PRESS BRIEFING BY SECRETARY-GENERAL'S SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE FOR HUMAN RIGHTS IN CAMBODIA

Press Briefing

PRESS BRIEFING BY SECRETARY-GENERAL'S SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE FOR HUMAN RIGHTS IN CAMBODIA

At a Headquarters press briefing this afternoon, Thomas Hammarberg, Special Representative of the Secretary-General for human rights in Cambodia, said that he made regular visits to Cambodia and guided the Cambodia Office of the United Nations Centre for Human Rights (Cambodia Office). Stating that the Secretary-General was informed regularly of human rights developments in Cambodia, he said he had last met with him yesterday. On Monday, he had briefed the High Commissioner for Human Rights, Mary Robinson, in Dublin. Both of them expressed deep concern about the deteriorating human rights situation in Cambodia since July. Calling it a piece of good news, Mr. Hammarberg said the Cambodian Government had responded positively to the idea of a concrete discussion of the research the Cambodia Office had undertaken into killings and torture in Cambodia during July. [Note: A memorandum to the Royal Government of Cambodia on evidence of summary executions, torture and missing persons since the military coup of 2 to 7 July 1997 was issued on 21 August.]

He recalled that the Cambodian Government had previously issued statements to the effect that his information had been exaggerated and distorted, and that only one person had been killed. However, recently the Second Prime Minister had expressed appreciation for the report and indicated that a preliminary review had not revealed errors in the information given. The Second Prime Minister had said that the findings of the report deserved serious investigation, which would be initiated immediately. He had said that he would spare no one when it came to bringing those persons responsible to justice. Mr. Hammarberg said that his Office was expecting prompt action by the Government.

"The problem, of course, in Cambodia has been the phenomenon of impunity, particularly in relation to politically related crimes", Mr. Hammarberg said. Almost exactly two years ago, the Buddhist Liberal and Democratic Party had been attacked during a congress meeting by hand grenades thrown into the window. While no one had been killed, several of the activists had been injured. Last May, a journalist and activist of one of the political parties had been killed in the street in Pnom Penh, and that last March a peaceful and legally authorized demonstration had been attacked by hand grenade. Stating that it was difficult to be precise because evidence had been destroyed, he said at least 16 people had been killed and more than 100 injured.

"The sad side of these cases, on top of the fact that they were committed in the first place, is that no one has been arrested and prosecuted as a consequence of these attacks", Mr. Hammarberg said. Therefore, there was severe concern among those who work for human rights in Cambodia that there would be problems in the elections next May.

Hammarberg Briefing - 2 - 17 September 1997

The fear was that some politicians would hesitate to take part in the elections because it had proven so dangerous to be politically active in Cambodia, he continued. He expressed the hope that discussions of his report would define some criteria for free and fair elections, entailing the introduction of guarantees for protection of those who took part in elections.

"Today, there is a fear in that country which I think would undermine the possibilities of a free and fair election campaign and elections. Swift, prompt actions need to be taken by the Government to see to it that the atmosphere of terror and fear no longer reigns in the country", Mr. Hammarberg said.

A correspondent asked whether he had encountered difficulties in entering Cambodia, and where he obtained his information. The Special Representative said that he met people both in Cambodia and abroad. Since July, there was a growing refugee community of politicians, he said, adding that there were still 18 to 20 members of Parliament abroad. His mandate stipulated that he communicated with the Government and the people of Cambodia. "I interpret 'people' to mean non-governmental organizations and political parties", he added.

Continuing, Mr. Hammarberg said that he had encountered no problems in his work. On his last visit, he had met the King, the appointed First Prime Minister, and the Second Prime Minister. Yesterday, he had met with Prince Norodom Ranariddh in New York.

"I do maintain contacts and listen to everyone", he said. He also said that the issue of representation was not part of his mandate, and that he would observe the decision of the Credentials Committee and the Secretary General's Office.

Asked whether there was still reason for concern about possible harassment of United Nations human rights workers, Mr. Hammarberg responded that, while the Second Prime Minister had made several requests for the replacement of human rights personnel, the United Nations did not negotiate with governments about its representatives.

Mr. Hammarberg said that when they last met, the Second Prime Minister had said that he respected his position. However, he still had complaints about some of the staff members of the Cambodia Office who, he had been informed, had intimidated or coerced people into leaving the country. The Special Representative said he did not have any proof of those claims and had invited the Second Prime Minister to submit a complaint so that he could investigate and take action. The Second Prime Minister had promised not to press the issue any longer.

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