THE United Nations Commission on Human Rights at its 51st session earlier this year, adopted a resolution drafted by Australia, Austria, Canada, France, Norway and the US on human rights in Cambodia. The resolution expressed concern about the atrocities committed by the Khmer Rouge and at the same time called upon the Government of Cambodia to investigate thoroughly allegations of human rights abuses and to prosecute those who are found guilty of committing such violations. It specifically referred to the allegations of threats to members of the National Assembly and asked the administration in Cambodia to take all necessary steps to ensure that the members of the national assembly are guaranteed protection. The National Assembly was established in 1993 and several of its members have complained about intimidation. In addition, the commission's resolution called upon the UN Secretary General to ensure the protection of human rights of all people in Cambodia and ensure adequate resources from within existing UN resources to help the Centre for Human Rights in the country and enhance its operational presence. The centre opened in September, 1993. However, due to bureaucratic obstructions, it has not been able to resolve any of the problems relating to staffing and the organisation of programmes. Staff have struggled on at the centre, despite being subject to attacks. The commission's resolution unreservedly condemned such attacks. For example, Monica Oliveros, the five-year-old daughter of Luis Oliveros who was the administrative officer of the Cambodia Office, was the victim of one such attack. When interviewed by journalists, the director of the centre, explained that the attack happened, in retaliation against staff members, for their support for the protection of human rights. Since the attack on this little girl, the centre's staff members have been subject to constant threats. Though they have issued reports describing grave violations of human rights, none of these violations have been investigated by the local authorities and none of those accused of committing such violations have been prosecuted. The commission's resolution called for implementation of recommendations made by the Special Representative of the Secretary General of United Nations, particularly those aimed at ensuring the independence of the judiciary and the establishment of the rule of law, good governance and freedom of expression. This part of the resolution pointed to the key areas in Cambodia which need reform if democracy is to be introduced to Cambodia's political system even in a minimal way. Last month, in Paris, the International Conference of Aid Donors for Cambodia was held. It too called upon the Cambodian Government to speed up reforms relating to the judiciary and rule of law. There have been several attempts to establish a penal code in Cambodia, but it still does not have one. Nor is there an evidence ordinance or a proper criminal procedure code. It does not have a functioning higher judiciary. The only courts are the municipal and provincial courts. The judges of these courts are poorly paid (about US$20-30 per month) and poorly trained. In the 1980s the judicial system in Cambodia was similar to that of Vietnam - it was controlled by the Ministry of Justice. Judges needed to consult the ministry before writing up their judgments. There has been no significant change in this set up. For the UN resolution to succeed, it is important that its Centre for Human Rights in Cambodia is allowed to continue its work. However, its future is seriously in doubt. The Cambodian Government has indicated that it does not want the centre to continue its work in the country. Cambodia is not alone in this wish. Some members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) have also expressed opposition to the UN human rights interventions. Cambodia's leaders were embarrassed last year when, on several occasions, the centre reported that they had tried to crack down on journalists. Amnesty International has also produced a 70-page report detailing human rights violations rights in Cambodia. The UN's human rights work in that country will be greatly undermined, if the centre is closed. If it is forced to shut down, it will effectively render the UN Commission's resolution obsolete. The fate of this centre ought to be a matter of concern to all those who are involved in the promotion and protection of human rights in Cambodia. BASIL FERNANDO Executive Director Asian Human Rights Commission