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Speech
06 November 2024
2024 National Nutrition Day and the Launching of the Joint Programme SDG Seed Fund 'Transforming Cambodia’s food systems to become more sustainable, healthy, inclusive and resilient'
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Press Release
06 November 2024
Cambodia Marks 11th National Nutrition Day: 'Nutrition for Growth'
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Press Release
04 November 2024
Executive Boards of six United Nations entities conclude joint field visit to Cambodia
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Latest
The Sustainable Development Goals in Cambodia
The Sustainable Development Goals are a global call to action to end poverty, protect the earth’s environment and climate, and ensure that people everywhere can enjoy peace and prosperity. These are the goals the UN is working on in Cambodia. Cambodia has added an 18th goal to its localized version of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)- "End the negative impact of mins/ERW and promote victim assistance".
Press Release
24 October 2024
“Together Actions for SDGs 2024”: A Collaborative Effort to Advance Sustainable Development in Cambodia
The three-day event will feature a dynamic lineup of activities designed to raise awareness, facilitate partnerships, and showcase innovative solutions aligned with the SDGs. Key objectives include highlighting the role of individuals in contributing to the SDGs, promoting sustainable practices, inspiring youth engagement, and fostering collaboration among stakeholders committed to the SDGs.Participants can look forward to engaging in various activities including keynote speeches by sustainable development experts, exhibition booths showcasing the SDGs and sustainable initiatives, panel discussions on topics like climate action and gender equality, cultural performances and concerts, and networking sessions to create opportunities for meaningful connections and partnerships.“Cambodia’s journey towards the 2030 Agenda requires all sectors of society to work together. ‘Together Actions for SDGs 2024’ offers a key opportunity for everyone in the community to deepen collaboration, share innovative solutions, and foster a sense of collective responsibility in achieving the SDGs. The United Nations is proud to partner with AEON MALL Cambodia, bringing together businesses, communities, and decision-makers to accelerate Cambodia’s sustainable development.”, said Mr. Jo Scheuer, the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Cambodia. Mr. Endo Fumihiko, Managing Director of AEON MALL Cambodia, added “At AEON MALL Cambodia, we believe in the power of community collaboration to drive sustainable development. By hosting ‘Together Actions for SDGs 2024’, we aim to provide a platform where businesses, communities, and young people can create a positive impact. This event is not only about raising awareness but also about turning ideas into actions that contribute to Cambodia’s sustainable future aligning with our mission to ‘Fill Everyday Life in Cambodia with New Possibilities.’”Event Details:Dates: November 1-3, 2024Location: AEON MALL Sen Sok City, Central Court, Ground Floor, Entrance 5BTime: 9:00 AM to 9:00 PMEvent Highlights:Exhibition Booths: the UN agencies, including UNDP, UNFPA and UN Women, and businesses will showcase sustainable products and initiatives related to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), providing an opportunity for attendees to engage and learn more about the SDGs and innovative practices in sustainability.Panel Discussions: Expert-led sessions on climate action (SDG 13) and gender equality (SDG 5) will focus on challenges and opportunities.Cultural Performances and Concerts: Performances from Cambodian and Japanese artists will inspire unity and collaboration through music and culture. ###For media inquiry, please contact: United Nations in Cambodia: Ms. Keo Sreysros, Programme Communication and Advocacy Officer, UN Resident Coordinator Office via sreysros.keo@un.org, 011 88 57 66. AEON MALL (Cambodia) Co., Ltd.: Corporate Planning Section (+855) 010 511 014
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Press Release
04 November 2024
Executive Boards of six United Nations entities conclude joint field visit to Cambodia
The delegation divided into three groups to visit various provinces, gaining first-hand insights into the entities’ joint efforts in supporting Cambodia’s ambitions in progressing development gains in the country.The first group travelled to Preah Vihear Province to observe entities’ work in building resilient health and education systems, including in water and sanitation and malaria control. The delegates visited the Koh Ke Health Centre to learn about maternal and child health initiatives, met with frontline workers addressing gender-based violence and child protection and explored a private sector model for improving water access. Board Members also visited the Pro Me Health Center and the Sre Preang Village where they had the opportunity to observe local interventions in fighting against malaria and improving access to primary health care. A second group journeyed to Banteay Meanchey, Battambang and Pursat Provinces to witness the United Nations’ impact in demining, disaster risk management and social protection. The delegation observed demining activities and met with communities benefiting from land clearance. The delegates also visited the largest rehabilitation center and a school, where they learned about landmine victims’ assistance and the school feeding programme. Delegation members also had the opportunity to engage with local communities’ benefiting from social protection initiatives in Cambodia and heard first-hand accounts of their experiences. The third group focused on gender equality, inclusion, and youth empowerment in Phnom Penh. Delegates engaged with a diverse range of civil society organizations, including women's rights groups, disability and indigenous organizations, LGBTIQ+ groups, and youth organizations. Discussions centred on progress, challenges, and opportunities for strengthened collaboration between the UN and local organizations to leave no one behind in Cambodia’s development.They also visited a women’s crisis center to learn about essential services provided to women and girls at risk and gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and successes in combating gender-based violence and human trafficking in Cambodia.Additionally, the members of the Executive Boards observed the entities’ initiatives at an innovation fair, including digital solutions for education, poverty mapping using AI, and climate resilience.Throughout their visit, the delegation had the opportunity to engage with development partners and high-level government officials, including H.E. Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet, Prime Minister of Cambodia together with senior members of his cabinet, to further discuss their experiences in Cambodia during the visit as well as the Royal Government of Cambodia’s development priorities and how partnerships with the United Nations can support the further achievement of these priorities. The delegation commended the Royal Government of Cambodia and the Prime Minister’s vision, commitment and significant efforts in ensuring Cambodia’s graduation from Least Developed Country status by 2030. The members of the Executive Boards acknowledged the support that the United Nations, and, more specifically, the six entities they govern - UNDP, UNFPA, UNICEF, UNOPS, UN-Women and WFP - provide to the achievement of transformational change at scale in Cambodia, and how the strong collaboration and joint efforts among the entities is instrumental to achieving this change. They further expressed their commitment to ensuring, in their role as members of the governing bodies of the six entities, that the organizations further contribute to accelerating the pursuit of the Sustainable Development Goals to the benefit of all people in Cambodia, with no one left behind.[More Photos of the Visit]
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Speech
06 November 2024
2024 National Nutrition Day and the Launching of the Joint Programme SDG Seed Fund 'Transforming Cambodia’s food systems to become more sustainable, healthy, inclusive and resilient'
Excellency Ouk Rabun, Senior Minister and Chairman of CARDExcellency Chea Samnang, Vice Chairman of CARDExcellencies, Vice chairmans of CARD (tbc)Excellency Sok Silo, Secretary General of CARDMr. Jost Kadel, Deputy Chief of Mission and Head of Cooperation of the Federal republic of Germany Embassy in CambodiaRepresentatives from line ministries, development partners, and civil societyLadies, gentlemen, and youth the future leaders On behalf of the UN Resident Coordinator, it is my honor to extend warm congratulations to the Council for Agricultural and Rural Development (CARD) and the people of Cambodia on the celebration of National Nutrition Day. This occasion highlights the significant strides made in improving nutrition, thanks to the dedicated efforts of CARD, the Royal Government of Cambodia, and many committed development partners.Good nutrition is essential for health, development, and overall well-being. It supports physical growth, cognitive function, and reduces the risk of chronic diseases, leading to healthier, longer lives. Adequate nutrition also enhances maternal health, boosts economic productivity, and reduces healthcare costs by preventing disease. By promoting equity and aligning with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, nutrition drives sustainable development, breaking cycles of poverty and improving the quality of life for all.Over the past decades, Cambodia has made remarkable progress in improving food and nutrition security. Cambodia has launched pivotal initiatives and national strategies, such as the National Strategy for Food Security and Nutrition, aimed at tackling malnutrition and promoting healthier diets, particularly among women and children. In collaboration with multiple UN agencies and partners, public awareness campaigns have been launched to emphasize the importance of balanced diets, maternal nutrition, and effective child-feeding practices. Initiatives like school feeding programs have further enhanced nutritional intake and improved health and educational outcomes for children, while the Food Fortification Initiative has addressed micronutrient deficiencies by enriching foods with essential vitamins and minerals. These collective efforts reflect Cambodia’s commitment to addressing nutritional challenges and fostering long-term public health improvements.Today’s celebration of National Nutrition Day not only recognizes these achievements but also serves as a fitting platform to discuss the way forward how we can work together to address the ongoing challenges Cambodia is facing, such as child wasting, prevalent micronutrient deficiencies, nutritional disparities among the population groups, and overweight and obesity. I am pleased to share that three UN agencies—FAO, WFP, and UNICEF—have recently secured approval for the SDG Seed Fund Joint Programme, a transformative initiative focused on building sustainable, inclusive, and resilient food systems in Cambodia. This joint effort, guided and chaired by CARD and co-chaired by UNRC, will update Cambodia’s National Food Systems Roadmap with a focus on nutrition, climate resilience, and gender equity. This roadmap will play a critical role in reinforcing the very objectives we celebrate today—ensuring that improved nutrition outcomes remain central to sustainable development in Cambodia.This afternoon’s consultative session, dedicated to the revision of the National Food Systems Roadmap, presents a valuable opportunity to identify priority areas for action, align strategies, and establish a comprehensive investment plan. I encourage everyone to actively participate, share insights, and contribute to shaping a future where sustainable food systems drive better nutrition outcomes for all Cambodians. Before concluding, I would like to share a few messages with our youth, particularly those present here today. As future leaders, practitioners, and changemakers, you hold a unique and powerful role in shaping the future of our food systems. Today is an opportunity to make your voices heard, to share your fresh perspectives and innovative ideas that will help us set pathways toward sustainable food systems in the face of climate change.Once again, congratulations on National Nutrition Day. I wish you all a productive and insightful workshop as we work together to ensure that nutrition remains at the heart of Cambodia’s development agenda.
