Cambodia enacts law allowing loss of birthright na | RSS.com
Cambodia has begun implementing a new law that allows the government to revoke the birthright nationality of its citizens. The move has drawn sharp criticism from rights observers who say it could be used as a political weapon.
Man Nat, head of the Cambodia Watchdog Council, told The Cambodia Daily that the law serves the ruling Cambodian People’s Party and strengthens the grip of long-time leader Hun Sen. He argued the measure should instead have been applied to foreigners who acquired Cambodian citizenship through naturalisation, rather than being used against Cambodians by birth.
Man Nat warned that governments formed after national elections should safeguard their people and national identity, not exploit their position to eliminate citizens or bind them under political control. He added that the law threatens not only opposition activists at home and abroad but also supporters of the ruling party itself, serving primarily the interests of Hun Sen’s family.
The amendments to the nationality law were signed into effect by acting head of state Hun Sen on September 5, after passing the National Assembly on August 25 and the Senate on September 1. Revisions were made to several key articles, including Articles 1, 7, 16, 28, 29, and 34.
The new Article 29 allows citizenship to be revoked in cases of treason, collaboration with foreign powers that harm Cambodia’s core interests, acts endangering sovereignty or territorial integrity, voluntary service in foreign militaries, or holding public office in foreign states without approval. It also applies to people who obtained nationality through fraud or false information, or those convicted of crimes such as terrorism or offences against the King.
The law stipulates that nationality can only be revoked if the person is at least 18 years old, already holds another nationality, and the decision is issued by royal decree on the recommendation of the prime minister.
Observers note that many wealthy foreign nationals, particularly Chinese citizens who have been granted Cambodian nationality and honorific titles, are unlikely to be targeted. Instead, rights groups fear the law will be used selectively against political opponents.
The law was introduced after constitutional amendments were approved in July. Some Western analysts describe the dominance of Hun Sen’s family as the “Hun dynasty,” reflecting its deep entrenchment in Cambodian politics.
Implementation of the law came as Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr concluded a three-day state visit to Cambodia. During the trip, he and Prime Minister Hun Manet signed agreements on aviation services, cross-border crime cooperation, and higher education development.
Rights advocates say the law could further restrict political freedoms and shrink space for dissent in Cambodia’s already tightly controlled political landscape.
