Logo of Phnom Penh Post newspaper Phnom Penh Post - NGOs under close watch for bias

NGOs under close watch for bias

Interior Ministry spokesman Khieu Sopheak, seen speaking at an event last year in Phnom Penh, yesterday accused several NGOs of violating their legally mandated ‘neutrality’.
Interior Ministry spokesman Khieu Sopheak, seen speaking at an event last year in Phnom Penh, yesterday accused several NGOs of violating their legally mandated ‘neutrality’. Heng Chivoan

NGOs under close watch for bias

The Ministry of Interior yesterday warned human rights groups that they are being closely watched for alleged bias towards the opposition CNRP, in a startling move targeting some of the country’s most prominent local NGOs.

News of an “investigation” was first disclosed by government-aligned media website Fresh News, which reported that a “senior security official” informed the outlet that the government was scrutinising multiple NGOs.

“We are already investigating a group of civil society organisations, particularly the ill-intentioned ringleaders … We will carry out the law seriously,” the anonymous source told the outlet.

Ministry of Interior (MoI) spokesman Khieu Sopheak confirmed yesterday that several organisations – including Licadho, Adhoc and the election watchdog Comfrel – were under observation and that the government may launch a formal investigation.

“We appeal to all NGOs – Licadho, Adhoc – please adhere to neutrality … In case the ministry finds out that these NGOs are supporting any political party, the ministry will take legal action,” Sopheak said.

According to Sopheak, Comfrel’s 2013 report, which questioned the indelibility of the ink used to thumbprint election ballots, showed the organisation was “part of the opposition”. “Don’t do that again,” he said.

“What they do, we can see on their Facebook pages. You see what they publish. Neutral or not, we can see. This is a warning,” Sopheak said.

He also singled out the “Situation Room”, an election monitoring station set up by a coalition of human rights groups and election monitors, as worthy of surveillance.

The warning comes just two days ahead of Cambodia’s commune elections, which are widely regarded as a litmus test for the upcoming 2018 national election.

Observers have noted increased intimidation of rights groups leading up to the tight poll, including the ongoing detention of four Adhoc human rights defenders and a National Election Committee official, who have now been imprisoned for more than a year.

Naly Pilorge, Licadho’s deputy director of advocacy, denied the organisation had violated its neutrality and said she was unaware of any investigation into the NGO.

“As a human rights NGO, pre- and post-election work has been and still is a normal part of our work,” she said.

“No one from MoI has contacted any staff or come to any of our 14 offices.”

Koul Panha, director of Comfrel, denied colluding with the opposition and stressed his organisation was nonpartisan. “We are election observers accredited by the NEC,” he said.

Meanwhile, Chak Sopheap, director of the Cambodian Center for Human Rights, spoke out against the controversial laws being invoked by the Ministry.

“Both the Law on Commune Council Elections and the heavily criticised Law on Associations and Non-Governmental Organizations contain broad, vaguely drafted requirements of ‘neutrality’ for NGOs that are ripe for abuse and threaten to severely restrict their freedom of expression,” she said via email.

“The essential role of civil society in guaranteeing an environment where free and fair elections can take place – including legitimate monitoring activities and comment[ary] on the activities of political parties, candidates and the conduct of the polls – should be celebrated, not punished or deterred.”

MOST VIEWED

  • Ministry orders all schools, public and private, to close for SEA Games

    From April 20 to May 18, all public and private educational institutions will be closed to maintain order and support Cambodia's hosting of the 32nd SEA Games and 12th ASEAN Para Games, said a directive from the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport. Cambodia will host the

  • Almost 9K tourists see equinox sunrise at Angkor Wat

    Nearly 9,000 visitors – including 2,226 international tourists – gathered at Angkor Wat on March 21 to view the spring equinox sunrise, according to a senior official of the Siem Reap provinical tourism department. Ngov Seng Kak, director of the department, said a total of 8,726 people visited Angkor Wat to

  • Angkor Beer strengthens national pride with golden new look and fresher taste

    Angkor Beer – the "Gold of Angkor" – has a new look, one that is more stylish and carries a premium appeal, as well as a fresher taste and smoother flavour, making it the perfect choice for any gathering. Angkor Beer recently launched its new design, one

  • Water supply authority assures public shortages over early ‘24

    The Phnom Penh Water Supply Authority (PPWSA) asked for understanding from Phnom Penh residents in some communes where water pressure is weak. They assured residents that all supply issues will be resolved by early 2024, but have suggested that residents use water sparingly in the meantime.

  • PM urges end to ‘baseless’ international Ream base accusations

    Prime Minister Hun Sen urges an end to “baseless” foreign accusations surrounding the development of the Kingdom’s Ream Naval Base, as the US has consistently suggested that the base is being expanded to accommodate a Chinese military presence. Hun Sen renewed his calls while

  • Khmer ballet documentary debuts April 1

    A new documentary, The Perfect Motion, or Tep Hattha in Khmer, will premiere to the public on April 1. The documentary film follows two intertwined storylines: the creation of a show called Metamorphosis by the late Princess Norodom Buppha Devi (her very last production) and the