Cambodia Reaffirms Non-Criminalisation of Same-Sex Orientation at Rights Forum

PHNOM PENH, March 6, 2026 (KPT) – Cambodian and Australian officials joined representatives of international organisations and civil society in Phnom Penh on Thursday for a forum on equality and non-discrimination for people of same-sex orientation.

The event, titled “Inclusion, Equality and Non-Discrimination of Same-Sex Loving People: Knowledge and Experience Exchange between Cambodia and Australia,” was organised by the Cambodian Human Rights Committee in cooperation with the Australian Human Rights Commission.

Vice-chair of the Cambodian Human Rights Committee Long Sonita and Australian deputy ambassador Bridget Collier presided over the meeting, held at the Sun & Moon Riverside Hotel.

More than 100 participants attended, including members of the Senate, National Assembly, government ministries, diplomatic missions, the United Nations and civil society groups.

In her opening remarks, Sonita stressed that Cambodia does not criminalise same-sex orientation, adding that national laws and policies guarantee rights, equality and protection from violence and discrimination for all citizens.

She said the forum reflected the government’s commitment to promoting equality and provided an opportunity to exchange experiences with international partners.

Organisers said the meeting aimed to raise awareness of the needs of same-sex communities, highlight good practices to promote inclusion, and discuss the social and economic benefits of equal treatment.

The forum also supported Cambodia’s pledge to implement recommendations accepted during its 2024 Universal Periodic Review at the UN Human Rights Council.

Participants heard presentations on Cambodia’s progress in promoting human rights and building a more inclusive society, alongside testimonies from members of same-sex communities.