Losing Ground - Human Rights Party.

Losing Ground
Sharing Ground?
The Cambodian Human Rights Action Committee
The immense strides Cambodia has made in many
sectors over the past 30 years is sometimes overlooked
by the media, donor and diplomatic communities. As
Cambodian human rights organizations, we are well
aware of the deep complexity and historical roots of the
problems our nation still faces.
We know that genuine solutions are simple to plan,
but difficult to accomplish on the ground. As an NGO
coalition we can offer to be a bridge to support genuine
and productive dialogue between communities and
policy-makers.
The following pages present a painful look into the lives
of people affected by forced evictions and intimidation,
mainly the rural poor. The human rights abuses described
range from loss of livelihood and health problems to
violence and imprisonment.
Still, this book is not intended to attack our government
or detract from our accomplishments as a nation. It is a
collection of voices from people rarely heard and as such
we see it as a step towards more inclusive and equitable
development.
These voices belong to Cambodians who have been or
are facing eviction. Most have insisted that their names and
photographs be used, believing that openness will bring
justice and appropriate solutions. Such trust is inspiring.
We believe it is the springboard for the next stage of
Cambodia’s recovery from decades of civil strife, much of
which was prolonged or exacerbated by foreign powers.
Cambodia’s Constitution enshrines the right to
freedom of expression, a right that Cambodians need to
be able to exercise freely, without fear of reprisals. Fear, a
hurdle to genuine development, is receding. Freedom of
expression and citizen participation make it more possible
that constructive partnership can be developed between
citizens and their government.
We recognise the achievements of the government and
believe mutually respectful dialogue will ensure that we,
as a nation, continue to move forward.
After listening carefully to those affected by the loss
of land and livelihoods, we are making four requests to
address their plight: 1) all those who (in the following
pages) demonstrate their trust in justice should
be assured that they are safe to do so; 2) our Land
Law should be enforced more rigorously; 3) courts,
authorities and the military should serve to protect
the people and be held accountable for failures to do
so; and 4) Cambodian citizens should be encouraged
to participate more fully in the development of our
country and their enhanced participation should
enhance the benefits they receive.
People’s participation is, we believe, necessary for the
next stage of re-building Cambodia.
We believe our government, like Cambodian citizens,
is searching for ways to reach the next stage and that the
starting point is finding shared ground through mutually
respectful dialogue.
Homes are sinking into Boeng Kak Lake as it is being filled with sand to prepare for one Cambodia’s most controversial development projects.
6 Forced Evictions and Intimidation in Cambodia