Balang Primary School students read a statement in support of the CLV-DTA project on August 17 in Phnom Penh. FB
In a recent development that has stirred debate on social media, students from Hun Sen Kampong Kantuot High School and Balang Primary School publicly read statements in support of the Cambodia-Laos-Vietnam Development Triangle Area (CLV-DTA) project on August 17.
The event, held in an open area near the national flagpole, featured young students expressing their support for the government's initiative, sparking questions about the appropriateness of involving children in such activities.
Government spokesman Pen Bona defended the students' participation, stating that freedom of expression is a fundamental right enshrined in Article 41 of the Constitution.
"Expressing support or disapproval of something is an individual's freedom, and no one can ban it, especially in matters of national interest," Bona told The Post.
He emphasised that as long as the act does not violate any laws, infringe on the rights of others or incite hatred or unrest, it remains within the bounds of the Constitution.
However, the involvement of students in such political expressions has raised concerns among observers.
Meas Nee, a social researcher, acknowledged that while children have the right to express their views, the context in which these opinions are presented is crucial.
"If this is from a child's heart, it is a child's right because children also have the right to express their opinions," Nee said.
However, he cautioned that if the students were coerced or manipulated into participating, it raises serious ethical questions.
Nee further noted that the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport had previously stated that students should not be involved in activities related to political affairs, especially those concerning the operations of the government.
He questioned whether having students read statements supporting the government's project aligned with the ministry's directive.
Attempts to reach ministry spokeswoman Khuon Vicheka for clarification on whether the event violated the ministry's guidelines were unsuccessful.
