Law would give government power to bar activities that jeopardise public order or harm national security, culture and traditions
LONDON, June 22 (Thomson Reuters Foundation) - Sixteen international human rights groups on Monday urged Cambodia to withdraw a proposed law they fear will muzzle government critics and severely restrict the activities of non-governmental organisations.
The law would require Cambodia's 5,000 domestic and international NGOs to report their activities and finances to the government, according to a draft leaked to the media last week.
Failure to do so could result in fines, criminal prosecutions and the break-up of organisations, many of which have played a crucial part in helping the country to recover from the genocidal regime of dictator Pol Pot in the 1970s.
"The draft (law) appears designed to restrict the legitimate activities of civil society and human rights defenders in violation of the right to freedom of association", said a letter signed by the groups, including Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch.
Of particular concern is a provision that gives the government discretionary powers to prohibit any activities it perceives to jeopardise peace, stability and public order or harm the country's national security, culture and traditions.
The letter, to be delivered on Monday to National Assembly President Heng Samrin, said the law would also give the government complete discretion in deciding whether to accept NGO registration requests.
The groups criticised a lack of public consultation and opportunity to comment on the draft law, which they say the government had tried to keep secret before it goes to parliament.
"If passed the draft (law) will severely undermine the crucial role that civil society plays in Cambodia," the letter said.
Prime Minister Hun Sen, who has ruled the country for three decades and stands accused of abusing his power to stifle opponents, says the new law aims to prevent "terrorism", but his government has not said if such a threat exists.
(Reporting By Astrid Zweynert, editing by Alisa Tang. Please credit the Thomson Reuters Foundation, the charitable arm of Thomson Reuters, that covers humanitarian news, women's rights, trafficking, corruption and climate change. Visit www.trust.org)
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