Skip to main content

Cambodia: Opposition MPs exit over foreign NGO clampdown

CAMBODIA became the latest country to regulate the activities of foreign-funded non-governmental organisations (NGOs) yesterday with the passage of a new law.

The national assembly passed the Law on Associations and Non- Governmental Organisations unanimously after Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) opposition members boycotted the vote.

With the Cambodian People’s Party (CPP) holding 68 seats to the CNRP’s 55, the opposition walked out and joined hundreds of human rights and NGO activists outside the assembly.

In a statement on Sunday the CNRP claimed the Bill would “put pressure and impose restrictions on the freedoms of associations and NGOs.”

But the government said that the law was aimed at criminal and terrorist organisations posing as NGOs and that it would protect legitimate organisations.

OWNED BY OUR READERS

We're a reader-owned co-operative, which means you can become part of the paper too by buying shares in the People’s Press Printing Society.

 

 

Become a supporter

Fighting fund

You've Raised:£ 9,899
We need:£ 8,101
12 Days remaining
Donate today