Despite initial hopes for reform, Hun Manet has perpetuated a repressive regime reminiscent of his father's lengthy dictatorship.
Under Rising Cambodian Leadership, Civil Liberties Deteriorate
Under Rising Cambodian Leadership, Civil Liberties Deteriorate
Under Hun Manet's leadership, civil liberties in Cambodia have regressed significantly.
Hun Manet, who succeeded his father, Hun Sen, as prime minister last year, has stifled civil liberties in Cambodia, dissuading hopes for political reform. After nearly 40 years of Hun Sen’s authoritarian rule, which systematically oppressed opposition forces, it was anticipated that Hun Manet might instigate a change. His education at prestigious institutions in the U.S. and U.K. led to a presumption that he might embrace more liberal policies regarding human rights and governance.
However, since assuming power in August 2023, there has been little sign of progress. The Cambodian government has intensified its crackdown on dissent, with multiple environmental activists arrested under dubious charges, including a high-profile journalist, Mech Dara. This crackdown extends to the global Cambodian diaspora, with recent deportations of deportees from neighboring countries.
Analysts have noted a sharp decline in expressive freedoms. Marc Thayre, the British deputy ambassador to Cambodia, remarked that “the space for expression has been at a low base, probably since 2014, and is shrinking further.” Vitit Muntarbhorn, the U.N. special rapporteur on human rights, echoed this disappointment, expressing that the expectation of a more liberal governance under Hun Manet has not materialized. “Currently, there is no sign of liberalization at all,” he concluded, highlighting the stagnation facing human rights in Cambodia under the new leadership.
However, since assuming power in August 2023, there has been little sign of progress. The Cambodian government has intensified its crackdown on dissent, with multiple environmental activists arrested under dubious charges, including a high-profile journalist, Mech Dara. This crackdown extends to the global Cambodian diaspora, with recent deportations of deportees from neighboring countries.
Analysts have noted a sharp decline in expressive freedoms. Marc Thayre, the British deputy ambassador to Cambodia, remarked that “the space for expression has been at a low base, probably since 2014, and is shrinking further.” Vitit Muntarbhorn, the U.N. special rapporteur on human rights, echoed this disappointment, expressing that the expectation of a more liberal governance under Hun Manet has not materialized. “Currently, there is no sign of liberalization at all,” he concluded, highlighting the stagnation facing human rights in Cambodia under the new leadership.
