Submitted by keti on
This report is part of CRIN's access to justice for children project, looking at the status of the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) in national law, the status of children involved in legal proceedings, the legal means to challenge violations of children’s rights and the practical considerations involved in challenging violations.
The CRC does not take precedence over national law in Cambodia. However, according to case law, national law must be interpreted in a way that is consistent with both the Constitution and international human rights treaties, including the CRC. The CRC has not been directly incorporated into national law; rather, the rights of the child are recognised by certain subject-specific implementing legislation. Children must bring cases with the assistance of a legal representative as minors do not have the capacity to litigate independently. Children in conflict with the law a right to legal assistance, but legal aid is not used often. NGOs and associations face increasing restrictions on their activities. There are no special children’s courts in Cambodia and children are often sentenced as adults and detained in adult prisons.
