Rep. Royce Meets with Cambodian Parliamentarian Mu Sochua

Congressman Ed Royce (R-CA) speaking at the lectern

September 11, 2009

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Audra McGeorge (202) 340-8147

Human Rights Commission Hears Testimony on Human Rights Violations in Cambodia

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- On September 10, 2009, Rep. Ed Royce (R-CA), attended a hearing held by the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission entitled, "Human Rights and the Rule of Law in Cambodia." Among the witnesses testifying before the commission was Cambodian Parliamentarian, Mu Sochua a member of the Sam Rainsy Party.

At the hearing, Ms. Sochua told of the alarming freefall of democracy in Cambodia. Corruption is endemic and there is little respect for the rule of law. Witnesses testified that Cambodia has backtracked to the point of becoming a virtual one-party country. Especially troublesome has been the crackdown on freedom of speech. Any criticism of the ruling party is met with severe repression, a lesson Ms. Sochua learned the hard way.

"Having met with Ms. Sochua prior to the hearing, and having heard of the dubious charges being brought against her by the ruling party in Cambodia for defending her good name, I know that she risked much to shed light on the egregious human rights violations in her native country," said Royce.

The Commission also heard of the continuing challenge facing the country with human trafficking. Every year, hundreds of girls are sold into brothels, forced to work as sex slaves. Many of these girls, some as young as 13 years old, are lured away from home under false pretenses and kept under horrific conditions. Those that do not do as they are told are starved or tortured.

"While admirable work is being done by NGO's in Cambodia to put an end to this practice, human trafficking will continue to flourish without an end to the endemic corruption that plagues the country," said Royce.

Royce's Chief of Staff, Amy, travelled to Phnom Penh on a humanitarian mission to help girl children affected by the sex trade last year. She told of token government efforts to combat the problem, but that a lack of willingness to take serious efforts remains, as corruption is rampant.

Rep. Royce is a member of the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission and is a senior member of the Subcommittee on Asia, the Pacific, and the Global Environment.