Joint Statement: Protect the rights of LGBTIQ people in Cambodia, in line with the UPR recommendations accepted by Cambodia

Phnom Penh, 27 September 2021 – At the mid-term reporting period of Cambodia’s third Universal Periodic Review (UPR), we, the undersigned civil society organizations working on the protection of LGBTIQ rights, sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), women’s rights and children’s rights, call on the Royal Government of Cambodia (RGC) and relevant stakeholders, including recommending states, to step up their efforts and take concrete actions towards effectively implementing the UPR recommendations on Sexual Orientation, Gender identity and Expression and Sex Characteristics (SOGIESC) rights and SRHR accepted by Cambodia.

During its third UPR in 2019, Cambodia accepted nine recommendations specifically related to the protection of the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, queer (LGBTIQ) people. These accepted recommendations on SOGIESC rights focused on three main legal and policy reforms: amending Article 45 of the Constitution of the Kingdom of Cambodia to enable legal marriage equality for LGBTIQ couples; enacting laws and policies guaranteeing non-discrimination based on SOGIESC; and enacting legislation allowing legal gender recognition for transgender people.

Since 2019, some progress has been noticed and appreciated with regards to the promotion and protection of equal rights of LGBTIQ Cambodians. Efforts by the Cambodian government, civil society organizations (CSOs) and LGBTIQ community members have contributed to improvements in public awareness and acceptance of LGBTIQ people in Cambodia. The continued work by the Ministry of Education Youth and Sports and civil society to roll out the new Comprehensive Sexuality Education curriculum in schools, which includes gender equality and SOGIESC concepts and rights for relevant grades and appropriate language for students, is particularly commendable. Statements by high level Cambodian government representatives encouraging government officials at all levels and the general public to not discriminate against LGBTIQ people are a welcomed step. The mention of lesbian, bisexual, transgender (LBT) women among women at increased risk of violence in the National Action Plan to Prevent Violence Against Women (NAPVAW, 2019-2023) from the Ministry of Women’s Affairs is also a welcomed first step. Meanwhile, Cambodian CSOs and members of the LGBTIQ community have continued their work to raise awareness and encourage more acceptance by their families and the public.

Nonetheless, LGBTIQ people in Cambodia continue to face various forms of legal and social discrimination, in large part due to the exclusion of same-sex couples from being able to marry under the law and the lack of explicit legal protections against discrimination based on SOGIESC in employment, health and education sectors, as well as due to the lack of legal gender recognition for transgender people.

Based on our follow-up and monitoring work since 2019, we observe that the Cambodian Government has not yet taken significant concrete actions to advance the process of legal reforms necessary for the full implementation of the SOGIESC rights recommendations accepted by Cambodia at its third UPR.

In order to ensure the effective implementation of accepted UPR recommendations on SOGIESC rights before the next UPR cycle, and thereby advance on protecting LGBTIQ people from discrimination based on SOGIESC and protecting the human rights of LGBTIQ communities across Cambodia:

  • We call on the RGC to take concrete steps working together with all relevant stakeholders to ensure the effective implementation of accepted recommendations on SOGIESC rights before the next UPR cycle, primarily towards enabling legal marriage equality for LGBTIQ couples. We also call on the recommending states to continue working with the RGC and all stakeholders in realizing these UPR recommendations.
  • In particular, we call on the RGC to promptly consider forming a multi-stakeholder working group in charge of studying and reviewing the proposed legal amendments to enable legal marriage equality for LGBTIQ couples, including the proposed amendment to Article 45 of the Cambodian Constitution. This multi-stakeholder working group could be created under the coordination of the Cambodian Human Rights Committee (CHRC), given CHRC’s technical expertise in coordinating the UPR mechanism. The multi-stakeholder technical working group should include all relevant stakeholders including relevant Cambodian government institutions, United Nations agencies, representatives from foreign embassies (in particular UPR recommending States), members of the LGBTIQ community and CSOs working on SOGIESC rights, SRHR, women’s rights, gender equality and children’s rights.

As long as same-sex couples in Cambodia continue to be excluded from the ability to marry under the law, it continues to perpetuate the exclusion of LGBTIQ people in the society and increase the vulnerability of LGBTIQ couples, their children and their family members. Enabling legal marriage equality provides a crucial opportunity to significantly contribute to reducing stigma and discrimination against the LGBTIQ community, thereby fostering improved well-being and a more inclusive and harmonious Cambodian society, which reflects Cambodian values, the vision of the RGC and contributes to achieving sustainable development.

