The Cambodian Center for Human Rights (CCHR) has called on the Ministry of Justice to take action over high-profile individuals escaping prosecution for crimes.
Tuesday, 02 December 2014; News by Khmer Times/Ven Rathavong
PHNOM PENH, Dec 02, (Khmer Times) – The Cambodian Center for Human Rights (CCHR) has called on the Ministry of Justice to take action over high-profile individuals escaping prosecution for crimes.
Impunity, which means ‘without punishment’ or ‘without consequence’, is rampant in Cambodia, according to a CCHR statement. “Perpetrators of human rights violations are often well-connected individuals who go unpunished as a result of their status.”
Suon Bunthoeun, CCHR project coordinator of Human Rights Defenders, said that he wants Cambodian citizens to join the fight to end impunity.
“Impunity in Cambodia has increased, people see that there is no enforcement of law on any criminals,” Mr. Bunthoeun said. A CCHR photo campaign to press for an end to impunity has received submissions from across the country.
270 of the photos received by the CCHR were used to create a banner that was submitted to the Ministry of Justice this morning.
Officials of the Justice Ministry who accepted the banner said that they will report details of the campaign to the Justice Minister.
The campaign to end impunity was launched by the CCHR on Nov. 2, marking the UNs International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists.
Anyone who wishes to submit a photo to the CCHR of them holding a sign calling for an end to impunity can do so via email.