Cambodia
Freedom at a Glance
Global Freedom
23 / 100
Not Free
Internet Freedom
44 / 100
Partly Free
Cambodia’s political system has been dominated by the Cambodian People’s Party (CPP) and Hun Sen for more than three decades. While the country conducted semicompetitive elections in the past, polls are now held in a severely repressive environment. The CPP-led government has maintained pressure on the opposition, independent press outlets, and demonstrators with intimidation, politically motivated prosecutions, and violence.
Research & Recommendations
Cambodia
Not Free
23
100
| PR Political Rights | 4 40 |
| CL Civil Liberties | 19 60 |
Last Year's Score & Status
24
100
Not Free
Global freedom statuses are calculated on a weighted scale.
See the methodology.
Overview
Cambodia’s political system has been dominated by the Cambodian People’s Party (CPP) and Hun Sen for more than three decades. While the country conducted semicompetitive elections in the past, polls are now held in a severely repressive environment. The CPP-led government has maintained pressure on the opposition, independent press outlets, and demonstrators with intimidation, politically motivated prosecutions, and violence. Hun Manet succeeded his father, Hun Sen, as prime minister in 2023, though the former premier still wields significant influence.
Freedom in the World 2024 Policy Recommendations
Provide steady support and flexible funding to those on the front lines of the struggle against tyranny.
Democratic governments and donors must increase and sustain support for those working to defend and promote fundamental freedoms around the world. Failure to do so emboldens autocrats and can result in the loss of hard-won progress.
Uphold the rights of people living in disputed territories.
The events of the past year in places such as Nagorno-Karabakh and the Gaza Strip provided stark evidence that populations without self-determination are at greater risk of extreme human rights abuses or atrocities.
Protect free and fair elections in 2024.
At least 40 countries are holding national-level elections in 2024, and many more will conduct other types of balloting. Free and fair elections are a cornerstone of any democracy, and independent and transparent electoral processes are necessary to foster genuine competition and public trust.
Cambodia
Partly Free
44
100
| A Obstacles to Access | 13 25 |
| B Limits on Content | 17 35 |
| C Violations of User Rights | 14 40 |
Last Year's Score & Status
43
100
Partly Free
Scores are based on a scale of 0 (least free) to 100 (most free).
See the research methodology and report acknowledgements.
Overview
Internet freedom remains under threat in Cambodia. Ahead of elections that occurred in July 2023, after the coverage period, Cambodian authorities arrested opposition members for their online activities and forced the closure of independent media outlets. Internet users often face arrest for online activity, perpetuating an environment that is characterized by fear and self-censorship. Authorities have sought to establish a single national internet gateway that would facilitate greater censorship and surveillance. Former members of the Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP), an opposition party that was dissolved by court order in 2017 and has since operated in exile, faced heightened monitoring, harassment, and imprisonment for their online activities.
Freedom on the Net 2023 Policy Recommendations
Promote freedom of expression and access to information.
Freedom of expression online is increasingly under attack as governments continue to restrict connectivity and block social media platforms and websites that host political, social, and religious speech. Protecting freedom of expression will require strong legal and regulatory safeguards.
Defend information integrity in the age of AI.
Even before the new wave of generative artificial intelligence (AI) products, AI was a key factor in the crisis of information integrity, serving as an intensifier in environments that were already vulnerable to manipulation. However, advancements in generative AI will supercharge the creation and dissemination of false and misleading content.
Combat disproportionate government surveillance.
Governments worldwide have passed increasingly disproportionate surveillance laws, and can access a booming commercial market for surveillance tools, giving them the capacity to flout the rule of law and monitor the private communications of individuals inside and beyond their borders.
News and Updates
Freedom House Perspectives
News Releases & Media Coverage
Policy & Advocacy
Country Facts
Basic Facts
Global Freedom Score
23
/ 100
Not Free
Internet Freedom Score
44
/ 100
Partly Free
Population: 16,770,000
Internet Facts
Status
Partly Free
Networks Restricted
No
Social Media Blocked
No
Websites Blocked
Yes
Pro-government Commentators
Yes
Users Arrested
Yes
Election Facts
Status
Past Election
Date of Election
July 23, 2023
Type of Election
General
Internet Penetration
65.70%
Election Year
2023
Vulnerability Index
29
/ 100
Transnational Repression
Status
Not Tracked