LNRR’s Reports

On 09 October 2012 villagers from Kantuot Commune, Choam Ksan District, Preah Vihear Province handed a petition to cabinet official Nov Ra, alleging repeated land grabs, violence and intimidation at a Social Land Concession (SLC) granted to one star General, Pen Lim in 2007. On 10 October 2012, Prime Minister Hun Sen publicly called for Pen Lim’s arrest in relation to the SLC at a land title ceremony in Kampot province. The villagers also came to protest other land grabs in the area, claiming the involvement of other officials from the provincial government and the Ministry of Land.

It is pleasure for me to welcome you today to this very important event on human rights and democracy organised by Adhoc with the support of the European Union. This event is important not only because of the upcoming commune council elections scheduled for 03 June 2012 but also because democracy is more than about elections. Democracy is an every day challenge, democracy is about constant interaction between the different stakeholders of any society. Democracy is about confronting ideas and constructive dialogue. It is why today we have members of the National Assembly, Senate, political parties, and members of local authorities present to discuss with the Civil Society their contribution to democracy and the promotion human rights.

The Delegation of European Union to Cambodia has worked closely with our NGO partner, Adhoc, to organise this event. In collaboration with the Royal Government of Cambodia and civil society partners the EU has regularly supported similar events over the last years as part of our contribution to Cambodia’s efforts to build a democratic society. And we will continue to do so ! Partnership, constructive dialogue and mutual respect between key actors – Government, Political Parties and Civil Society