Changes to Cambodia’s nationality laws to allow birthright citizenship to be removed risk undermining our unity at a time when Cambodian interests are being challenged.

The Khmer Movement for Democracy (KMD) condemns the unconstitutional amendments which allow Cambodians to be stripped of their citizenship on very vague and subjective criteria.

Divisions between Cambodians are welcomed and exploited by those who seek to weaken our national sovereignty. Cambodia in recent months has faced sustained Thai aggression, and the risk of further attacks cannot be discounted. Today, it’s more crucial than ever for Cambodians worldwide to stand together.

The amendments are contrary to the Paris Peace Agreements of 1991. The conflict with Thailand has highlighted once again that the Paris agreements remain the best vehicle for delivering a peaceful and democratic Cambodia, capable of contributing to regional security.  

Cambodia is a small country with larger, more powerful and sometimes hostile neighbours. Yet for too long, Cambodia has failed to make the most of its human resources, both inside the country and in the global diaspora, by stifling critical voices. Most developing countries are eager to maximize the contributions made by their diasporas in terms of skills, expertise and remittances. For Cambodia, the need for the government to avoid any kind of criticism means that this potential is largely wasted.

Our unity can be best ensured by releasing all Cambodia’s political prisoners and encouraging members of the diaspora to use their knowledge to help build a better, more prosperous Cambodia.

The amendments make it harder for Cambodians everywhere to act as empowered citizens who are responsible for their country’s development. It should be possible for frank and honest opinions to be given without fear of punishment or retribution. Cambodia will never achieve its full potential until this is the case.

We have the people to make Cambodia strong and free. Let us not push them into silence and the fear of statelessness.