Several groups of human rights including Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch called Thursday, April 7, the Cambodian government to abandon a bill which they say aims to limit the activities of nongovernmental organizations. The project threatens the freedom of association and could be used "to silence critics of civil society" because it would allow the government to deny registration to NGOs or close them without appeal, say the organizations in a statement.
"The government did not provide adequate response to why this legislation is needed, along with other existing rules and laws that regulate civil society," continued the signatories also called on international donors to take a stand. In January, the U.S. State Department had expressed "serious concerns" about the bill.
But the spokesman for the Interior Ministry, Khieu Sopheak, said the legislation would help the associations to continue their activity "in respect Cambodian laws." He said there are over 3000 NGOs and other associations in the country, and "low hundreds" protested against the project. NGOs have played a major role in rebuilding the country after the fall of the Khmer Rouge regime (1975-1979) and years of civil war that followed.
They have consistently opposed the government. 
"The government did not provide adequate response to why this legislation is needed, along with other existing rules and laws that regulate civil society," continued the signatories also called on international donors to take a stand. In January, the U.S. State Department had expressed "serious concerns" about the bill.
But the spokesman for the Interior Ministry, Khieu Sopheak, said the legislation would help the associations to continue their activity "in respect Cambodian laws." He said there are over 3000 NGOs and other associations in the country, and "low hundreds" protested against the project. NGOs have played a major role in rebuilding the country after the fall of the Khmer Rouge regime (1975-1979) and years of civil war that followed.
They have consistently opposed the government.
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