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The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights issued a statement on 4 January deploring the "series of defamation, incitement and disinformation law suits and arrests of members of civil society, trade unions, media and the Sam Rainsy opposition party in the course of last year."

The UN High Commissioner adds that "the government of Cambodia is obliged to respect and ensure (...) the rights to freedom of expression, association and assembly which constitute the foundations for a democratic society, and are essential conditions for its progress. "The ability of civil society to carry out their indispensable work, and to continue to contribute to the development of Cambodia, must be ensured and continued." Among the leaders of civil society groups currently detained by the Cambodian authorities is Rong Chhun, President of EI affiliate CITA.