Cambodia remains under the rule of Prime Minister Hun Sen (in power since 1985), following a military coup orchestrated by Hun Sen in 1997. Hun Sen’s government is regularly accused of neglecting human rights and repressing political opposition. Cambodia is one of the poorest and most corrupt countries in the world.
Constitution and government | Education and children’s rights | Family, community, society, religious courts and tribunals | Freedom of expression advocacy of humanist values |
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The constitution and other laws and policies protect freedom of thought, conscience and religion, as well as freedom of opinion and expression. However, Buddhism is the official state religion, and is strongly favoured by government practice.
The constitution prohibits discrimination based on religion. However, the government promotes Buddhist holidays, provides Buddhist training and education to monks and others in pagodas, and modestly supports an institute that performs research and publishes materials on Khmer culture and Buddhist traditions.
The government permits Buddhist religious instruction in public schools. Other forms of religious instruction are prohibited in public schools; however, non-Buddhist religious instruction may be provided by private institutions.
The government does not fully respect freedom of expression and exerts significant control over the media. The internet is mostly free of government control.