A/HRC/41/17
17.
With regard to freedom of the press and freedom of expression, the Cambodia Daily
had shut down because of its failure to fulfil its tax obligations, in accordance with the law
on taxation. In the event that such liabilities were legally met, the newspaper could resume
its operations. The closure of the offices of Radio Free Asia and Voice of America had been
self-initiated. The two radio stations were free to reopen their offices in Cambodia. The
Government was also working on a policy and legal framework, and was committed to
completing a draft law on the right of access to information, together with two other
important laws: the cybercrime law, and the amendment to the law on the press.
18.
On land issues, the Government had introduced policy and legal frameworks to
manage the land sector to ensure the rights and interests of people and proper land use. It
would continue to address other pending land disputes, promote and accelerate nationwide
land registration, including for indigenous communities, provide social land concessions
and land for production to landless people, and also provide incentives for the development
of affordable housing.
19.
The Government was counting on the support of all stakeholders to contribute to its
efforts to ensure a peaceful and harmonious society, with full respect for the rule of law,
democracy and human rights. All human rights, including the right to development, were
indivisible, and human rights issues had to be addressed within the global context through a
constructive, non-confrontational, non-politicized and dialogue-based approach. Respect
for national sovereignty and territorial integrity, non-interference in the internal affairs of
States, impartiality and non-selectivity had been set as the guiding principles for the
promotion of human rights, taking into account the political, historical and social context of
each country.
B.
Interactive dialogue and responses by the State under review
20.
During the interactive dialogue, 73 delegations made statements. Recommendations
made during the dialogue are to be found in section II of the present report.
21.
China noted that Cambodia had maintained political stability and economic growth,
improved people’s living standards and made great efforts to alleviate poverty, enhance the
judicial guarantee of human rights, develop education and health care, and safeguard the
rights of vulnerable groups.
22.
Colombia highlighted the progress made to ensure the rights of persons with
disabilities in State law.
23.
Costa Rica acknowledged the establishment of a national mechanism to combat
torture and the implementation of the national disability strategic plan. It urged constructive
cooperation with special procedure mandate holders prior to, during and after their missions.
24.
Croatia acknowledged the progress made in the area of education. It expressed
concern about children from indigenous and ethnic minority groups who continued to be
disadvantaged, the state of fundamental freedoms and the right to participate in public and
political life.
25.
Cuba praised the implementation of the national disability strategic plan, the
national plan to reduce child labour, and other measures taken to protect children.
26.
Czechia commended the achievements in reducing poverty. Much remained to be
done in the implementation of recommendations. It hoped that the upcoming voluntary
national review on the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals would
provide the boost needed for further efforts.
27.
The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea noted with satisfaction the significant
progress made in the fields of poverty reduction, education and public health, and in
combating child labour and human trafficking.
28.
Denmark remained deeply concerned about the situation of civil and political rights,
including the dissolution of the main opposition party. It stressed the importance of
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