[Mission Field News] Controversy in Cambodia as ‘Citizenship Revocation Law’ Passes Parliament… Human Rights Groups Push Back

Cambodia’s parliament has passed a bill that revokes the citizenship of nationals who betray their country by colluding with foreign states, sparking opposition from human rights organizations who argue it is a tool to suppress dissent.

According to AFP, Cambodia’s lower house convened on the 25th (local time) and passed the bill that allows the revocation of citizenship for those who conspire with foreign countries.

Out of 125 members of the lower house, all 120 present—including Prime Minister Hun Manet—voted in favor of the bill.

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The Cambodian constitution originally did not allow revocation of citizenship, but last month an amendment was added stating, “Acquisition, loss, and revocation of nationality shall be determined by law.”

At the time of the amendment, Cambodia’s Justice Minister Keut Rith said, “If you betray the country, the country will not protect you.”

In response, a coalition of 50 human rights groups issued a statement criticizing the law: “This vague bill is highly likely to be abused to target individuals based on political opinions or remarks related to ethnicity.”

They emphasized, “The government already holds significant power, but it should not have the authority to arbitrarily decide whether someone is Cambodian or not.”

Amnesty International also pointed out last month that the bill constitutes a serious violation of international law.

Monse Ferrer, a regional researcher at Amnesty International, expressed concern: “This bill has emerged in a context where Cambodian authorities fail to ensure judicial independence and fairness. It will allow authoritarian practices such as the suppression of opposition leaders, activists, and independent journalists.”

Indeed, in recent years, opposition politicians and activists in Cambodia have often been detained or subjected to legal proceedings by authorities.

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Source: Naver News

“Fear the Lord, you his holy people, for those who fear him lack nothing. The lions may grow weak and hungry, but those who seek the Lord lack no good thing.” (Psalm 34:9-10)

Heavenly Father, we hear the news that Cambodia’s parliament has passed a bill to revoke the citizenship of nationals who betray their country by conspiring with foreign powers, and that human rights organizations are resisting, calling it a tool to suppress the opposition.

Lord, may the rulers of Cambodia not abuse this law to control their people. Let their plans be overturned, and may they learn to fear You—the One who fulfills His word—and grant them the wisdom to guide the Cambodian people in righteousness.

Help the Cambodian church remember that the nation’s future rests with the church, so that it may pray even more fervently for the nation and serve the souls of Cambodia with the gospel of the cross of Jesus Christ.

May every Cambodian soul who hears the gospel earnestly seek the Word of God, who gives eternal life, and be filled with Your grace.

And so, may Cambodia rise as a holy nation that establishes God’s kingdom among ASEAN and all peoples, in obedience to the Great Commission.

Raise up an army of one million from Cambodia to ASEAN, to set the nations free and to witness the return of the Lord!