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Press Release
04 November 2024
CAPFISH-Capture and IPC Collaboration: Enhancing Laboratory Testing Accuracy in Cambodia
The CAPFISH-Capture project, funded by the European Union (EU) and implemented by UNIDO in partnership with the Fisheries Administration (FiA), focuses on improving post-harvest fisheries. One of the vital aspects of this initiative is enhancing food safety testing laboratories to support food safety control activities, thereby ensuring the safety and quality of fish and fishery products. Thanks to the continuous technical assistance from the CAPFISH project, IPC's Laboratory of Environment and Food Safety received ISO/IEC 17025/2017 accreditation from the International Accreditation Service (IAS) in September 2022 for certain testing parameters under food microbiology. Following continued support from the project, IPC has recently expanded its accreditation scope to include 9 additional parameters to their water and food microbiology categories. "This development underscores our commitment to enhancing laboratory capabilities and increasing the trade potential for fish, food, and other agricultural products. It allows local food business operators to save time and reduce costs associated with sending their products for testing in neighboring countries," said Mr. Narin SOK, UNIDO Country Representative in Cambodia.Prof. André SPIEGEL, Director of IPC, praised the fruitful collaboration with the CAPFISH-Capture project, stating, "The IAS accreditation reflects our unwavering dedication to providing high-quality food testing services. It enhances our ability to support public health by reinforcing food safety and the agri-food and fisheries sectors in meeting national and international standards, ultimately benefiting local food producers and consumers." He also expressed appreciation for the project's ongoing technical support, which will aid IPC in pursuing accreditation for testing services related to chemical substances in the near future.Congratulating IPC on this significant achievement, H.E. Sotha POUM, Delegate of Royal Cambodia and Director General of FiA, expressed optimism that "with the IPC's recent accomplishments, we can work together more effectively to ensure that all fish and fishery products meet quality standards from harvest to consumer tables." Notably, the FiA regularly sends fish samples to IPC for testing as part of its food safety control responsibilities, ensuring the quality and safety of fish and fishery products across the nation."The expansion of IPC's accreditation scope for laboratory testing services is a crucial step in supporting an efficient food safety control system and ensuring market compliance for private food business operators. Through the CAPFISH-Capture programme, we are proud to assist the institution in its efforts to provide expanded laboratory testing services in Cambodia," said H.E. Igor DRIESMANS, EU Ambassador to Cambodia.Ends – For more information, please contact:Dr. Navin SRENG, Head of Laboratory of Environment and Food Safety, IPC: snavin@pasteur-kh.orgDr. Chamnan CHHOUN, Director of the Department of Fisheries Post-harvest Technologies and Quality Control (DFPTQ) of the FiA: chhounchamnan@gmail.comPress and Information Section of the EU Delegation to Cambodia: delegation-cambodia-ppi@eeas.europa.euMr. Samruol IM, National Communication and Visibility Expert for the CAPFISH-Capture project: S.IM@unido.orgMore information about the project: https://open.unido.org/projects/KH/projects/180039Project Newsletters: http://newslettercapfish-postharvest.org/achieve
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Speech
22 August 2024
National Youth Summit – Summit for the Future Cambodia
Check against delivery His Excellency. Serey Chhumneas, Secretary of State for the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport and his teamHer Excellency. Sroy Socheat, Secretary General of the General Secretariat of the National Youth Development Council of Cambodia and Director-General of Youth, Ministry of Education Youth and Sport and her teamThe UN Resident Coordinator Mr. Jo ScheuerExcellencies and distinguished guests, development partners, UN sister agencies, civil society – and most importantly all of the young people here todayArun Suasodey Good morning! On behalf of the United Nations Country Team and as the Representative of UNFPA it is an honour and pleasure to be here today at the Summit for the Future Cambodia. We are honoured to have so many esteemed guests here today - however I am directing my remarks this morning at our youth leaders. Gathered here today are Cambodia’s leaders of both today and tomorrow - set to inherit the successes and challenges of your elders and carry them towards the future. It is an enormous privilege to meet with you and to ensure that your insights, experiences, your intellect and your passion contribute and guide the upcoming Summit of the Future scheduled to take place on September 22-23 in New York.Our Resident Coordinator and UN country team members were able to join some of you at the youth consultative workshop on the Declaration for Future Generation led by the UN Youth Advisory Panel with support from the UN Country Team in Cambodia. They were deeply inspired then, and I anticipate that we will be even more inspired today by the passion, creativity and energetic commitment to transformation and positive change by the over 250 young leaders gathered today in this hall.This national summit holds great potential, providing you a platform to address pressing issues in advance of the global Summit of the Future, and to produce an outcome statement that will effectively convey your voices and your aspirations to an international audience. As you deliberate on the critical issues facing Cambodia and the world - from climate change to social justice, from technological innovation to global governance - I urge you to dream big, to challenge the status quo, and to put forward bold, transformative solutions. Your voices, your ideas, and your actions have the power to catalyse real, lasting change.I would like to acknowledge and thank HE Dr. Hang Chuon Naron, the Deputy Prime Minister and the Minister of Education, Youth and Sports and his whole team for their leadership and the National Youth Development Council for their guidance and partnership. The commitment towards ensuring that Cambodian youth voices are heard at the global level is truly commendable. Furthermore, I would like to acknowledge the leadership and coordination of the United Nations Youth Advisory Panel Cambodia in organizing this momentous event. I also want to express appreciation to the UN Country Team, notably my own agency UNFPA and my team members who have dedicated much time, leadership and support in bringing this summit to fruition. What is really great about this event today is that it’s been truly youth led. Over the 6 past months, UNYAP alongside many youth networks have worked very hard - congratulations to UN YAP for your ability to bring together over 15 youth organisations and networks which are participating in this event today. The 12th of August marked International Youth Day and, though we may be a little late, I take this opportunity to extend my best wishes to all 250 of you in person. Happy 25th International Youth Day, everyone. There is no better way to celebrate than to be heard, and this Summit is built for exactly that purpose. Be thoughtful, be loud and be bold and brave!On behalf of the UN Country team in Cambodia, please be assured that we are resolutely committed to amplifying your calls for transformation, translating your visions and voices into tangible policies and programs, and advocating for greater youth representation in decision-making processes. We recognize that the future belongs to all of you. I eagerly anticipate the insightful discussions that lie ahead today. Thank you!
