UN human rights official wraps visit, ‘saddened’ by violence
U.N. Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights Flavia Pansieri on Friday wrapped up a five-day mission to Cambodia, saying that she was concerned and “deeply saddened” by the violent beating of bystanders and journalists after a May Day gathering near a cordoned-off Freedom Park. In prepared remarks delivered at the OHCHR office in Phnom Penh, Ms. Pansieri said she regretted having to come to the conclusion that the human rights situation in Cambodia has deteriorated this year, punctuated by the killing of six people during garment strikes and an ongoing municipal and government ban on assembly. … “The use of excessive force raises serious concerns about the role of the district security guards in dealing with demonstrations and public order,” Ms. Pansieri said at the end of a week that saw her meet with Foreign Minister Hor Namhong, Cambodian Human Rights Committee President Om Yentieng and unionists detained at Prey Sar prison. “I reiterate the view that the ‘ban’ on demonstrations falls short of the test of legality, necessity and proportionality.” …
Lauren Crothers
http://www.cambodiadaily.com/news/un-human-rights-official-wraps-visit-saddened-by-violence-58002/
