Freeze on Economic Land Concessions Must Now Be Followed by Positive Action and Existing Concessions Must Be Reviewed
The Cambodian Human Rights and Development Association (ADHOC) welcomes the announcement by Prime Minister Hun Sen that there will be a moratorium on the granting of Economic Land Concessions (ELCs). In an order dated 7 May 2012, the Prime Minister called on public authorities to “temporarily postpone” the granting of ELCs to private companies. Civil society organizations and international human rights bodies have been asking the Cambodian authorities for several years to stop granting new land concessions, to review existing ones, and to ensure respect for relevant laws and regulations, including the 2001 Land Law, Sub-Decree 146 on Economic Land Concessions, and various human rights standards. ADHOC hopes that this move by the government indicates that the demands of NGOs and human rights professionals are finally being met.
Freeze on Economic Land Concessions Must Now Be Followed by Positive Action and Existing Concessions Must Be Reviewed Read More