In October 2023, the Centre for Law & Transformative Change (CLTC) and its partners submitted the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) report on Access to Justice for Cambodia’s upcoming 4th cycle review. This collaborative effort by the ‘Coalition for Access to Justice’, comprising CLTC and leading Cambodian civil society organizations, aims to highlight the state of Cambodia’s access to justice.
While acknowledging strides made, the report unveils significant concerns that persist within Cambodia’s justice system. Among the pressing issues is the challenge faced by many in securing a fair trial. Limited access to legal aid services, inadequate legal representation, and the frequent use of pre-trial detention contribute to violations of fair trial rights. Children
continue to be held in pre-trial detention facilities. Gender-based discrimination compounds these challenges, particularly affecting women within the justice system. The report focuses on key themes such as fair trial rights, access to justice, and the independence of the judiciary, with a specific focus on child justice and gender equality.
The submission of this report leans on the decades of experience from Coalition members who have tirelessly worked to enhance access to justice in Cambodia. The report draws upon the Coalition’s extensive engagement with the justice system, data collection efforts, stakeholder engagement, and research.
Following Cambodia’s last review under the 3rd UPR cycle in January 2019, which yielded 198 recommendations, the report focuses on the imperative to address access to justice-related issues effectively. Through a series of actionable recommendations, the report calls upon justice stakeholders, the Cambodian government, to take decisive steps in tackling persistent challenges within the justice system. Strengthening the legal aid system and
safeguarding the independence and impartiality of the judiciary emerge as pivotal areas of focus.
Furthermore, the report emphasizes the importance of the UPR process, providing Cambodian civil society with a global platform to advocate for access to justice. CLTC urges the international community to pay attention to the voices of Cambodia’s civil society, emphasizing that without equitable access to justice, fundamental rights remain at risk.
In pursuit of establishing a people-centred justice system, collaboration and investment from stakeholders are imperative to create justice systems that are responsive to the needs and rights of the people. For a comprehensive understanding of the UPR submission on advancing access to justice in Cambodia and the recommendations outlined please consult the report.
Read the Report HERE
Joint Submission for the Universal Periodic Review of the Kingdom of Cambodia