The members of the International Federation of Human Rights,
• Noting that National Assembly Elections were held in Cambodia on July 27th, 2003,
• Recognizing that no new Government has been formed in the seven months since these elections, due to the failure of any one political party to secure a two-thirds majority in the elections, and the failure of the seat-winning parties to reach agreement upon a coalition government,
• Noting that this period has been marked by the murder of several prominent persons closely associated with minority political parties, including journalist Chour Chetharith and union leader Chea Vichea in October 2003 and Chea Vichea, President of the Free Trade Workers Union who was vilently murdered on January 22, 2004.
• Recognizing that severe restrictions have been placed upon the fundamental right to freedom of assembly since the 2003 elections,
• Considering that the absence of a legitimate government is restricting the ability of Cambodia to secure critical international aid, and for the caretaker government to deliver essential services to the Cambodian people,
• Acknowledging that the absence of a legitimate government has also stalled progress made towards a proposed tribunal on atrocities committed during the 1975-79 Khmer Rouge regime;
• Call upon those elected on 27th July 2003 to take up their roles in the new National Assembly and to act upon promises made to the people in the election.
• Ask upon the leaders of Cambodia’s political parties to put national interest before self-interest, and reach a swift consensus on the formulation of a new coalition government.
• Request that the Cambodian authorities conduct full, independent and transparent investigations into the murders of politically-affiliated individuals, in full accordance with Cambodian and international law, and to prosecute those responsible
• Call upon the Cambodian authorities to lift existing restrictions upon freedom of assembly, and permit responsibly-policed public gatherings