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Story
17 September 2024
Human-Centered Cities for All: An Inclusive and Sustainable Cambodia
Cambodia's cities are undergoing rapid urbanization, with the country's urban population projected to increase by nearly 5% over the next six years, according to the Ministry of Land Management, Urban Planning, and Construction. This significant urban expansion underscores the pressing need for data-driven and people-centered solutions to address the associated challenges and opportunities. UNOPS recently completed the “Cities for All: Inclusive, Smart, and Sustainable Urban Development in Cambodia” project, which ran from March 2023 to July 2024 at the national level as well as in four targeted cities Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Battambang & Preah Sihanouk. This initiative was undertaken in collaboration with UN-Habitat and the Ministry of Interior of Cambodia, with funding from the UN Trust Fund for Human Security (UNTFHS). The project was a joint effort to address the needs and challenges of urban residents across the country through strategic assessment, policy development, capacity building and partnerships.This project integrated the UN's human security framework, prioritizing the needs and well-being of residents. Aligned with Cambodia’s urbanization priorities as outlined in the country’s UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework, Cities for All supported the government's goal of building an inclusive and resilient society. It empowered all community members to actively and meaningfully engage in the country’s urban development opportunities, ensuring that their voices and needs were central to the planning process. Setting blueprint of Cambodia’s urban developmentCambodia's rapid, unplanned urbanization has created significant challenges for its cities, leading to backlogs in essential services, housing shortages, food insecurity, and unemployment, with vulnerable populations bearing the brunt of the problems. The Cities for All project addressed these challenges by conducting a comprehensive assessment to inform a roadmap for future development.The nationwide assessment was inclusive and participatory, involving the government, communities, businesses, academia, students and other diverse stakeholders. The effort strengthened the capacity of both national and subnational administrations.His Excellency Mr. Yun Line, Deputy Governor of Siem Reap Province, emphasized the importance of assessing the progress and effectiveness of existing smart city initiatives. He stated, “Lessons learned and successful experiences are essential for informing the policy development of a national roadmap in smart cities.”The assessment also helped enhance Cambodia’s National Smart Cities Roadmap. This roadmap serves as the blueprint for Cambodia’s urban development as it did not only seek to understand the current urban landscape, but also to pinpoint specific needs and urgent challenges through a people-centered, context-specific, and prevention-oriented urban development strategy.The findings and recommendations derived from the assessment conducted with state and non-state actors in the four cities were validated through workshops. These validated insights were then consolidated into a comprehensive report, which was shared with the Ministry of Interior to ensure its alignment with Cambodia’s smart city roadmap. The report was disseminated widely, first through a smart city workshop held on April 30, 2024, in Siem Reap, attended by 150 participants. It was further shared at the National Urban Forum on May 30-31, 2024, in Phnom Penh, which drew 300 participants, including H.E. Say Samal, Cambodia’s Deputy Prime Minister and the Minister of Land Management, Urban Planning and Construction. Strengthening capacities to build smart citiesWhile a robust roadmap is essential for building smart cities, it's equally crucial to equip people with the knowledge and skills to implement it. Sub-national governments face significant challenges in keeping pace with rapid urbanization, including a shortage of resources and inadequate policies for managing urban connectivity and digital infrastructure, which are struggling to meet the needs of growing populations.The Cities for All project enhanced the capacities of key city officials through workshops and a study visit. Two series of workshops engaged nearly 400 stakeholders in four cities, providing them with the tools to launch smart city initiatives at the national and local levels through case studies and technical training.Additionally, a study visit to Bangkok exposed participants to successful models for addressing urban challenges such as waste management and public transportation, as well as effective government roles in smart city development. These experiences fostered practical learning, knowledge sharing, and the identification of key urban development priorities, ultimately empowering officials to build Cambodia's smart cities. Partnerships in building smart cities in CambodiaThe assessment and workshops not only increased knowledge and understanding of human security in the context of smart cities but also fostered partnerships among public, private, and development partners to initiate sustainable, inclusive, and smart urban solutions, contributing to post-pandemic economic recovery. Mr. Bith Chankhan, a senior official from the Ministry of Interior, underscored the significance of partnerships in achieving Cambodia’s vision of future-proof, inclusive, and sustainable cities, saying, “When inspiration meets collaboration, we will transform dreams into a future we want beyond imagination.”The Cities for All project has laid a strong foundation for building human-centered cities in Cambodia. By prioritizing residents' needs and fostering collaboration, the project has demonstrated the potential to create thriving and resilient urban communities, aligning with the vision of an inclusive and sustainable Cambodia.More about this initiative
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Story
24 May 2024
How one fish-products business is helping others grow, with help from UNIDO, Government, and the EU
Along the Tonle Sap River and the coast of Cambodia are floating villages where whole lives play out on the surface of the water. These villages are home to many small businesses that produce dried fish, fillet fish, smoked fish, fish paste, and other foodstuffs popular with Khmer people.Some of these businesses are run or staffed by women, and they tend to get less support than their male counterparts. That fact was noticed by Ms. Lep Mary, who, in 2014, saw a business opportunity. That year she founded her own enterprise, called UNICA, to support women’s fish processing groups in Pursat and Siem Reap provinces. If she could bring these groups’ products to markets in Phnom Penh, she reasoned, she could boost their sales and turn a nice profit for herself as well. With hard work, she turned the idea into reality, selling processed fish foods to mid- and high-income consumers at markets in the country’s capital. In fact, the idea worked so well that Ms. Lep expanded her operations and collaborated with agricultural cooperatives and still more fishing communities. Even after the expansion, however, UNICA was still a small operation. But the business model worked, and Ms. Lep understood there were opportunities for more growth, if only she had the resources necessary.A HAPPY MEETINGIt was in 2021 when Ms. Lep learned of an opportunity to get just what she needed to grow her business even further. The opportunity came in the form of a call for proposals by the CAPFISH-Capture project. CAPFISH-Capture was looking to develop the entire post-harvest fishery sector in Cambodia, and it asked for businesses to submit applications for its Value Chain Investment Support (VCIS) scheme. The basic idea of VCIS is that every link in the “value chain” needed to be made stronger—from fish catch to processing, to shipping and distribution to marketing and sales. Only that way would the entire post-harvest fisheries sector grow. Ms. Lep applied for VCIS and was one of 50 enterprises that were awarded support. VCIS helps UNICA and other partners upgrade their business operations, meet food safety requirements, and improve competitiveness and access to markets. Technical support from the project includes training and coaching on food safety compliance and certification, social and environmental management, business development, and business plan and market development. Not least of all, awardees are given equipment support valued at US $25,000. The equipment includes a mobile cooling room, a vacuum packaging machine, an ice maker, can seamers, water filtration, chillers, cutting tables, ingredient cabinets, lockers, and more. THE BUSINESS GROWSWith the equipment and technical support from the project, UNICA has upgraded its business operations. UNICA distributes quality fishery products to markets by partnering with community fisheries, processing groups, aquaculture farmers, cooperatives, and micro-processors. These producer groups range in size from 10-30 members, most of them women. Being small-scale enterprises with few resources, they are sometimes not up to hygiene or quality standards. Many of the processors are people who work based on their own traditional knowledge, often gleaned from their parents. UNICA helps bring the processing groups up to standard, so they can sell their products at quality markets in Phnom Penh and elsewhere. In order to lift these groups to standard, UNICA uses what is called an “internal control system,” or ICS, to track products along the supply chain. ICS calls for technical expertise, and UNICA has already built its substantial knowledge with the support of CAPFISH-Capture. What’s more, they could pass this vital expertise on to their suppliers—the women’s fish processing groups. Expertise provided with VCIS support included training on hygiene practices, processing techniques, grading, sorting, packaging, transporting, and storing. With better hygiene practices, UNICA could help its suppliers access more markets in Cambodia and abroad. To boost its chances of getting access to foreign markets, UNICA participated in trade fairs and registered as a private enterprise under the Ministry of Commerce (MoC), registered in products code at the Ministry of Industry, Science, Technology and Innovation (MISTI), and it is working towards attaining better food safety standards and Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) certifications.THE BOTTOM LINEThe growth in operations has translated to a growth in sales. UNICA supplied its fish products to 20 markets in 2023, compared to 12 markets in 2021. According to UNICA, sales have increased by 30% in 2023. UNICA created six new jobs, half for women, and they’ve also helped create jobs for about 300 families in its 10 producer groups.In late 2023, UNICA signed agreements with Makro markets and started negotiations with Lucky Supermarket and AEON, with which they expect to sign agreements in 2024. UNICA is now also pilot testing its products with two new buyers in Korea and New Zealand, and is gearing up to sell to other foreign markets. UNICA's trust among its buyers has increased due to the upgraded facilities and being certified by the Cambodia Quality Seal, meaning it meets the quality standards set by the Government. The benefit of this work goes not to UNICA alone, but also to the suppliers. The number of suppliers—specifically, women’s groups and cooperatives—has grown from three in 2021 to ten in 2023. And that number only promises to increase. “CAPFISH-Capture has given UNICA a steppingstone to scale-up our business,” says Ms. Lep. “This has also enabled our business partners to improve their skills and their incomes.”The relationship will continue to grow, says Ms. Lep, as UNICA takes advantage of CAPFISH-Capture’s research and development support, known as the Food Technologies, Research and Innovation Platform, or FTRIP, a pioneer in public-private-academic partnerships. With this support, UNICA will work with university-based scholars in Phnom Penh to conduct research on ready-to-eat fish jerky and its shelf-life. UNICA will also be exploring new smoked fish products. These efforts will help diversify the company’s product line. “I’m looking forward to what the future will bring,” says Ms. Lep. “With support from CAPFISH-Capture, I believe UNICA will grow, as will our suppliers, and all of Cambodia.”
