Ministry explains budget

The Economy and Finance Ministry yesterday defended a proposed increase in next year’s national budget, saying that it is in line with the nation’s economic growth.

Cambodian migrant workers are welcome, says Kuwait diplomat

Kuwait is open for Cambodian migrant workers, said the Head of Mission at the Embassy of the State of Kuwait in Cambodia, Zaher M B M Alkhurainej at a press conference in Phnom Penh on Tuesday.

Working group to address NGOs’ concerns

The government has established a working group to address issues raised by NGOs regarding difficulties conducting field work.

Land activists seek solutions

More than 700 land activists from the capital, Preah Sihanouk, Svay Rieng, Tbong Khmum, Preah Vihear and Kandal provinces gathered on Tuesday at Freedom Park in Phnom Penh’s Russey Keo district to deliver petitions seeking solutions to their longstanding land disputes.

លោក ហ៊ុន សែន ចាញ់បោកការផ្សាយព័ត៌មានក្លែងក្លាយ លើបណ្តាញសង្គម

Security upped for Independence Day

The National Police yesterday laid out security plans to ensure safety during the 65th anniversary of Independence Day on Friday, noting that the event will be attended by about 25,000 officials and will be watched over by nearly 10,000 security forces.

PM rejects claim Korm a ‘spy’

Prime Minister Hun Sen has rejected a claim by his party’s spokesman that Kong Korm, a former senior adviser to the Cambodian People’s Party (CPP) until he joined the opposition in the 1990s and the father of Khmer Will Party (KWP) founder Kong Monika, may be a government “spy”.

Authorities block land protesters

About 600 people from six provinces yesterday gathered to submit petitions to the National Assembly, Prime Minister Hun Sen’s cabinet and relevant ministries in Phnom Penh as they seek resolutions to land disputes.

Government ‘wants RFA and VOA reopened’

Minister of Information Khieu Kanharith told the outgoing US ambassador on Tuesday that the government intended to reopen Radio Free Asia (RFA) and Voice of America (VOA) for “effective communication and to promote freedom of the press in Cambodia”, local media reported.

UN rights envoy raises concerns over justice system transparency

The United Nations Special Rapporteur on Human Rights in Cambodia yesterday raised concerns over justice system transparency and judiciary independence during a meeting with Justice Ministry representatives.

Kem Sokha off the menu as Smith talks judicial independence

The UN Human Rights Council’s (UNHRC) Special Rapporteur on Human Rights in Cambodia, Rhona Smith, on Tuesday, focused on “judicial independence” at a meeting with Ministry of Justice officials.

EBA deal salvageable: UN envoy

The United Nations Special Rapporteur on Human Rights in Cambodia said the government must take measurable steps to promote human rights in order to avoid the withdrawal of the Everything-but-arms treaty with the European Union.

Australian to be deported for overstaying visa

The Phnom Penh Municipal Immigration Department on Sunday detained an Australian national for overstaying her visa in the Kingdom and failing to pay for her lunch.

Report: Cambodia’s internet freedom slipping

Althought still ranked “Partly Free”, internet freedom in Cambodia is slipping, says a report by Freedom House, a US-based democracy, political freedom and human rights watchdog. But the deputy secretary of the Ministry of Justice said the report “did not reflect the truth”.

Licadho report notes 110 child sex abuse cases

Licadho yesterday unveiled its nine-month report on sexual abuse of children, noting that it registered 110 cases during the period.

‘Court to decide Kem Sokha fate’

A senior government official said on Sunday that former opposition party leader Kem Sokha, who is currently under home detention on “treason” charges, would not receive a Royal pardon while his court case is ongoing.

NGOs concerned over crimes against journalists

Several NGOs have voiced concern over continuing crimes against journalists and human rights advocates, urging authorities to take sterner action against perpetrators.

Forestry, wildlife crimes drop at Koh Kong sanctuary

Koh Kong provincial authorities said on Sunday that illegal forestry and wildlife trafficking crimes have decreased considerably at the Peam Krasop Wildlife Sanctuary, although authorities are still investigating cases of encroachment on state land at the site.

NGO raises concern over disabled rights

An NGO has expressed disappointment over the lack of enforcement of laws to ensure that people with disabilities get the same opportunities to work and live in society as able-bodied people.

Journalists’ integrity questioned at awards

Ministry of Information secretary of state Chea Chanboribo questioned journalists’ integrity during a peace award ceremony on Sunday and accused them of injecting their own opinions and moral judgments in their stories.