Human Rights Commission Urges UN to Push for Soldiers’ Release – Cambodianess

Report on Cambodia-UN Human Rights Dialogue: Aligning with Sustainable Development Goals

Advancing SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions

A high-level meeting was held on November 10 between Keo Remy, President of the Cambodian Human Rights Commission (CHRC), and Rory Mungoven, Head of the United Nations Office for the Pacific. The dialogue centered on strengthening peace, justice, and institutional frameworks in line with Sustainable Development Goal 16.

Key Issues Impacting Regional Peace and Justice

• Detention of Military Personnel: The CHRC formally requested UN assistance to facilitate the release of 18 Cambodian soldiers detained in Thailand, highlighting the need to uphold justice and the rule of law (SDG 16.3).
• Conflict De-escalation: Concerns were raised over actions undermining peaceful and inclusive societies (SDG 16.1), including allegations of the use of internationally banned weapons and the sale of fighter jets to Thailand amidst regional tensions.
• Commitment to Peaceful Resolution: The UN representative affirmed that the High Commissioner for Human Rights is closely monitoring the implementation of the Joint Declaration between Cambodia and Thailand, reinforcing the global commitment to achieving peaceful solutions to conflicts.

Strengthening National Institutions and Global Partnerships (SDG 16 & SDG 17)

The discussion underscored the importance of robust national institutions and international cooperation for the achievement of the 2030 Agenda.

Institutional Development and Accountability

1. National Human Rights Institution (NHRI): The CHRC provided an update on the progress of the draft law to establish a national human rights body. This initiative is a critical step towards building effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions at the national level (SDG 16.6).
2. Accurate Reporting and Monitoring: A request was made for UN human rights reports to accurately reflect the situation in Cambodia, emphasizing that transparent monitoring is fundamental to maintaining international order and ensuring accountability.
3. Partnerships for the Goals (SDG 17): The meeting itself serves as an example of a strategic partnership between a national government body and an international organization to promote and implement the Sustainable Development Goals.

Progress on Social Inclusion and Protection (SDG 10 & SDG 1)

Cambodia’s efforts in promoting social equity and protection systems were recognized as integral to sustainable development.

• Reducing Inequalities (SDG 10): The UN acknowledged Cambodia’s initiatives to protect LGBTQ+ communities, a key measure in promoting the social inclusion of all and reducing inequalities (SDG 10.2).
• Social Protection Systems (SDG 1): The CHRC outlined advancements in the country’s social protection system, a core component of strategies aimed at eradicating poverty and supporting vulnerable populations (SDG 1.3).

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

• The article’s central theme revolves around international relations, human rights, and conflict resolution. The call for the release of 18 detained Cambodian soldiers, accusations of using banned weapons, and the request for a peaceful solution between Cambodia and Thailand directly address the goal of promoting peaceful and inclusive societies. Furthermore, the discussion on the draft law for a National Human Rights Institution (NHRI) and the need for accurate UN human rights reports align with the goal of building effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions at all levels.

SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

• This goal is addressed through the specific mention of Cambodia’s efforts to protect LGBTQ+ communities. The UN official’s praise for these initiatives highlights actions taken to ensure the inclusion and protection of marginalized groups, which is a core aspect of reducing inequalities within and among countries. The mention of the social protection system also connects to this goal, as such systems are designed to reduce economic and social disparities.

SDG 1: No Poverty

• The reference to Cambodia’s “social protection system” connects to SDG 1. Social protection systems, including floors, are a key strategy for eradicating poverty by providing economic support to the poor and vulnerable, ensuring they have access to basic services and are protected from economic shocks.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

1. Target 16.1: Significantly reduce all forms of violence and related death rates everywhere.
   • This target is relevant to the discussion of the “conflict with Cambodia,” the detention of soldiers, and the accusation that Thailand used “internationally banned weapons during recent clashes.” These issues are directly related to reducing violence and its consequences.
2. Target 16.3: Promote the rule of law at the national and international levels and ensure equal access to justice for all.
   • The call for the release of the 18 detained soldiers is an appeal for justice and the application of international law. The involvement of the UN to mediate and “achieve a peaceful solution” reinforces the promotion of the rule of law at the international level.
3. Target 16.a: Strengthen relevant national institutions, including through international cooperation, for building capacity at all levels… to prevent violence and combat terrorism and crime.
   • The discussion about the “draft law on establishing a National Human Rights Institution” is a direct example of an effort to strengthen a key national institution responsible for upholding human rights, which is fundamental to preventing violence and ensuring justice.

SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

1. Target 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status.
   • This target is directly addressed by the mention of “Cambodia’s efforts to uphold human rights, including its initiatives to protect LGBTQ+ communities.” Protecting LGBTQ+ communities is a clear action towards the inclusion of all, irrespective of their “other status.”
2. Target 10.4: Adopt policies, especially fiscal, wage and social protection policies, and progressively achieve greater equality.
   • The mention of updates on “the country’s social protection system” points directly to this target, as social protection policies are a primary tool for reducing income inequality and supporting vulnerable populations.

SDG 1: No Poverty

1. Target 1.3: Implement nationally appropriate social protection systems and measures for all, including floors, and by 2030 achieve substantial coverage of the poor and the vulnerable.
   • The article’s reference to Cambodia’s “social protection system” directly relates to this target, which focuses on establishing and expanding such systems to protect the poor and vulnerable.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

Indicators for SDG 16

1. Implied Indicator for Target 16.1: The number of detained soldiers released and the cessation of the use of banned weapons.
   • While not a formal UN indicator, the article implies that progress would be measured by the successful release of the “18 Cambodian soldiers detained in Thailand” and adherence to international conventions banning certain weapons.
2. Indicator for Target 16.a (16.a.1): Existence of independent national human rights institutions in compliance with the Paris Principles.
   • The article explicitly mentions the “progress of the draft law on establishing a National Human Rights Institution.” The successful passage and implementation of this law would be a direct measure of this indicator.

Indicators for SDG 10

1. Implied Indicator for Target 10.2: The existence and implementation of laws and policies protecting marginalized groups.
   • The article points to “initiatives to protect LGBTQ+ communities” as a measure of Cambodia’s progress in human rights. The number and effectiveness of these initiatives serve as an implied indicator of inclusion.

Indicators for SDG 1

1. Indicator for Target 1.3 (1.3.1): Proportion of population covered by social protection floors/systems.
   • The mention of “updates on… the country’s social protection system” implies that the scope and coverage of this system are being monitored. Progress on this indicator would be measured by the expansion of this system to cover more of the poor and vulnerable population.

4. Summary Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: cambodianess.com