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24 May 2024
Keophon: From Passionate advocate to Changemaker
In the last five years, Mrs. Phorn Keophon, a Deputy of the Department of Women's Affairs (PDOWA) in Preah Vihear, has been a force for good in the fight against gender-based violence (GBV). Keophon saw a critical need for coordinated action against GBV since the initiation of the strengthening GBV multi-sectoral coordination programme was introduced in her province and three others including Tboung Khnum, Kampong Cham and Stung Treng. Through a program supported by UNFPA, she received vital training on the Essential Services Package for Women and Girls Subject to Violence (ESP GBV). Following the training, she spearheaded the creation of the Provincial Working Group on GBV (PWG-GBV), mobilizing the sectors that respond to gender-based violence to collaborate. Keophon’s efforts did not stop there. She replicated the model in three districts, securing local budgets (one district) and ensuring frontline service providers had basic GBV response knowledge. The results were tangible: more cases were received compared to the previous year. In 2023 she supported coordinated services to 65 GBV cases (30 sexual violence cases and 35 domestic violence cases) this was compared to 30 cases the previous year before the training. Looking beyond policies, Mrs. Keophon provided direct support to survivors. In one case, she facilitated medical care, legal representation, and vocational training for a young survivor of rape providing her the services and support needed to rebuild her life. Mrs. Keophon's story is a powerful testament to the impact dedicated individuals can have. Her model of bringing services together in a survivor centered and coordinated approach offers a blueprint that can be replicated across the country towards ensuring that all survivors of violence get the services, support, and care they need. “I am happy to help women and girls who are survivors to get the services they need. I provide basic counseling to find out more about their needs on other services such as legal, health, psychological support, and safe shelter.”Despite the success, hurdles remain. Remote areas pose logistical challenges, and poverty and remoteness can exacerbate women’s vulnerability. Yet, Ms. Keophon remains undeterred, actively seeking solutions to equip even the most isolated communities.Ms. Phorn Keophon's story is a testament to the transformative power of individual leadership alongside coordinated multi-sectoral approaches. Ms Keophon’s role offers hope, support, and positive change in Preah Vihear to those impacted by gender-based violence. Her journey proves that change is possible when communities, institutions, and individuals unite to combat GBV.
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24 May 2024
Sokchen: A Champion for Change in Gender and Sexual Reproductive Health
Growing up in Kampong Cham Province, a grade 11 student at Hun Sen Kchoav High School, Yin Sokchen witnessed how lack of access to information about reproductive health, and lack of discussion on sensitive issues such as violence led to harm in his community. He saw classmates humiliated and emotionally distressed due to harassment, often fueled by societal norms and stereotypes that perpetuate gender inequality and early marriage. Determined to make a difference, Sokchen embraced the opportunity to learn and grow when his school introduced a school health room alongside the use of a new Youth Health App which were supported by the Government of Japan through UNFPA. Impressed by the information he gained through the Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) curriculum in school as well as the information he found on the Youth Health app, and he joined the programme as a peer educator. Through the program, Sokchen gained valuable knowledge on SRH, HIV/AIDS, GBV prevention and gender equality, health services, and basic counseling and facilitation skills. He learned to challenge harmful social and gender norms and communicate respectfully with others. In Cambodia, adolescents and youth risk poor health outcomes through lack of access to critical information about their reproductive health and rights as well as gender equality and gender-based violence. In Cambodia, 4.80% of young men and 16.5% of young women engage in early sex and 9% of teenagers become pregnant, with this rate remaining higher in rural areas compared to urban areas. Early child marriage also remains high, at 17.90%[1]. The Royal Government of Cambodia’s Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports is well aware of the need to ensure that young people get the information they need and as a result passed a Comprehensive Sexuality Curriculum for grades 5 – 12 which contains critical sexual and reproductive health information including information about the harms of gender inequality including gender-based violence. As a result of Sokchen’s role as a Peer Educator, he even changed his views on traditional gender roles and started communicating more openly with his mother. "I didn't realize how risky and harmful having sex under 18 can be without proper knowledge of safe sex or reproductive health," he admitted. "Now, I understand the importance of openly discussing these topics to prevent youngsters from rushing into early marriage or engaging in sexual activity based on misguided notions of “a real” man."Empowered by his knowledge, Sokchen became a passionate advocate for change. He actively shared information about the Youth Health App and sexual reproductive health and rights topics with his classmates and friends, both at school and through Facebook Messenger. He reached 25 individuals, including 14 girls, and observed a positive shift in their attitudes. His male friends developed a better understanding of girls' menstruation challenges, and some peers started respecting female friends more by avoiding sexist jokes.Sokchen's impact extended beyond the classroom. He observed a reduction in verbal abuse among couples and a growing understanding of gender issues within the community. Inspired by his success, Sokchen became a passionate advocate for sexual reproductive health and gender equality. He organized awareness campaigns, raised funds for the program, and created a safe space for students to share their experiences.Sokchen's journey is a testament to the power of teenagers being able to access the information they need to make informed choices about their bodies and peer support in creating positive change. His dedication and leadership have made his school and community a safer and more respectful place for everyone. Sokchen's story demonstrates the role of Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) in creating a generation of informed, empowered, and responsible individuals who can build a more just and equitable society.
