Get to know the members of the association Henri Capitant – Meeting with Hisham Mousar
Meeting with Hisham Mousar
Founding member and Scientific council relations coordinator at the association Henri Capitant
- Can you quickly introduce yourself? (academic and professional career, nationality, profession, areas of expertise)
I am French and Cambodian. I graduated from the Faculty of Law of Paris Descartes University and Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne University. I am also an alumnus of the National Institute of Oriental Languages and Civilizations in Paris (INALCO). I worked for over 15 years in the French administration, for a law firm in Paris entitled to represent their clients before the French Supreme Court (Conseil d’Etat and Cour de cassation) and the European Court of Human Rights. In addition, I was employed in a very old and important French luxury company, within human rights organizations, serving the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Cambodian Parliament as well as public universities in Phnom Penh. I am a law professor at the Royal University of Law and Economics in Phnom Penh. I am also co-founder of the Henri Capitant Association in Cambodia whose purpose is the promotion and modernization of Cambodian law, and I belong to its Scientific Council.
- What are the areas of law in Cambodia that need to be reformed or developed?
The rule of law in Cambodia and its judicial and legal system are being rebuilt since the end of the Khmer Rouge regime. Therefore it is, in my opinion, a bit early to talk about reforms. I would rather speak of modernization, and I see several areas that I think are important but I would mention here only one, that of the contract farming law. In an economy where agriculture plays a vital role, it seems to me that it is important to modernize the legal instruments and mechanisms servicing actors in contract farming.
- What role do you play with the Henri Capitant Association?
With other lawyers and colleagues, I founded the Henri Capitant Association in Cambodia because I believe in the rule of law and its institutions. I have faith in the value of law in the service of our society. Cambodian law has a long history and its relationship with French law is special, this is what makes it unique among the countries of Asia today. Our Association is part of a large family of civil lawyers in over 57 countries worldwide who are working to modernize the law in the countries where it operates. With the other founding members, we are proud of it. My role in the Association is primarily to facilitate the work of the Executive Board of the Association with colleagues as well as to coordinate its actions with our Scientific Council.
- Can you give us one word that best described you?
It would be the word “loyal” as I am loyal to what I believe in, loyal to my superiors, my friends and those around me.
- Why did you choose to come and work in Phnom Penh?
I made the decision to come to Cambodia because I am convinced that I can be useful here more than in France. The country needs all of the talent it can find to rebuild, reinvent and anchor once again its name in history for the future. I think that it makes sense to have grown up and been educated in the Republic to serve beyond its borders and promote ideals that are universal: progress, brotherhood, and freedom.
- What do you like to do after working hours and when you go outside of Phnom Penh?
I do not really have the impression that I work. For me, it is always a pleasure. When I am finished working at the office, I like to see my friends, my wife. I like simple places but nevertheless I need them air-conditioned !
- Can you tell us one thing that nobody knows?
I have a deep passion for perfume. I worked two years for Guerlain who taught me everything I know about perfume. This was the best part of my professional life and I wish, (it is a hidden dream) that later in my professional life, I can find the path back to luxury.
To read more interviews of the members of the association click here.