Phnom Penh, 1 October 2026 — Samdech Maha Rathsapheathika Thipadei Khuon Sudary, President of the National Assembly of Cambodia, on Thursday presided over the Forum on “Justice Sector Reform” co-organized by the Commissions on Legislation and Justice of the Senate and the National Assembly and the Ministry of Justice, at the Senate Solidarity Palace.
The event brought together more than 300 participants, including members of both chambers and senior officials from their secretariats-general, the judiciary, the ministry and other relevant institutions.
Discussions focused on “Directions for Justice Sector Reform and Strengthening the Protection of Citizens’ Rights in a Society Governed by the Rule of Law.”
In her opening address, Samdech said, “Successful justice sector reform requires the participation and cooperation of all three branches of state power.”
“Its success should be measured not merely by laws adopted or activities undertaken, but by tangible outcomes for citizens,” she added.
“These outcomes include access to justice, fairness, accessibility, affordability, and trust.”
She said the reform aims to improve the legal framework, strengthen justice institutions, develop human resources and modernize the justice system to meet society’s needs in line with the rule of law and modern justice standards.
Samdech Khuon Sudary stressed that the justice sector is a pillar of the rule of law, safeguarding citizens’ lawful rights and freedoms and ensuring that laws are applied correctly, equally and fairly. It also provides essential mechanisms for resolving disputes, maintaining social order and supporting lasting peace, social stability and sustainable development.
She commended the organizers’ cooperation, saying it reflected their political will and shared commitment to advancing reform in accordance with the Constitution and relevant laws and strengthening public confidence in the justice system.
The National Assembly President also emphasized the legislature’s role in supporting the Royal Government’s reforms by ensuring a clear, comprehensive legal framework that meets society’s evolving needs and addresses emerging challenges.
She encouraged similar inter-institutional forums to exchange information and experiences, strengthen coordination and identify joint solutions to challenges in law implementation. Such exchanges, she said, could improve effectiveness, transparency and accountability while protecting citizens’ rights, freedoms and legitimate interests.
Turning to peace and security, Samdech described them as fundamental aspirations of people in Cambodia and around the world. Sustaining them requires shared commitment among countries and regional and international cooperation. Peace and security also provide a foundation for human rights, socioeconomic development and citizens’ well-being.
She cited the Second Inter-Parliamentary Speakers’ Conference (ISC-2), hosted by Cambodia’s Parliament in August 2026, as an example of participants’ commitment to peace and shared prosperity through respect for international law, dialogue and peaceful dispute resolution.
The conference’s adoption of the “Phnom Penh Declaration” reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening parliamentary diplomacy and building mutual understanding and trust among countries.
Samdech Khuon Sudary further noted that the Royal Government, through the Ministry of Women’s Affairs, has been discussing and preparing the “Strategic Roadmap for Cambodia’s First National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security (NAP-WPS).”
She said the initiative reflects Cambodia’s commitment to promoting women’s participation in peacebuilding and the prevention and peaceful resolution of conflicts, while safeguarding the rights and safety of women and children throughout these efforts.