# Cambodia Democracy and Human Rights Act of 2023
The Cambodia Democracy and Human Rights Act of 2023 seeks to pressure Cambodia's government to improve democratic practices, protect human rights, and limit Chinese military influence in the country. The bill identifies widespread concerns including the suppression of opposition parties, arrest of political prisoners, harassment of journalists and civil society organizations, and concerns about Chinese military presence at Cambodian military bases.
The legislation requires the President to submit a list of Cambodian officials, military leaders, and other foreign persons responsible for suppressing democratic rights within 180 days of enactment. These individuals would face sanctions including asset freezes in the United States and visa bans, making them inadmissible to enter the country. The President can waive these sanctions for one-year periods if Cambodia demonstrates meaningful progress on releasing political prisoners, dropping politically motivated charges, and conducting free and fair elections, with the option to renew this suspension for additional years.
Additionally, the bill requires the President to submit a classified report within 180 days assessing Chinese military involvement at Cambodia's Ream Naval Base and Dara Sakor Airport, the impact on regional security, and connections between the Chinese Communist Party and Cambodia's ruling party. The sanctions provisions expire five years after the bill's enactment.