandan Genocide and other serious violations of international law in Rwanda, or by Rwandan...
, the International Criminal Tribunal for Yugoslavia and the Special Court for Sierra LeoneSpecial Court for Sierra LeoneThe Special Court for Sierra Leone is an independent judicial body set up to "try those who bear greatest responsibility" for the war crimes and crimes against humanity committed in Sierra Leone after 30 November 1996 during the Sierra Leone Civil War...
.
Management Committee
The CCHR is managed day to day by the Management Committee, which is chaired by the President Ou VirakOu Virak
Ou Virak is a well known Cambodian human rights activist and intellectual, the President of the Cambodian Center for Human Rights, founder of the Alliance for Freedom of Expression in Cambodia , and winner of the Reebok Human Rights Award for his civil society campaign for freedom of expression...
.
Affiliations and Cooperation
The CCHR is informally affiliated to and cooperates with a number of national, regional and international organizations. These relationships strengthen its work to promote and protect human rightsHuman rights
Human rights are "commonly understood as inalienable fundamental rights to which a person is inherently entitled simply because she or he is a human being." Human rights are thus conceived as universal and egalitarian . These rights may exist as natural rights or as legal rights, in both national...
in Cambodia
Cambodia
Cambodia , officially known as the Kingdom of Cambodia, is a country located in the southern portion of the Indochina Peninsula in Southeast Asia...
. For example, the CCHR coordinates the Alliance for Freedom of Expression in Cambodia (AFEC), working with other NGOs to promote and protect freedom of expression, information and assembly in Cambodia
Cambodia
Cambodia , officially known as the Kingdom of Cambodia, is a country located in the southern portion of the Indochina Peninsula in Southeast Asia...
; it works with the Southeast Asian Press Alliance
Southeast Asian Press Alliance
The Southeast Asian Press Alliance is the only regional organization focused on promoting and protecting press freedom and freedom of expression in Southeast Asia...
(SEAPA) on campaigns and joint press releases relating to press freedom and has worked with Amnesty International
Amnesty International
Amnesty International is an international non-governmental organisation whose stated mission is "to conduct research and generate action to prevent and end grave abuses of human rights, and to demand justice for those whose rights have been violated."Following a publication of Peter Benenson's...
, Human Rights Watch
Human Rights Watch
Human Rights Watch is an international non-governmental organization that conducts research and advocacy on human rights. Its headquarters are in New York City and it has offices in Berlin, Beirut, Brussels, Chicago, Geneva, Johannesburg, London, Los Angeles, Moscow, Paris, San Francisco, Tokyo,...
and the International Federation of Human Rights
International Federation of Human Rights
The International Federation for Human Rights is a non-governmental federation for human rights organizations. Founded in 1922, FIDH is the oldest international human rights organisation worldwide and today brings together 164 member organisations in over 100 countries.FIDH is nonpartisan,...
(FIDH) to engage with the United Nations Human Rights Council
United Nations Human Rights Council
The United Nations Human Rights Council is an inter-governmental body within the United Nations System. The UNHRC is the successor to the United Nations Commission on Human Rights , and is a subsidiary body of the United Nations General Assembly...
's new Universal Periodic Review (UPR) mechanism.
Donors and Supporters
The CCHR's donors include the United States Agency for International DevelopmentUnited States Agency for International Development
The United States Agency for International Development is the United States federal government agency primarily responsible for administering civilian foreign aid. President John F. Kennedy created USAID in 1961 by executive order to implement development assistance programs in the areas...
(USAID), the British Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office, commonly called the Foreign Office or the FCO is a British government department responsible for promoting the interests of the United Kingdom overseas, created in 1968 by merging the Foreign Office and the Commonwealth Office.The head of the FCO is the...
(FCO), the European Commission
European Commission
The European Commission is the executive body of the European Union. The body is responsible for proposing legislation, implementing decisions, upholding the Union's treaties and the general day-to-day running of the Union....
(EC), the East West Management Institute (EWMI), the Asia Foundation, the Open Society Institute
Open Society Institute
The Open Society Institute , renamed in 2011 to Open Society Foundations, is a private operating and grantmaking foundation started by George Soros, aimed to shape public policy to promote democratic governance, human rights, and economic, legal, and social reform...
(OSI) and Konrad Adenaeur Stiftung (KAS). Other supporters include the Human Rights section of the Law Society of England and Wales
Law Society of England and Wales
The Law Society is the professional association that represents the solicitors' profession in England and Wales. It provides services and support to practising and training solicitors as well as serving as a sounding board for law reform. Members of the Society are often consulted when important...
, Oxford University and the University of Sussex
University of Sussex
The University of Sussex is an English public research university situated next to the East Sussex village of Falmer, within the city of Brighton and Hove. The University received its Royal Charter in August 1961....
in the United Kingdom
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandIn the United Kingdom and Dependencies, other languages have been officially recognised as legitimate autochthonous languages under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages...
, and the global law firm Baker & McKenzie
Baker & McKenzie
Baker & McKenzie is an international law firm, founded in Chicago in 1949 by Russell Baker and John McKenzie. It is home to more than 3,800 lawyers spread over 70 offices in 42 different countries....
.
See also
- CambodiaCambodiaCambodia , officially known as the Kingdom of Cambodia, is a country located in the southern portion of the Indochina Peninsula in Southeast Asia...
- Human rights in CambodiaHuman rights in CambodiaThe human rights situation in Cambodia is facing growing criticisms both within the country and an increasingly alarmed international community. After a series of flagrant violation against basic human rights a feeling of incertitude regarding the direction the country is emerging, sometimes...
- Khmer RougeKhmer RougeThe Khmer Rouge literally translated as Red Cambodians was the name given to the followers of the Communist Party of Kampuchea, who were the ruling party in Cambodia from 1975 to 1979, led by Pol Pot, Nuon Chea, Ieng Sary, Son Sen and Khieu Samphan...
- Politics of CambodiaPolitics of CambodiaThe Politics of Cambodia takes place in a framework of a constitutional monarchy, whereby the Prime Minister is the head of government and a Monarch is head of state. The kingdom formally takes place according to the nation's constitution in a framework of a parliamentary, representative...
- Ou VirakOu VirakOu Virak is a well known Cambodian human rights activist and intellectual, the President of the Cambodian Center for Human Rights, founder of the Alliance for Freedom of Expression in Cambodia , and winner of the Reebok Human Rights Award for his civil society campaign for freedom of expression...
- Kem SokhaKem SokhaKem Sokha is the President of the Human Rights Party in Cambodia. He was born on 27 June 1953 in Takéo, Cambodia.-Politics:National Assembly of the Kingdom of Cambodia 2008–Present• LAND RIGHTS. Active opponent of illegal evictions....
External links
- Cambodia Human Rights Portal (Sithi)
- Cambodian Center for Human Rights (CCHR)
- Cambodian Center for Human Rights (CCHR) Facebook Group
.