Geneva: United Nations (UN) human rights experts have expressed serious concern over a series of harsh new legal and administrative measures adopted by the Government of Cambodia in response to the covid-19 pandemic that undermine fundamental human rights, including freedom of movement, peaceful assembly and the right to work.
The Law on Preventive Measures Against the Spread of Covid-19 and other Severe and Dangerous Contagious Diseases, which was promulgated on March 11, allows 20-year prison terms and fines of up to 20 million riels (USD 5,000) for those convicted of violations.
The law grants the Government power to ban or restrict any gathering or demonstration.
According to the human rights experts, at least four people have reportedly been arrested since the law came into effect, and several others sent to quarantine.
“We are concerned that the administrative and penal measures, including excessive prison sentences and fines provided in the law, appear to be disproportionate and unwarranted. All measures taken to fight the pandemic, including possible punishments, should be necessary and proportionate and not be used excessively,” the experts said in a press release on Monday.
They also stressed that restrictions on fundamental freedoms on public health grounds must not breach rights and freedoms guaranteed by international human rights law, and they must be proportionate, non-discriminatory, time-bound and purpose limited.
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