[1] Cambodia Demographic Health Survey – CDHS 2021-2022
[1] Cambodia Demographic Health Survey – CDHS 2021-2022
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20 May 2024
OP-ED: The Genocide Convention and Cambodia: Lessons From the Past, Prevention for the Future
The Genocide Convention, formally the “Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide”, is an instrument of international law that, for the first time ever, codified the crime of genocide. It firmly signifies the world’s commitment to “never again” — never again to allow such crimes as those committed during the Second World War. The Convention was adopted by the General Assembly of the United Nations on 9 December 1948 and has since been ratified by 153 States. It was the first ever human rights treaty adopted by the General Assembly. Joining the Convention acknowledges the responsibility of States towards their own populations. Last year marked the 75th anniversary of the adoption of the Convention, which provided an opportunity to reflect on its important legacy and the challenges that remain for the prevention of this crime.On 14 October 1950, Cambodia was among the first Southeast Asian countries to pledge its commitment to “never again”, taking upon itself the obligations to prevent and to punish the crime of genocide. Seventy-four years have passed since then, and within that time – from 1975 to 1979 – the people of Cambodia people endured one of the world’s most brutal regimes, the Khmer Rouge, and their countless vicious crimes. Cambodia’s horrific experience demonstrates the need for alertness and action to prevent genocide. It is therefore vital that opportunities are created for all to reflect on the living legacy of the Genocide Convention, and to constantly renew our global commitment to prevent genocide, particularly amidst rising risk factors across the world. We need to ask ourselves: are we living up to our commitment to “never again” today – or is more action needed to prevent crimes like those perpetrated against the people of Cambodia?We were therefore pleased to receive invitations to join the Royal Government of Cambodia and the Documentation Center of Cambodia to participate in a three-day conference in Phnom Penh to discuss the Cambodian experience. Only through dialogue is the world’s commitment to “never again” nourished. We look forward to the opportunity during the conference to hear from the victims and survivors and to exchange views with government officials and Cambodia’s civil society on this important topic. Cambodia has a unique experience in the accountability mechanism that was created to address Khmer Rouge crimes, the Extraordinary Chambers in the Court of Cambodia (ECCC). We recognise the tireless work for and of the ECCC to directly implement Cambodia’s obligations under the Genocide Convention. The convictions of Democratic Kampuchea’s former Head of State, Khieu Sampan, and “Brother Number Two”, Nuon Chea, for the crime of genocide stand out among only a handful of instances of accountability for the most heinous of crimes. The ECCC has also handed down important verdicts on crimes against humanity and grave breaches of the Geneva Conventions. The creation of the ECCC and its enforcement of the Genocide Convention constitutes an important achievement not only for Cambodia but also for the world and showcases how the Convention can be practically applied. We salute these efforts, especially those by victims and survivors, whose testimony and engagement with the court has been crucial to these achievements and to Cambodia moving forward. Many of these victims and survivors, as well as younger generations in Cambodia, are continuing the important work of education and awareness raising about the past – so that we can learn from it. They remain essential and must be acknowledged and supported. We will use this visit to meet with and listen to the experiences of the ECCC, in particular the voices of the victims. Perhaps the most important obligation under the Genocide Convention is prevention. And maybe more so, strengthening prevention during times of peace. With the conclusion of the judicial proceedings before the Extraordinary Chambers, prevention is undoubtedly the most profound delivery by Cambodia on the Convention, and this resonates not only domestically but also internationally. To enable delivery on prevention in a purposeful and meaningful manner, focused and sustained attention must be given to knowledge sharing, education and information dissemination across all levels and aspects of Cambodian society. Contemporary calls for a dedicated and permanent State institution to work on these issues and to continue delivering on Cambodia’s impressive work to date are both timely and pertinent. History has shown time and again that genocide and related crimes (war crimes, crimes against humanity), do not happen randomly or in isolation. They are preceded by early warning signs. The establishment of national legal and policy tools as well as structures that can identify and address these early warning signs, combined with education and information dissemination, are critical first steps towards prevention.Cambodia has a compelling recent history of peace-making and development, transitioning from armed conflict through UN peacekeeping and nation building to economic growth over the course of four decades following the fall of the Khmer Rouge regime. Cambodia has become a steadfast troop contributing country to UN peace operations; facilitated transitional justice through the Extraordinary Chambers; and maintained a strong partnership with the United Nations system in Cambodia in pursuit of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The experience of Cambodia through the ECCC also presents a unique opportunity to further consolidate peace and development in the country. It enables Cambodia to share these important lessons in the region and beyond, including by bringing together local and regional bodies within a dedicated infrastructure promoting these and related themes. We echo the peaceful aspirations of the people of Cambodia and encourage the country’s civil society to continue its meaningful work. Finally, we reiterate the unyielding commitment of the United Nations to stand with Cambodia and support its work and desire to maintain peace and prosperity for all people in the country, steadfast in the collective commitment to “never again”. The initial publication of this opinion piece is Khmer Times, published in English language on 20 May 2024.
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Press Release
06 November 2024
Cambodia Marks 11th National Nutrition Day: 'Nutrition for Growth'
More than 350 participants attended, including representatives from government ministries, development partners, civil society, academia, and the private sector. The event featured opening remarks by H.E. Sok Silo, Secretary General of CARD, who highlighted the importance of a unified approach: “Since food security and nutrition are cross-sectoral issues, this requires good cooperation, coordination, and involvement and focus on interventions and investments in agriculture, food, health, education, environment, employment, rural development, water resources management, gender, water and sanitation and hygiene, social protection, and other relevant sectors.” H.E Lao Sokharom, Vice Chairman of CARD appealed to development partners, civil society, and the private sector to support the Royal Government of Cambodia in efficiently implementing policies, strategies, and action plans for success.H.E. Chea Samnang, Vice Chairman of CARD, conveyed key messages on behalf of the Prime Minister emphasized regarding Cambodia’s ongoing efforts to improve food security and nutrition. CARD, in collaboration with multiple stakeholders, will advance the 3rd National Strategy for Food Security and Nutrition (2024-2028) and update the 2030 Roadmap for a Sustainable Food System. The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries is set to modernize farming practices to boost productivity, diversify crops, and enhance food quality and safety, particularly by integrating climate-resilient practices. The Ministry of Health will continue to focus on early child nutrition, promoting breastfeeding and providing nutritional counseling, while urging parents to monitor children’s growth at health centers and ensure vitamin A supplementation to strengthen immunity. Enhancements to the Cambodian Food Reserve System are also underway to improve its readiness in responding to natural disasters, alongside measures by relevant ministries to strengthen food labeling standards and expand school nutrition programs. Local authorities will encourage community-based farming and food production to increase access to diverse and nutritious foods, particularly for youth, while promoting traditional Khmer cooking with a focus on healthier ingredients. The message concluded with a call for citizens, vendors, and institutions to maintain strict hygiene and safety practices across all stages of food handling to ensure safe and high-quality food for consumers nationwide. Ms. Rebekah Bell, FAO Representative in Cambodia on behalf o the UN Resident Coordinator, emphasized, “Today’s celebration of National Nutrition Day not only recognizes these achievements but also serves as a fitting platform to discuss the way forward and how we can work together to address the ongoing challenges Cambodia is facing, such as child wasting, prevalent micronutrient deficiencies, nutritional disparities among the population groups, and overweight and obesity. I am pleased to share that three UN agencies—FAO, WFP, and UNICEF—have recently secured approval for the SDG Seed Fund Joint Programme, a transformative initiative focused on building sustainable, inclusive, and resilient food systems in Cambodia. This joint effort, guided and chaired by CARD and co-chaired by UNRC, will update Cambodia’s National Food Systems Roadmap with a focus on nutrition, climate resilience, and gender equity. This roadmap will play a critical role in reinforcing the very objectives we celebrate today—ensuring that improved nutrition outcomes remain central to sustainable development in Cambodia.”A highlight of the event was the launch of two significant initiatives: the SDG Seed Fund, developed in partnership with FAO, WFP, and UNICEF, to accelerate sustainable development, and the "EnoughCampaign" with World Vision International Cambodia, which focuses on eliminating child malnutrition and promoting healthier dietary practices. The SDG funds will primarily support the revision and implementation of Cambodia’s food systems roadmap, reinforcing national frameworks and capacities to achieve economic and nutritional gains. Financing will be diversified, scalable, and sustainable to enable lasting food system transformation, with advocacy and communication tools playing a pivotal role. The Joint SDG Fund helps countries advance Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and fulfill the 2030 Agenda's commitment to "leave no one behind." It promotes integrated economic, social, and environmental policies rooted in a rights-based approach, unlocking substantial financing from various sources and leveraging the UN development system’s strengths and partnerships to drive SDG progress, even in challenging contexts.Mr. Janes I. Ginting, National Director at World Vision International, stated, “Children and parents, especially from rural areas, struggle to put the right food for their health and growth on the table. Despite these challenges, we remain hopeful with the unwavering and shared commitment to the success of the 3rd National Strategy on Food Security and Nutrition. This National Nutrition Day showed that there is ENOUGH will to end child malnutrition in Cambodia.”Mr. Jost Kadel, Deputy Chief of Mission and Head of Cooperation at the German Embassy, stated, “As we celebrate the National Nutrition Day today, let us not only reflect on Cambodia's achievements but also renew our commitment to its vision.Together, we will help Cambodia continue on a path of health and resilience, ensuring that no one is left behind. Let us leverage the power of partnerships, digital innovation and sustainable practices to support the Kingdom in building a future where food systems are resilient, intrusive and adaptable to the demands of tomorrow.”The event also included a presentation on the 2030 Roadmap for Sustainable Food Systems, outlining strategies to enhance sustainable food systems and nutrition outcomes in Cambodia. Attendees participated in breakout sessions, facilitated by FAO, WFP, UNICEF, and CARD, to collaboratively develop the roadmap’s strategic framework and explore integrated, multi-sectoral solutions. The 11th National Nutrition Day showcased a united effort among government, development partners, civil society, and communities, all working together to build a healthier, more resilient Cambodia. This collective commitment underscores the role of nutrition in driving growth, wellbeing, and a brighter future for all Cambodians.
