Phnom Penh, 17 June 2014

In light of recent developments concerning the process of passing of three new laws:

. The Law on the Status of Judges and Prosecutors;
. The Law on the Organization and Functioning of the Courts;
. The Law on the Organization and Functioning of the Supreme Council of the Magistracy.

NGO-CEDAW and CAMBOW respectfully urge the Constitutional Council to review article 128 of the Cambodian Constitution. This article clearly states the importance of the independence of the judiciary “…The Judiciary is an independent power…”1 In view of this article, the aforementioned proposed laws directly contradict the Constitution and may affect the judicial branch’s independence.

We hope that in assessing the three laws adopted by the National Assembly and reviewed by the Senate, the Constitutional Council will “… guarantee the observance and the respect of the Constitution…”2 We are convinced this would be result in the rejection of these three laws, that fail to protect the independence of the Judiciary.

For more information please contact:
– Mr. HENG Sam Orn (NGO-CEDAW) 015 770 120

Email: [email protected]
– Ms. Chim Channeang (NGO-CEDAW) 012 66 88 53

Email: [email protected]
– Ms. Nov Srey Aun (CAMBOW) 077 722 725

Email: [email protected]
– Ms. OU Tep Phallin 011 984 883/098 984 883

Email: [email protected]

Attachment file in Khmer:Joint statement_Khmer

Attachment file in English:Jpint statement_English