– END –

This joint statement is endorsed by:

  1. Rainbow Community Kampuchea Organisation (RoCK)
  2. Love Is Diversity (LID)
  3. Micro-Rainbow International Foundation Cambodia  (MRIF Cambodia)
  4. Reproductive Health Association of Cambodia (RHAC)
  5. Cambodian Center for Human Rights (CCHR)
  6. Gender and Development for Cambodia (GADC)
  7. Klahaan
  8. SILAKA
  9. Just Associate South East Asia (JASS SEA)
  10. Save the Children (SCI)
  11. International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association Asia (ILGA Asia)
  12. International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association  World (ILGA World)
  13. Asia-Pacific Alliance for Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights  (APA)
  14. Asia-Pacific Resource and Research Center for Women (ARROW)
  15. Asia Pacific Coalition for Male Sexual Health Foundation (APCOM  Foundation)
  16. International Women’s Development Agency (IWDA)

For more information, please contact:

  1. Rainbow Community Kampuchea Organisation (RoCK): Ms. Ly Pisey 012 697 641
  2. Love Is Diversity (LID) :Mr. Kuy Thida: 077 717 475
  3. Micro-Rainbow International Foundation Cambodia (MRIF Cambodia): Ms. CHHOEURNG Rachana 093 336 896
  4. Reproductive Health Association of Cambodia (RHAC): Dr. Saphon Somoliareasmey 069 777 855
  5. Cambodian Center for Human Rights (CCHR) : Mr. Lim Borin: 012 904 266

Link to the original statement: here

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Mahnoor Ch, also known as Moon, is a prominent advocate for gender rights, HIV awareness, and social justice in Pakistan. As a development practitioner, social scientist, and gender rights expert, she brings extensive experience and a multidisciplinary approach to her work. In her role as Program Director at the Khawaja Sira Society, she has led impactful initiatives, including the Multi-Country South Asia Global Fund Project. Her contributions have earned her several accolades, such as the Community Hero Award and formal recognition from both the Governor of Punjab and the President of the United States.

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Shane (he/they) is a non-binary disabled activist and Gender Equality, Diversity, and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) consultant. They also serve on the advisory panel of Access For Everyone and are on the Global Advisory Board of a MHPSS and QMU project. Shane’s advocacy focuses on trans and disability issues, working to destigmatize conversations about mental well-being in these communities. Their journey reflects resilience and a commitment to breaking down societal barriers, with eight years of experience in the non-profit sector.

Shane’s notable projects include making regional LGBTIQ+ conferences more accessible, hosting a roundtable on the intersectionality of LGBTIQ+ and disability, creating a media publication featuring photos of LGBTIQ+ disabled individuals and a project to enhance the competency of suicide hotline crisis workers on LGBTIQ+ and disability issues.

With over a decade of work experience, Shane has been featured in the media, on blogs, podcasts and video interviews. Additionally, he has authored an e-book named A11y: A guide to accessibility for employers. Their expertise stems not just from their work experience, but also lived experience. In 2024, they were involved in developing the Kathmandu Charter for the rights of people with lived experience of mental health conditions, a never done before initiative.

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Tashi is an LGBTQIA+ advocate from Bhutan and a Co-Founder of Queer Voices of Bhutan (QVoB), a community-based platform supporting the rights and inclusion of the gender and sexually diverse community in Bhutan. With a focus on addressing social stigma and advocating for legal and economic opportunities, Tashi and their team continue to contribute to advancing LGBTQIA+ rights nationally and regionally. Currently serving as a Program Advisor at QVoB, Tashi is also engaged in regional efforts through Youth Voices Count (YVC) and ILGA ASIA. Passionate about social justice, community building, and policy advocacy, Tashi remains committed to fostering greater understanding and acceptance for the LGBTQIA+ community.

Aisha Mughal

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Aisha Mughal is a transgender rights expert working with the Ministry of Human Rights in Pakistan and as a UNDP Consultant. Since 2015, she has been actively advocating for transgender rights. In 2020, she made history as the first transgender person to represent any country during an official UN treaty review, participating in Pakistan’s national delegation to the UN CEDAW committee in Geneva. Aisha has contributed to peer-reviewed research on transgender issues and played a key role in the drafting and approval of the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2018. She has also served with the National Commission for Human Rights (NCHR) in Pakistan.

Joyce Teng

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Joyce Teng is the Executive Director of Taiwan Equality Campaign (previously known as “Marriage Equality Coalition Taiwan”.) Before Taiwan Equality Campaign, she participated in some activist groups focusing on different issues like environment protection, women rights and transformational justice since 2010, and served as the Legislative assistant for the parliament of Taiwan between 2013 to 2015, and then dedicated herself to same-sex marriage legalization since 2016.

Joyce holds M.L. of National Taiwan University. With experience in the Parliament and her legal background, Joyce was responsible for the advocacy of LGBTI+ rights policies and legal reform. She advocated for inclusive political participation and representation since 2018, and acted as the Deputy Executive Director of Taiwan Equality Campaign. She then took the position as Executive Director in December 2022, leading Taiwan Equality Campaign on LGBTI+ rights advocacy.

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Yarinda Srisutat or you can call my nickname Kim (She/Her), Based in Krung Thep Mahanakhon (Bangkok), Thailand, Yarinda is an experienced nonprofit professional with a strong background in administration, finance, and event management. She currently serves as the Senior Admin and Events Officer at ILGA Asia, where she plays a key role in ensuring seamless operations, coordinating impactful events, and strengthening regional collaboration within the LGBTQ+ movement.