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Press Release
09 September 2024
UNOPS Hosted a 2-day Workshop on Procurement and Supply Chain Best Practices for Cambodia’s Ministry of Health
The workshop aimed to enhance the Ministry of Health’s ability in effective communication and engagement with suppliers, particularly in the procurement of essential goods and equipment that require ongoing maintenance and warranty support after delivery. UNOPS project managers and procurement experts shared experiences in the region. The workshop was attended by 85 participants representing national technical departments, centers, hospitals, and provincial health departments. Cambodia’s Ministry of Health has been proactively engaging with local and international suppliers, especially in procuring advanced medical equipment that requires comprehensive long-term support to enhance the country’s healthcare system. At the provincial level, the health departments are committed to strengthening their procurement and finance capacities to meet the Standard Operating Procedures and Guidelines set by the Ministry of Economy and Finance with the Decentralization of Public Financial Reform.Recognizing UNOPS expertise in procurement, infrastructure, and project management within the health sector, Minister of Health H.E. Professor Chheang Ra requested UNOPS to provide a knowledge-sharing workshop during a meeting with the Country Manager Ms. Eda Kraja. The goal was to enhance the national and local health departments’ understanding of procurement supply chains, including infrastructure requirements, testing, operation, and maintenance, and to increase the competitiveness of bids by attracting more qualified suppliers to participate in the Ministry of Health’s procurement opportunities.In her remarks, Secretary of State and Director of the Minister’s Cabinet, Ministry of Health, H.E. Ph. VAR Puthneath said “The Ministry of Health has been collaborating with national and international institutions and the UN agencies for its efforts and commitment to achieve the Universal Health Coverage in Cambodia by strengthening the quality of basic healthcare services to all people and all places. The collaboration with all stakeholders is vital to ensure that no one and no place is left behind. Therefore, MoH will continue to collaborate with all stakeholders, especially with UNOPS on procurement and other technical services.” “Sustainable procurement is at the center of the UNOPS mandate. UNOPS Health Strategy identifies health procurement as a critical service to enable health systems' effective and continuous functioning. UNOPS not only procures and delivers health commodities, it also provides technical assistance and advisory support to strengthen public procurement systems for health,” said Ms. Eda Kraja, UNOPS Country Manager for Cambodia. “UNOPS remains committed to supporting the Ministry of Health in procurement and infrastructure collaborations and to providing capacity building for health professionals in Cambodia.” During the workshop, UNOPS procurement experts shared their best practices, examples and exercises in procurement and supply chain management. In 2023, the organization procured $1.6 billion of goods and services from more than 5,700 suppliers, on behalf of 184 partners globally. In Cambodia, UNOPS procurement has played a pivotal role in the country’s efforts to eliminate malaria and address HIV/AIDS and TB since 2014. The knowledge-sharing workshop provided UNOPS good practices of procurement to complement the Ministry of Health’s conscious efforts to streamline its procurement practices, leading to improved efficiency, reduced costs, and increased supplier participation. It also served as a proactive step in strengthening the long-standing partnership between UNOPS and the Ministry of Health by fostering meaningful collaborations and synergies to contribute to the future of Cambodia’s healthcare system.
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Press Release
06 August 2024
Cambodia's Fisheries Sector Set for Global Expansion: Key Steps Towards Export Compliance
Ensuring the safety and integrity of fish and fishery products for all is the FiA's top priority. With technical support from UNIDO, FiA has implemented a comprehensive food safety system and official control aligned with the EU standards, facilitating exports while safeguarding public health. “Implementing this system has enabled Cambodia to export fish and fishery products to international markets such as China, Australia, New Zealand, and other ASEAN member countries, driven by rising demand from Cambodian and Asian communities abroad,” stated H.E. Poum Sotha, Director General of the FiA. In this direction, the FiA is establishing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) or Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA) with many of these countries to enhance global market access. This requires building the necessary capacity of the Fisheries Competent Authority (FCA) to ensure that fish and fishery products meet hygiene and safety standards set by the importing countries. To meet the export requirements, the FiA has issued “Technical Requirements for Official Control and Inspection of Quality and Safety of Fish and Fishery Products," adopted on 22 March 2024 for export control. UNIDO's Chief Technical Advisor, Dr. Shetty Seetharama Thombathu, emphasized that “while this document is currently voluntary, it becomes mandatory for those operators who intend to export their fish and fishery products to the EU and other global markets”.“The FCA is preparing for the upcoming audit by the EU Directorate General for Health and Food Safety (DG-SANTE), having submitted the official requests and necessary documentation," said Dr. Chhoun Chamnan, Director of Fisheries Post-harvest Technology and Quality Control (DFPTQ) of the FiA. H.E. Poum Sotha called on all stakeholders in the fishery value chains to collaborate with the FCA to implement all necessary food safety requirements and follow the required processes, from application submission to obtaining the export approval ID. "It is complicated but worthwhile because if Cambodia passes the DG-SANTE audit, the country will have easier access to other markets. With the EU recognition, Cambodia is proud to have improved its standing in international markets and drawn more investment in its post-harvest fisheries," he explained. The FCA of FiA intends to invite the DG SANTE audit to list Cambodia for low-risk products, including fish sauce and fermented and dried fish products sourced from inland wild-capture fisheries. Ends – For more information, please contact: Dr. Chhoun Chamnan, Director of the Department of Fisheries Post-harvest Technologies and Quality Control (DFPTQ) of the Fisheries Administration (FiA): chhounchamnan@gmail.comMr. Samruol IM, National Communication and Visibility Expert for the CAPFISH-Capture project: S.IM@unido.org
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Press Release
26 July 2024
End of Mission Statement
There is much to admire about Cambodia. Its monumental architecture and historical wonder, Angkor Wat, is renowned worldwide. Its extensive vaccination against COVID-19, its de-mining skills, and its contribution to UN peace-keeping are well appreciated. Its move towards more comprehensive social protection for the population is welcome. It is a country which has emerged from the armed conflict of the 1980s to enjoy the peace of today.Yet, there lingers the question: can it fulfill the promises of a broader spectrum - human rights, democracy and sustainable development - which go hand in hand with the aspiration of peace? In such context, since August 2023, there is a new generation of politicians in power. Can this administration ensure transformative change to leave behind the minefields of the past, and to construct the milestones of the future? Much depends upon how it can pluralize the setting with a variety of stakeholders, especially to demonopolize - to share more and to respect the range of voices and choices that interlink with that broader spectrum. And the clock is ticking, still waiting for the hour of credibility.The UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Cambodia, Professor Vitit Muntarbhorn, paid two visits (part one and part two) from 4-8 December 2023 and 21-26 July 2024 to Cambodia. The first visit was to meet the new Government and other stakeholders in Phnom Penh and the second visit was aimed at accessing the field, especially Rattanakiri province and nearby provinces, with special attention to the status of indigenous peoples. He conveys his deepest thanks to the governmental authorities, the UN and members of civil society for their kind assistance. This Press Statement is thus a reflection of key issues and findings which interrelate with those two visits and the evolving situation during the period. They embody the architecture for human rights implementation which is critically important for the country, as follows: 1. Follow-upThe UN Special Rapporteur recalls that at the end of his first visit to the country in 2022, he issued the Cambodian Human Rights Action Agenda highlighting the need to implement effectively recommendations from the UN system; open up civic and political space; ensure pluralism in the national elections; end prosecution of the political opposition and dissidents; address land issues in a participatory manner; respond to the vulnerabilities of key groups; improve the quality of law enforcers and reform the criminal justice system; ensure broader social protection; overcome injustices caused by debt and microfinance; underline gender-responsiveness to counter discrimination and violence; and synergise the links with international standards.Many of these elements have not yet been fulfilled, and follow-up action should thus be pursued with vigour and commitment - with evidence to convince. 