Cambodian law can render citizens stateless for ‘undermining national security’

Cambodia has enacted a law allowing the government to revoke citizenship from people accused of treason, colluding with foreign powers, or undermining national security. Prime Minister Hun Manet says law-abiding citizens have nothing to fear, but civil society groups warn the vaguely worded measure risks silencing dissent and rendering critics stateless—which international law prohibits. Per Global Voices, the government has a documented track record of weaponizing courts and legal processes against opposition parties, media outlets, and youth activists. Anyone merely accused of undermining national security could lose their citizenship, even if it's their only one, erasing their right to own property, access healthcare, work legally, or travel.

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