The timeline below offers a visual representation of some of the key human rights violations and restrictions which have occurred in the Kingdom of Cambodia from 2013-2023, and follows our previous timeline covering 1993-2012 which can still be accessed here. The incidents recorded on the timeline from 2013-2023 represent human rights violations by the Royal Government of Cambodia as well as third parties, cover a wide range of issues including extrajudicial killings, convictions of human rights defenders, land grabs, forced evictions, restrictions of the rights to peaceful assembly, association and expression, torture, arrests, arbitrary detention and legislative and institutional developments relevant to human rights. The information is gathered from the Khmer and English media, CCHR’s own Fundamental Freedoms Monitoring Project, and from the commentary and analysis of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) working on these issues. Each entry is accompanied by a short description and provides links to media articles reporting on the event or to the work of CSOs active in the field. It should not be forgotten that the cases included in the timeline are those that have garnered the attention of the media or CSOs, and are as such particularly emblematic or high-profile. The timeline is therefore only representative of a small fraction of the actual number of human rights violations occurring in Cambodia.
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Phnom Penh
Restrictions on the freedoms of expression, assembly and association
Banteay Meanchey Provincial Governor, Um Night, issued a letter prohbiting provincial leaders from travelling abroad until after 13 November, except for cases of emergency.
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Phnom Penh
Legislative and institutional developments relevant to human rights
The Ministry of Information asked for input from the media and related institutions on proposed amendments to Cambodia's press law.
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Mondulkiri
Restrictions on the freedoms of expression, assembly and association
Mondulkiri and Battambang provincial police headquarters organized anti-demonstration trainings in preperation for Sam Rainsy's attempted return to Cambodia. In a statement, National Police chief Neth Savoeun said the training was also intending to prepare the armed forces to "combat any group causing insecurity or intending to topple the government."
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Phnom Penh
Restrictions on the freedoms of expression, assembly and association
The Phnom Penh Municipal Court sentenced Sam Rainsy, CNRP lawmaker Ho Vann, and CNRP member Kak Komphear to one year and eight months imprisonment for incitement and insult under the Criminal Code. The judge also sentenced ex-CNRP members Kong Mas and Voeun Kemlun to one year and six months imprisonment on the same charges. Mr. Mas was the only person present for the sentencing as the others have left the country to avoid arrest.
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Phnom Penh
Restrictions on the freedoms of expression, assembly and association
The Phnom Penh Municipal Court found former monk, Voeun Kimlon, guily of incitement under the Criminal Code and sentenced him to 18 months in prison after he uploaded videos containing fake news on YouTube. The content of the videos included storeis of Hun Sen and government officials. Mr. Kimlon admitted to committing the offence, however said he was unaware it was an illegal act and did so only to create revenue from increased viewership.
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Battambang
Restrictions on the freedoms of expression, assembly and association
ADHOC reported the authorites disrupted one of its educational sessions aimed at educating residents of Battambang on their right to freedom of expression and rights regarding advocacy. The authoritites questioned and took photos of some participants.
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Tbong Khmum
Land rights and forced evictions
Two villagers from Tbong Khmum district were arrested without a warrant after development company Hamenivent Investment filed a compaint against the two regarding a land dispute dating back to 2016.
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Phnom Penh
Restrictions on the freedoms of expression, assembly and association
The Phnom Penh Municipal Court sentenced CNRP activist Hong Srieng to 18 months for incitement to commit a crime under the Criminal Code in relation to a Facebook post he made.
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Phnom Penh
Restrictions on the freedoms of expression, assembly and association
Interior Minister Sar Kheng stated that authorities would continue to arrest supporters of Sam Rainsy. Mr. Kheng justified this by saying it was not "a threat to freedom of expression or anything" because the opposition is already illegal.
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Rattanakiri
Restrictions on the freedoms of expression, assembly and association
The Rattanakiri Provincial Commander-in-Chief stated the armed forces were ready to use force to protect the ruling government and "eliminate" Sam Rainsy and his supporters if they enter Cambodia on 9 November.
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Phnom Penh
Restrictions on the freedoms of expression, assembly and association
Prime Minister Hun Sen made a public called for all police forces to be ready to use force against Sam Rainsy if he chooses to return to Cambodia on 9 November. Hun Sen stated that the Ministry of Justice of Justice announced the army is prepared for his return, and that "anyone who participates in the November 9 destruction of the country will be punished."
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Preah Sihanouk
Land rights and forced evictions
Residents of Preah Sihanouk Province, Prey Nup District accused authorities of using bulldozers to clear their homes and crops without prior permission. A resident reported that a group of 100 police officers and district authorities cleared homes and crops without prior notification and without a clear reason given.
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Stung Treng
Restrictions on the freedoms of expression, assembly and association
Villagers in the Northeastern provinces expressed concern over the presence of police at pagodas during the Pchum Ben festival. Some villagers reported the authorities were monitoring and taking pictures of celebrations by members of the former CNRP.
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Phnom Penh
Restrictions on the freedoms of expression, assembly and association
The Phnom Penh Municipal court charged nine senior CNRP officials with “attempting to stage a coup” and “intention to commit armed rebellion.” Those charged include acting president Sam Rainsy, Tioulong Saumura, Ou Chanrith, Ho Van, Mou Sokchou, Long Ry, Eng Chhayeang, Men Sotharin and Noth Rodoul. These charges are in connection with Sam Rainsy's plan to return to Cambodia on 09 November.
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Phnom Penh
Restrictions on the freedoms of expression, assembly and association
The Phnom Penh Municipal Court issued an arrest warrant for former CNRP and environmental activist Sao Ousaphea for conspiracy and incitement to commit a felony under the Criminal Code for alleged involvement in plotting a coup against the government.
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Phnom Penh
Restrictions on the freedoms of expression, assembly and association
Former CNRP commune chief Sin Bona was attacked by two unidentified men with a metal pipe, leaving him with a broken arm and head injuries. Mr. Bonna is the 12th CNRP member to be attacked by unkown assailants on the street.
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Phnom Penh
Restrictions on the freedoms of expression, assembly and association
The Ministry of Justice warned civil servants will face life in prison if caught attempting to aid Sam Rainsy in his return to Cambodia. Regular civilians caught aiding Mr. Rainsy face a minimum sentence of between five and 10 years in jail.
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Phnom Penh
Legislative and institutional developments relevant to human rights
The Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training stated the Supreme Consultation Council supported its decision to submit the amendment of the Law on Trade Unions to the Council of Ministers. The proposed amendments largely relate to the right to freedom of assembly.
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Phnom Penh
Restrictions on the freedoms of expression, assembly and association
Ministry spokesman Khieu Sopheak announced that authorities would arrest those who posted messages on social media or supported in any way the return of Sam Rainsy.