Login Register

Logo of Phnom Penh Post newspaper Phnom Penh Post - Political crisis a threat to peace, index finds

Political crisis a threat to peace, index finds

| Publication date 09 June 2016 | 07:15 ICT

Political crisis a threat to peace, index finds

Political instability has “hampered peace in Cambodia” and offset gains from the Kingdom’s peacekeeping activities overseas, according to a global “Peace Index” released yesterday by the international think tank Institute for Economics and Peace.

The report measures 23 different indicators, like political stability, degree of terrorism and involvement in conflict, to derive an index number for 163 countries and territories.

Cambodia’s index shifted slightly towards peace in 2016, largely as a result of the Kingdom’s financial contributions to UN peacekeeping missions, said institute founder Steve Killelea.

However, growing hostility between the CPP and CNRP has offset nearly all its contributions.

“The likelihood of mass anti-government protests is remote but the number of people unjustifiably detained will no doubt continue to increase,” the authors wrote.

The report did not take into account more recent developments, such as the government’s moves to arrest acting CNRP president Kem Sokha. Killelea said that if these kinds of actions continue, Cambodia is likely to slip in the rankings.

Contact author: Igor Kossov

MOST VIEWED

  • Joy as Koh Ker Temple registered by UNESCO

    Cambodia's Koh Ker Temple archaeological site has been officially added to UNESCO’s World Heritage List, during the 45th session of the World Heritage Committee held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on September 17. The ancient temple, also known as Lingapura or Chok Gargyar, is located in

  • Famed US collector family return artefacts to Cambodia

    In the latest repatriation of ancient artefacts from the US, a total of 33 pieces of Khmer cultural heritage will soon return home, according to the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts. In a September 12 press statement, it said the US Attorney’s Office for the

  • Tina rebuffs ‘false claims’ over falling paddy price

    Agriculture minister Dith Tina has shed light on the trade of paddy rice in Battambang – Cambodia’s leading rice-producing province – in a bid to curb what he dubs a “social media fact distortion campaign” to destabilise the market. While acknowledging that the prices of paddy

  • Cambodia set to celebrate Koh Ker UNESCO listing

    To celebrate the inscription of the Koh Ker archaeological site on UNESCO’s World Heritage List, the Ministry of Cults and Religion has appealed to pagodas and places of worship to celebrate the achievement by ringing bells, shaking rattles and banging gongs on September 20. Venerable

  • Kampot curfew imposed to curb ‘gang’ violence

    Kampot provincial police have announced measures to contain a recent spike in antisocial behaviour by “unruly’ youth. Officials say the province has been plagued by recent violence among so-called “gang members”, who often fight with weapons such as knives and machetes. Several social observers have

  • PM outlines plans to discuss trade, policy during US visit

    Prime Minister Hun Manet is set to meet with senior US officials and business leaders during his upcoming visit to the US for the UN General Assembly (UNGA), scheduled for September 20. While addressing nearly 20,000 workers in Kampong Speu province, Manet said he aims to affirm