RELIGION IN THE CONSTITUTION
There are many religious elements to the constitution all designed to maintain a healthy relationship between religious and state and maintain peace between religious communities, as well as establishing a mutual equality over all of the religious groups. There are five major constitution articles outlining religion. Article 4, 16, 43, 31 and 68. (Berkleycenter.georgtown.edu, 2014)
Article 4: The motto of the Kingdom of Cambodia is; Nation, Religion, King.
Article 16: The Queen of Cambodia shall have no right to engage in Politics, to assume a leading function in State or Government affairs, or to assume an administrative or political role. The Queen of Cambodia shall devote herself in tasks of social, humanitarian, religious interests, and assist the King in protocol and diplomatic obligations.
Article 43: Khmer citizens of both sexes shall have the full right of belief.
Freedom of belief and religious practice shall be guaranteed by the State, provided that such freedom and religious practice do not impinge on other beliefs or religions, on public order and security. Buddhism is State’s religion.
Article 31: The Kingdom of Cambodia recognizes and respects human rights as enshrined in the United Nations Charter, the Universal Declaration of Human rights and all the treaties and conventions related to human rights, women’s rights and children’s rights. Khmer citizens are equal before the law, enjoying the same rights, liberties and duties regardless of race, colour, sex, language, beliefs, religions, political tendencies, birth origin, social status, wealth or other situations. The exercise of personal rights and liberties by any individual shall not adversely affect the rights and freedom of others. The exercise of such rights and liberties shall be in accordance with the law.
Article 68: The State shall ensure for all citizens free primary and secondary education at public schools. Citizens shall receive schooling for at least nine years. The State shall help propagate and promote the Pali schools and the Buddhist education.
The government generally follows through with these articles and there has been no reports of serious religious discrimination or oppression. There are also no reports of the government and/or other organisations transgressing these sections of the constitution or the state religion receiving any type of advantage in Cambodia than any other religion. Proving that Cambodia's government has a healthy relationship with the religions in the country(Constitution.org, 2014)
Article 4: The motto of the Kingdom of Cambodia is; Nation, Religion, King.
Article 16: The Queen of Cambodia shall have no right to engage in Politics, to assume a leading function in State or Government affairs, or to assume an administrative or political role. The Queen of Cambodia shall devote herself in tasks of social, humanitarian, religious interests, and assist the King in protocol and diplomatic obligations.
Article 43: Khmer citizens of both sexes shall have the full right of belief.
Freedom of belief and religious practice shall be guaranteed by the State, provided that such freedom and religious practice do not impinge on other beliefs or religions, on public order and security. Buddhism is State’s religion.
Article 31: The Kingdom of Cambodia recognizes and respects human rights as enshrined in the United Nations Charter, the Universal Declaration of Human rights and all the treaties and conventions related to human rights, women’s rights and children’s rights. Khmer citizens are equal before the law, enjoying the same rights, liberties and duties regardless of race, colour, sex, language, beliefs, religions, political tendencies, birth origin, social status, wealth or other situations. The exercise of personal rights and liberties by any individual shall not adversely affect the rights and freedom of others. The exercise of such rights and liberties shall be in accordance with the law.
Article 68: The State shall ensure for all citizens free primary and secondary education at public schools. Citizens shall receive schooling for at least nine years. The State shall help propagate and promote the Pali schools and the Buddhist education.
The government generally follows through with these articles and there has been no reports of serious religious discrimination or oppression. There are also no reports of the government and/or other organisations transgressing these sections of the constitution or the state religion receiving any type of advantage in Cambodia than any other religion. Proving that Cambodia's government has a healthy relationship with the religions in the country(Constitution.org, 2014)