Phnom penh: Cambodia has enacted a controversial constitutional amendment that allows the government to revoke the citizenship of individuals deemed to undermine national security. The move, approved in a series of legislative steps in 2025 and formalized in early 2026, is viewed by critics as a tool for suppressing dissent and targeting activists. According to Global Voices, the amendment was initially proposed by former Prime Minister and current Senate President Hun Sen. The law enables the government to strip citizenship from those accused of treason, collusion with foreign powers, or actions deemed harmful to national sovereignty or security. The government argues this measure will bolster nationalism amid ongoing border disputes with Thailand, but civil rights groups warn it could lead to statelessness for many Cambodians. Prime Minister Hun Manet, son of Hun Sen, reassured citizens that law-abiding individuals have nothing to fear. However, he emphasized the law targets those conspiring with foreign entities against Cambodian interests. Despite assurances, approximately 50 civil society organizations have expressed concern over potential misuse, highlighting the risk of the law being applied arbitrarily to silence opposition and infringe on fundamental rights. The new law's broad criteria for revocation have sparked fears of legal abuse, particularly given the historical context of Cambodia's judicial system being used to stifle dissent. Critics argue that the law lacks safeguards against rendering individuals stateless, a violation of international norms. Human rights advocates have cited the detrimental impact of losing citizenship, which strips individuals of essential rights and services. In response to comparisons with similar laws in countries like the UK and Canada, opponents argue that Cambodia's track record of legal abuses makes such laws more dangerous in its context. The ruling party has been accused of using legal frameworks to dismantle opposition and silence media, raising concerns about the potential implications of the new amendments. Personal accounts from exiled activists and politicians underscore the human cost of these laws. Many have experienced statelessness and persecution due to their opposition to the ruling regime, further illustrating the potential for these amendments to exacerbate existing political repression. As Cambodia continues to navigate its tense border relations and internal political dynamics, the implementation of these citizenship laws will be closely watched by both domestic and international observers concerned about the erosion of civil liberties in the country.