2. International Instruments and UPR ProcessRecently, the country appeared before the Committee on Enforced Disappearance for the first time under the Convention for Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance. The Committee recommended, inter alia, the need for more effective law and investigation system, support for victims and affected families, adjustment of the statute of limitations, and establishment of a centre for missing persons. There are some local and transnational cases awaiting remedies.The country also engaged with its fourth round of the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) under the United Nations Human Rights Council. It can be recalled that the country accepted 173 recommendations at the previous review (third cycle of the UPR). However, it merely took note and did not accept some 25 key recommendations from the world community, many of which concern the most poignant areas needing reform, especially to open up the civic and political space and release political/human rights detainees.It is hoped that with this fourth cycle, there will be recognition of the need to address those issues effectively. 3. ElectionsThe past 2 years have witnessed 3 elections at different levels in Cambodia. There were elections for the National Assembly in July 2023, Senate elections in February 2024 and Capital/provincial/municipal/district/town (Khan) elections in May 2024. The majority of the seats went to the ruling party which has enjoyed a monopoly of power since 2017. These incisive words from the top of the UN human rights system aptly describe the situation: (per UN press release):“(The) UN High Commissioner for Human Rights has expressed regret that the Cambodian general elections held on 23 July (2023) were conducted in a severely restricted space that negatively impacted on the rights of Cambodians to participate fully and equally in all aspects of the electoral process. Restrictive laws and policies hampered the registration and participation of opposition political parties and candidates, and opposition parties, trade unions, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and media were targeted through criminal and other legal processes, threats, intimidation, and on occasion physical attacks.“It is concerning that Cambodia has witnessed a constant shrinkage of democratic space in recent years, undermining fundamental freedoms and the right to participate in public affairs,” said (The High Commissioner).“Opposition political parties, activists, members of the media and others have faced numerous restrictions and reprisals that appear intended to curb political campaigning and to hinder the exercise of fundamental freedoms essential for free and fully participatory elections.”In the lead up to the elections, the National Election Committee disqualified two leading opposition political parties, including the Candlelight Party. Immediately prior to election day, the government telecoms regulator ordered internet service providers to block the social media accounts of three media organizations deemed critical of the Government.”Disconcertingly, the elections were far from being free and fair, and the new administration needs to address this issue openly and effectively. Another clock is ticking in that it now has three years (plus) until the next Commune elections in 2027 - to prove whether it can pluralize in keeping with the democratic imperative.Interestingly, from the angle of women’s rights, the participation of women is still far too low. Currently, there are only 16 women out of 125 members in the National Assembly. In the most recent provincial elections, from information received, in the Capital/Provincial Councils: out of a total of 559 councilors, women councilors represent about 17%. In the District/Khan Councils: out of a total of 3,641 councilors, women councilors represent some 19,22%. Much work thus needs to be done to augment women’s substantive participation in all walks of life, especially in the political domain. 4. Indigenous PeoplesThe Special Rapporteur’s visits to several indigenous groups reveal the following scenario. The country should be commended for recognizing in law the notion of indigenous peoples and their rights. Yet, there remain various impediments in realizing those rights. At one level, while there is the possibility of self identification of those groups, several have not yet been listed by the authorities and the waiting period can be long. Another key concern is their claim to ancestral land. While the law provides for the possibility of collective title for community land, the registration process is longwinded and it needs to be expedited. In the meantime, indigenous peoples are faced with the negative impact of economic land concessions and encroachments on their land by vested interests, often business actors and outsiders, at times in collusion with officialdom.Many communities suffer from debt, partly caused by predatory lending and moneyed sharks which prey upon them. Matters are aggravated by the use of community land as collateral for loans sought by some members of the community, even though this should not be done. This use of collective land title as a kind of “soft” title undermines the community holding that should not be for individual benefits.A key concern is that there is inadequate consultation and participation of these peoples. The principle of “free, prior and informed consent” is very relevant to negotiations which should take place between the authorities and these groups to prevent pressure which might cause dislocation. There is a need to involve them in the mapping process of their land rather than to rely on satellite images which superimpose demarcations, inconsistent with community boundaries. Public inquiries should be organized involving indigenous and other groups before projects are initiated, impacting upon their livelihood and environment. This is all the more relevant since, in the context of global warming and climate change under the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, the Conferences of States Parties (COP) now recognize the role of indigenous peoples as guardians of the forests and related environment.The Special Rapporteur was also concerned that in one area, a company had come on to community land to fence the land with pillars, without the knowledge of the indigenous community. The company also issued a threat to take action against the latter if it tried to remove the pillars. In another situation, the Special Rapporteur learned that the community was told to accept a smaller area of community land for collective titling, in exchange for the termination of criminal charges against its members. What a quid pro quo! A new law in the form of the Environmental and Resources Code was criticized by many groups for its omission to mention indigenous peoples and their rights. The law is also linked with protected areas which might overlap with the ancestral land of these communities. One community added that they had been subjected to an agreement or “contract” with the authorities limiting their activities in protected areas overlapping with ancestral land and that they wished to see re-negotiation of the arrangement with fuller recognition of their rights.Where they try to assert their rights, such as through demonstrations, regrettably they are prosecuted for incitement under the criminal law and related charges. In exercising their rights, paradoxically members of indigenous peoples are criminalized in the process. In the words of a member of that community: “If we raise our land issues, we are called the “opposition””The Special Rapporteur was also briefed about various court cases facing representatives of indigenous communities, and the preferred solution is to drop the cases to ensure justice, based on broader respect for freedom of expression and peaceful assembly.In regard to the emergence of a new land law, it is hoped that indigenous peoples and their rights will be mentioned explicitly.The communities are also marginalized in their access to education, health care and occupational opportunities. While multilingual education with space for indigenous languages is available to some extent, it is provided with a view to subsuming those languages under the national language rather than to preserve those indigenous languages for posterity.It is essential that indigenous peoples have more access to decision-making positions; they should have the space to be their own advocates of change in their access to justice and the wherewithal of life. There should be more space for them in law enforcement and the political field from the local to the national level. One commentator added in the discussions: “Rangers should be drawn from indigenous communities rather than outsiders to patrol the forests and related resources.” Another added: “They should become sub-district officials, judges and members of political parties.”While there have been policies on indigenous peoples, a national action plan on their rights is still missing. There should be a one stop-service to help these communities in their quest for indigenous rights. There is a need for a national forum or working group to enable them to dialogue with authorities, with concomitant budgeting. Social awareness on indigenous peoples can also be nurtured through more education on their culture, as well as possibly a national and or international festival on indigenous arts and culture. Cultural diversity derived from indigenous communities under the umbrella of international law should be part of cross-cultural education as their value added. 