Cambodia would take an alarming move in the opposite direction, adopting a constitutional amendment that empowers the government to strip away citizenship. On Friday, the National Assembly passed the amendment unanimously. Such a move would require a total of 125 politicians to vote in favor, a dramatic reversal from the earlier rule permitting loss of citizenship only “through mutual agreement.”
This constitutional modification, spearheaded by former Prime Minister Hun Sen, now stipulates that “receiving, losing and revoking Khmer nationality shall be determined by law.” The amendment’s language is troubling enough that it could be misused, especially against political dissenters.
Hun Sen is the one pushing this change to further arm his government. It will empower them to revoke citizenship of anyone who, in their opinion, colluded with foreign powers. Justice Minister Koeut Rith confirmed that a new citizenship revocation bill would be swiftly introduced in parliament to detail the criteria for citizenship loss.
Human rights organizations have sounded the alarm about the dangerous precedents set by this amendment. They worry it could be weaponized against political opponents, particularly in light of Hun Sen’s long-standing tensions with exiled politician Sam Rainsy, who has been vocal against the ruling party.
Montse Ferrer of a prominent rights organization stated, “As the proposal moves closer to becoming reality, anyone who speaks out against or opposes the ruling party will be at risk of having their citizenship revoked.” Ferrer further emphasized the dangers posed by this legislative shift, remarking, “We are deeply concerned that the Cambodian government, given the power to strip people of their citizenship, will misuse it to crack down on its critics and make them stateless.”
In a defense of the changes, Koeut Rith remarked, “If you betray the nation, the nation will not keep you.” The abusive comments illustrate the current administration’s belief that citizenship should be based on loyalty to the state.
The case reflects deepening restrictions on dissent in Cambodia as political conditions shift once again. Civil rights defenders fear that this transition will deepen the erosion of civil rights and democratic processes. The fresh legislation is currently chugging through parliament. Its provisions will determine the very framework under which citizenship can be revoked.