Yarinda has been deeply involved with ILGA Asia over the years. From 2019 to September 2023, she worked as a Senior Finance and Admin Officer, contributing to the organization’s operational growth. After a brief tenure at APCOM Foundation from October 2023 to August 2024, she rejoined ILGA Asia in a new capacity as Senior Admin and Events Officer, bringing her expertise in logistics, planning, and community engagement.

Her journey in the nonprofit sector began in 2016 when she volunteered and worked as a field staff member at the Rainbow Sky Association of Thailand (RSAT), engaging in grassroots LGBTIQ+ advocacy. In 2017, she became a Program Assistant at the Thai Red Cross AIDS Research Centre, where she supported clinical trials focusing on transgender women as a key population.
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Omair Paul

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He focuses on countering fundamentalist religious ideologies and protecting the rights to free expression, freedom of religion and belief, and the economic and social rights of women, girls, and ethnic, religious, and SOGIESC minorities in Muslim societies.

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With a passion for social justice, she works to enable and uplift marginalized groups, including People Living with HIV (PLHIV), Women Living with HIV (WLHIV), members of the LGBTIQ community, sex workers, People Who Use Drugs (PWUD), and opium farmers. By promoting their rights and advocating for their well-being, she strives to create a more inclusive and equitable society, where every individual’s voice is heard and respected.

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Jeff Cagandahan is a pioneering Filipino intersex man and human rights activist known for his landmark legal victory in 2008, when the Supreme Court of the Philippines recognized his right to change his name and gender marker, making him the first intersex person in the country to gain legal gender recognition. Born in 1981 and assigned female at birth, Jeff was diagnosed with congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH), a condition that led to the development of male physical traits during adolescence. His case emphasized the right to self-determination and became a cornerstone for intersex rights in the Philippines. He is the Co-founder of Intersex Philippines and a Board Member of Intersex Asia, playing key roles in advancing intersex human rights across the region. Jeff has been outspoken about the need for awareness, healthcare access, and societal inclusion for intersex people.

Sean Sih-Cheng Du

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Sean Sih-Cheng Du is the Secretary-General of the Taiwan Tongzhi (LGBTQ+) Hotline Association. He joined Hotline as a volunteer in 2002 and has been since actively involved in the work on LGBTI+ and PLWHIV’s rights. He became Hotline’s Director of Policy Advocacy in 2011 and the Secretary-General in 2021.

His work includes social education, workplace equality, gay men’s sexual health, and international affairs. He was a crucial member of the Marriage Equality Coalition Taiwan and a board member of the Persons with HIV/AIDS Rights Advocacy Association of Taiwan.

He is currently the East Asian Representative of the ILGA Asia Executive Board, a board member of the Taiwan Equality Campaign, and a member of the Taipei City Committee of Gender Equality. He has a master’s degree in Sociology from National Taiwan University.

Artemis Akbary

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Artemis Akbary is the Executive Director of the Afghanistan LGBTIQ+ Organization (ALO), a leading advocacy organization dedicated to the rights of LGBTIQ+ individuals, particularly in conflict and post-conflict settings, with a main focus on Afghanistan. Their work involves engaging with international accountability mechanisms to ensure justice and accountability for LGBTIQ victims and survivors. With extensive experience advocating for LGBTIQ+ refugees at the EU level, Artemis is a recognized voice for marginalized communities. They have also worked as a consultant with various international organizations and NGOs on forced displacement issues. Artemis has addressed global human rights issues at forums such as the UN Human Rights Council, the UN Security Council, and other international platforms. Artemis holds an academic background in International Relations and European Politics, with expertise in Queer, Peace, and Security.

Chitsanupong "Best" Nithiwana

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Founder and executive director of Young Pride Club, Chitsanupong “Best” Nithiwana (she/her) is a human rights defender for the rights of LGBTIQ+ youth and gender equality in Thailand. Absolutely dedicated to her career path, she started out as a public information assistant consultant at the UN headquarters. She supported the digital campaign of Youth Peace Security to gain the meaningful participation of women and youth in peace processes worldwide. In 2018, she became the first transgender participant in the US Exchange programme, YSEALI Academic Fellows.

An outspoken advocate for the LGBTIQ+ community, she now runs her own community in Chiang Mai, Thailand, Young Pride Club, which is a safe learning community for young people interested in gender equality and the LGBTIQ+ community. Established in 2018, the community provides on-the-ground activities and online content to develop leadership and participation in gender equality advocacy. Young Pride Club was also a main organizer of the Chiang Mai Pride 2019-2022 and the 2022 Youth Pride Thailand, the country’s first pride organized by LGBTIQ+ youth for LGBTIQ+ youth. In 2022, it reached over 40,000 followers and developed 50 young leaders across the country.

Recently, Best also became an APCOM Hero Award Honouree (Community Hero) under the theme “Unity & Diversity ” in recognition of her inspiring work.