CSOs, experts discuss potential impacts of three newly-adopted laws on judiciary
by Khim Sambo Rothana, Communications Officer
Phnom Penh (June 03, 2014) – More than 100 senior representatives from NGOs and law experts meet at the member bi-monthly meeting to discuss the potential impacts of three newly-adopted laws on judiciary in Cambodia.
Organized by the Cooperation Committee for Cambodia (CCC), the meeting aims to (1) introduce new members on their profiles and key activities; (2) update CCC members on the key interventions of Governance Hub Program (GHP), and its engagement with CCC members; and (3) reflect on the potential impacts of three laws related to the Judiciary to civil society in Cambodia, and proposed action points.
All participants lively participated the panel discussion with guest speakers; Mr. Duch Piseth, Coordinator for Trial Monitoring and Business and Human Rights Projects, Cambodia Center for Human Rights and Mr. Sok Sam Oeun, Executive Director of Cambodian Defenders Project (CDP).
Speaking to media, Mr. Soeung Saroeun, Executive Director of Cooperation Committee for Cambodia, said, "I congratulate these three draft laws on judiciary, but I am worried about the organization of Supreme Council of Magistracy, and the budget of the court that will be managed by the Ministry of Justice."
During the panel discussion, Mr. Duch Piseth, Coordinator for Trial Monitoring and Business and Human Rights Projects, Cambodia Center for Human Rights, said "We are really concerned with the three draft laws because the national assembly hasn't involved any direct participation of the people and civil society."
Civil societies are concerned the law will not only affect the court's independency, but also cause negative impacts on the lives of the poor and disadvantaged people."
"If the Senate approves the adoption of the three judiciary law without civil societies discussion, we will file request to the constitutional council for revision and review of the laws again," he added.
Mr. Sok Sam Oeun, Executive Director of Cambodian Defenders Project (CDP), said "I am very disappointed that the legislative branch does not hold open discussions with civil society. The laws could affect political stability, and people's accountability towards the government."
"We do not have the right to intervene, but we have the freedom of expression for the political institutions to reconsider. The National Assembly should have waited to discuss the adoption of the law with the Cambodian National Rescue Party (CNRP) before approving the documents," he said.
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