HE Long Sonita [says], “Cambodia does not criminalise LGBT individuals, with national policies and laws ensuring their rights, equality, and protection from violence and discrimination.”
![HE Long Sonita [says], “Cambodia does not criminalise LGBT individuals, with national policies and laws ensuring their rights, equality, and protection from violence and discrimination.”](https://chrc.gov.kh/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/648239555_1229462526066895_388650834945093792_n.jpg)
HE Long Sonita [says], “Cambodia does not criminalise LGBT individuals, with national policies and laws ensuring their rights, equality, and protection from violence and discrimination.”
The Cambodian Human Rights Committee (CHRC), in collaboration with the Australian Human Rights Commission, organised a forum on “Inclusion, Equality and LGBT Non-Discrimination: Knowledge and Experience Exchange between Cambodia and Australia,” under the chairmanship of HE Long Sonita, CHRC Vice President, and Ms Bridget Collier, Deputy Ambassador of the Australian Embassy to the Kingdom of Cambodia, with the participation of over 100 representatives from the Senate, the National Assembly, ministries, government institutions, embassies, the United Nations, and civil society organisations, on 5 March 2026 at Sun & Moon, Riverside Hotel.
The event aims to (1) raise awareness about LGBT people’s needs, good practices for ensuring their equality and inclusion, and the economic and social advantages of equality; (2) enhance knowledge exchange between Cambodia and Australia to back Cambodia’s 2024 commitment to the UPR recommendation on LGBT equality; and (3) foster dedication to anti-discrimination advocacy and LGBT equality.
During the event, HE Long Sonita stated that hosting this event reflects the Royal Government of Cambodia’s dedication to advancing equality and non-discrimination principles for everyone. Cambodia does not criminalise LGBT individuals, with national policies and laws ensuring their rights, equality, and protection from violence and discrimination. Additionally, the forum encourages discussions, experience-sharing, and learning from best practices of international partners like Australia to further raise awareness and promote LGBT inclusion in society.
Meanwhile, the forum offered a platform for presentations on Cambodia’s efforts to promote human rights and foster an inclusive, equitable society for everyone, along with sharing insights from the LGBT community.
