The United Nations Human Rights Office has called for the immediate release of Chhim Sithar, a prominent trade unionist, following the Cambodia Supreme Court's decision to uphold her conviction and two-year jail term. Sithar was imprisoned last year for leading a strike against layoffs at the NagaWorld Casino in Phnom Penh.

The UN Human Rights Office spokesperson emphasized that Sithar's conviction goes against her fundamental rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and association, as protected by both Cambodia's constitution and international law. The spokesperson highlighted the importance of upholding these rights, stating that they are essential for a vibrant and inclusive democracy that fosters social and economic development.

While Sithar remains imprisoned, the UN urges Cambodian authorities to reconsider all convictions related to this case and ensure that individuals can freely exercise their rights without fear of persecution.

Despite international calls for Sithar's release, the Cambodian government has defended the judiciary's decisions, asserting that the courts operate independently and adhere to due process. However, concerns persist regarding the broader human rights situation in Cambodia, as evidenced by the country's low rankings in global rule of law indexes.