Phnom Penh - The top UN official in Cambodia on the government Tuesday to step up efforts to halt what he described as a "widening gap" between the rich and the poor.

UN resident coordinator Douglas Broderick said recent economic growth had brought "much hope and optimism" to all Cambodians, but added that prosperity was "not evenly spread."

"Turning Cambodia's sense of hope and optimism into tangible results like better education, quality health services, the freedom to be heard and to feel safe are among the most significant human rights challenges facing Cambodia today," Broderick, said at an event marking the 60th anniversary of the UN Declaration of Human Rights.

Broderick said narrowing the gap between the rich and the poor was crucial to upholding human rights in Cambodia.

"As legislators you carry the hopes of your constituents. You have the power to ensure that their rights are preserved and respected. And, you have the power to intervene on their behalf when human rights are violated," he said.

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