Human Rights Watch (HRW) [official website] on Monday called on donor governments to defend [HRW report] the Cambodian Center for Human Rights (CCHR) [Official Website], which Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen [BBC profile] has called on the Interior Ministry to shut down.

HRW reports that, in a speech given on Sunday, Hun Sen said “[t]he Center for Human Rights in Phnom Penh must be closed down, because this one does what its told by foreigners. The Ministry of Interior should look it over because this one was created by foreigners, not by the Khmer.” The CCHR was established in 2002 and works to promote fundamental rights recognized under international law, including by representing victims in court free of charge.

Asia director at HRW Brad Adams [official profile] warned that “Hun Sen’s increasing attacks on Cambodia’s human rights groups are nearing the point of no return”. This move by the Prime Minister is a continuation of the crackdown on several institutions such as newspapers, radio stations, and bans on political groups.

This follows a recent trend by the government to crack down on opposition parties in an attempt to strengthen it’s hold on the country. Earlier this month, the Cambodia Supreme Court dissolved [JURIST report] the Cambodia National Rescue Party, the nation’s primary opposition party, effectively opening the door for Prime Minister Hun Sen to extend his 30-year reign as leader of the nation.