The International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH) and the World Organisation Against Torture (OMCT), operating within the framework of the Observatory for the Protection of Human Rights Defenders, have joined a coalition of organizations in addressing an urgent letter to Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet. The correspondence demands the immediate release of five environmental human rights defenders from Mother Nature Cambodia who remain incarcerated despite international rulings declaring their imprisonment unjust.
Arbitrary Detention Findings
The five activists—Long Kunthea, Yim Leanghy, Thun Ratha, Phuon Keoraksmey, and Ly Chandaravuth—are currently serving prison terms ranging from six to eight years. They were convicted in July 2024 following trials that critics argue violated fair trial standards and due process requirements. Despite repeated applications for bail being rejected and an appeal filed by their legal counsel in July 2024, the Ministry of Justice and the courts have failed to advance the case to an appeals court trial over two years later.
The UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention (WGAD) investigated the case and determined that the detention of the “Mother Nature Cambodia 5” (MNC5) is arbitrary and unjust on multiple grounds. The WGAD concluded that the proceedings involved judicial bias and violated civil and political rights guaranteed under treaties ratified by Cambodia, including the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. Furthermore, the WGAD noted that there was no evidence the defendants engaged in or advocated violence, questioning the basis for convictions related to charges of plotting against the government. The body also stated that lèse-majesté laws cannot justify restrictions on freedom of expression or serve as a legal basis for detention.
Diplomatic Pressure Ahead of Summit
The joint letter serves as a follow-up to a previous communication sent on 4 June 2026, which urged the release of the activists but received no reply or acknowledgment from the Prime Minister’s office. The current appeal is timed ahead of the 20th Francophonie Summit scheduled to take place in Phnom Penh on 15–16 November 2026. The signatories emphasize that as the host nation, Cambodia faces strong expectations from Francophonie nations and observer states to uphold its international human rights obligations.
Mother Nature Cambodia, an award-winning organization active since 2012, has led peaceful environmental conservation campaigns reaching millions through social media. The activists are recognized for exercising their rights to peaceful public assembly and expressing views on environmental protection in line with UN conventions. The coalition urges Prime Minister Hun Manet to comply with the WGAD decision and take proactive steps to release the MNC5 before the summit, viewing such an action as a significant signal regarding Cambodia’s commitment to civil rights and climate action.
This report was produced by the HuMedia newsroom.
