From June to November 2025, Cambodia’s civic space remained restricted, marked by intensified government control over freedoms of expression, association, and assembly. The enactment of a nationality revocation law in August deepened fears among activists and CSOs, signalling a chilling effect on dissent. Judicial harassment persisted, with opposition figures, environmental defenders, and journalists facing arbitrary detention and politically motivated charges. Civil society organisations operated under heavy administrative burdens, including stringent reporting requirements and unpredictable regulatory changes, while donor funding continued to decline, threatening sustainability. Advocacy on sensitive issues – human rights, land rights, and natural resource management – was constrained by surveillance and intimidation, limiting participation in policy dialogue.
This restrictive environment was compounded by escalating tensions with Thailand, which culminated in a border conflict during this period. The dispute fuelled nationalist rhetoric and reinforced the government’s security-first narrative, further shrinking space for dissent and civic engagement. These dynamics created an even more challenging backdrop for civil society actors and shaped the overall enabling environment assessment.
