Francophonie organisation slammed for failing to address human rights issues ahead of key Cambodia summit

In a letter to the Swiss environmental organisation Bruno Manser Fonds, the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie (OIF) claims it remains committed to the promotion of democracy, rule of law and respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms as set out in its Charter.

However, OIF recently refused to meet an NGO delegation who travelled to Paris to campaign for the release of five young activists of Mother Nature Cambodia, Cambodia’s best-known environmental group.

«OIF cannot turn a blind eye to the dire situation of Cambodian environmental defenders», said Lukas Straumann, director of the Bruno Manser Fonds. «The Francophonie Charter becomes meaningless if its principles are not matched by meaningful action. We expect the OIF leadership to take up this issue immediately with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet.»

Cambodia will host the 20th Francophonie Summit in November 2026 with government leaders from up to 90 countries expected to participate.

The Bruno Manser Fonds (BMF) is campaigning for the unconditional release of five young leaders of the group Mother Nature Cambodia jailed since July 2024 for having peacefully advocated for a healthy environment in Cambodia.