5. Prison System The Special Rapporteur is conscious of the efforts of the authorities to support alternative methods of dispute resolution, as well as to reduce overcrowding in prison. Yet, much of the bottleneck is due to the tendency to detain pre-trial cases, when the preferred option should be to ensure bail and non-custodial measures. Many of the cases are also in relation to drugs offences which would be better dealt with via community based rehabilitation rather than incarceration.The heavy hand of law and order often results in people being arrested all too easily under the morass of laws, with the poor and less educated subjected to quick or summary justice, sending them to long prison terms without full access to legal aid and safeguards in their right to a fair trial and appeal.Women deserve to be treated with greater dignity. Often, the programmes available in prison are gender-insensitive, relegating the training of women inmates to sewing and home economics, rather than offering the full spread of activities available to men, such as training of engineering and automotive repairs.With regard to children, the general principle is that they should be separated from adults if they are to be housed in the same facility. Preferably, they should be in a separate facility with specially trained personnel to deal with them. The facility should not be run by those who are used to running adult prisons. A community based rehabilitation approach should be integrated into the preparations before the facility is operational, rather than to be added as afterthought later on. A more healthy mix would be to involve the Ministry of Health in cooperation with the Ministry of Social Development, rather than those accustomed to a heavy hand in running the facility. Corporal punishment and isolated detention as punishment must be prohibited and there should be consistent monitoring of the conditions in this setting. This is subject to the general child rights principle that children should only be detained as a measure of last resort.As the country already has a Juvenile Justice law, it should introduce more measures to divert young people from the detention system, as well as to ensure more child-sensitive measures.It should not pass unnoticed that closed institutions tend to have a sub-culture which is negative, linked with abuse of power. They might also be a breeding ground for corruption and exploitation of the inmates. This country should thus aim more strongly to comply with international human rights law on this issue and work towards more non-custodial and community-based measures, coupled with reform of the law enforcement system, and improved quality of the judiciary and related law enforcers. There should be more access to legal aid and members of civil society as helpers to open up space for accused persons and detainees, with support geared to empathy rather than retribution. 6. Civic and Political SpaceWith the formation of the new administration in 2023, the Special Rapporteur has been watching with keen interest to see whether there would be liberalization of the civic and political space. Regrettably, to date, this has not taken place. Political detainees continue to be detained, and human rights advocates and environmentalists continue to be prosecuted for incitement and related offences in exercising their right to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and their quest for justice. Even during the presence of the Special Rapporteur in the country, there were reports of some groups being intimidated in breach of their rights.When there is call to shun the draconian nature of the law, the formulaic response from some official quarters tends to be that “everything is done in accordance with the national law”. It is thus hoped that the new generation can leave that cliché behind and opt for a more inspiring dictum, namely: “everything must be done in accordance with national law that complies with international law”. 7. Business and Human RightsAt a time when the country is moving towards its Vision to be a developed country by 2050, the advent of new local and transnational businesses invites preparation and precaution in regard to the impact of business on human rights. To guide the global community on the subject, there are the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights which underline three mutually reinforcing duties – the State’s duty to protect, the business sector’s duty to respect, and their shared responsibility to remedy harm. A key stakeholder which should be brought on broad more directly is the range of businesses in the country which should adopt due diligence measures in their operations, such as to measure impact on human rights. This opens the door to interfacing with labour rights, investment law, environmental law and human rights defenders, including the various groups noted above such as indigenous peoples. Momentum is needed to set apace a policy and practice on this issue which also opens the door to transparency which may also help to counter corruption. It is hoped that this issue can be taken up soon, as the Special Rapporteur raised this issue with the apex of the administration during his visit to the country in December 2023. 8. StakeholdershipOfficial circles state that there are a myriad of media and NGOs in the country. The onlooker should assess the qualitative dimension rather than quantitative dimension. If various media or NGOs are seen as antithetical to the ruling elite, their work is often inhibited by officialdom, and there is the regrettable custom of using various laws, such as the incitement provisions of the Criminal Code and or the full range of draconian laws, to constrain press freedom and related internet channels. Reform of the now infamous law on associations and non-governmental organizations (“LANGO”) which imposes constraining conditions on the work of civil society, such as to prove that they are neutral and to subject them to excessive auditing, has been long in coming. Indeed, there is a litany of laws, policies and practices of a restrictive kind which impede the broader stakeholdership - the imprint of a democratic society, and in the quest to reform them, the authorities should desist from applying them expeditiously. 9. Inter-generational LensAt this moment in time, there is the meeting of the ASEAN Foreign Ministers in the nearby region, while later this is there will be the global Summit of the Future. The latter is aiming for not only a global blueprint for the future but also a Declaration on Future Generations and a Global Digital Compact.Given that Cambodia is dedicated to both this region as well as to multilateralism, as seen its commitment to the UN backed Sustainable Development Goals, it is pivotal to bear in mind that a substantive people-based approach is an essential component of the panorama, while a key component of the Summit of the Future will be youth participation in an intergenerational perspective. For Cambodia, there thus remains the challenge of synergizing between peace, human rights, democracy and sustainable development, for they are the true Pillars of Transformative Change. With the clock ticking, they await a credible, inter-generational response from the top. Thank You.
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Press Release
26 July 2024
Cambodia: National action plan on indigenous rights among measures needed to improve human rights, says expert
“There should be a one stop-service to help these communities in their quest for indigenous rights,” said the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Cambodia, Vitit Muntarbhorn, at the end of his third official visit to the country.The independent expert commended Cambodia for recognising in law the notion of indigenous peoples and their rights, but a national action plan was crucial. “There is a need for a national forum or working group to enable them to dialogue with authorities, with concomitant budgeting,” he said in a statement. (link)* Muntarbhorn was in the country to review progress on implementation of the 10-point Cambodian Human Rights Action Agenda he presented in 2022, to improve the human rights situation, open up civil and political space and pave the way for democratic reform.During his six-day mission, the Special Rapporteur met with local government officials in Ratanakiri and Kandal provinces, with a focus on indigenous peoples. “Social awareness on indigenous peoples can also be nurtured through more education on their culture, as well as possibly a national and or international festival on indigenous arts and culture.” The UN expert met with communities affected by encroachments on their ancestral land and unbalanced development , and he also visited prisons. He noted the efforts of the authorities to support alternative methods of dispute resolution, as well as to reduce overcrowding in prison. “I urge Cambodia to comply with international human rights law and work towards more non-custodial and community-based measures, coupled with reform of the law enforcement system, and improved quality of the judiciary and related law enforcers,” he said. “There should be more access to legal aid and members of civil society as helpers to open space for accused persons and detainees, with support geared to empathy rather than retribution.”The Special Rapporteur said political opponents continue to be detained, and human rights advocates and environmentalists continue to be prosecuted for incitement and related offences in exercising their right to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and their quest for justice. Muntarbhorn also called on the Government to reform the infamous law on associations and non-governmental organisations (“LANGO”), which imposes constraining conditions on the work of civil society. “Imposing the litany of laws, policies and practices of a restrictive kind impedes the broader stakeholdership, and in the quest to reform them, the authorities should desist from applying them expeditiously.”The expert’s fourth report on the situation of human rights in Cambodia will be released in September 2024.ENDSProfessor Vitit Muntarbhorn was appointed as the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Cambodia in March 2021. Professor Vitit is a Thai law Professor with longstanding experience working pro bono for the UN on human rights. He has helped the UN in a variety of positions, including as former UN Special Rapporteur on the Sale of Children, former UN Special Rapporteur on the Democratic People Republic of Korea, former UN Independent Expert on protection against violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity, former Chairperson of the UN appointed Commission of Inquiry on the Ivory Coast, and former member of the UN appointed Commission of Inquiry on the Syrian Arab Republic.Professor Vitit is a Professor Emeritus at the Faculty of Law, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok. He is a graduate of Oxford University (M.A.,B.C.L. (Oxon.) and Universite Libre de Bruxelles (Licence Speciale en Droit Europeen (Brux.)). He is also a Barrister at Law (the Middle Temple, London). For several years, Professor Vitit Co-Chaired the Working Group for an ASEAN Human Rights Mechanism. He has published widely on International Law, Human Rights, International Humanitarian Law, and Law and Development. He is the recipient of a number of awards, including the 2004 UNESCO Human Rights Education Prize. He was bestowed a Knighthood (KBE) in 2018.The Special Rapporteurs, Independent Experts and Working Groups are part of what is known as the Special Procedures of the Human Rights Council. Special Procedures, the largest body of independent experts in the UN Human Rights system, is the general name of the Council’s independent fact-finding and monitoring mechanisms that address either specific country situations or thematic issues in all parts of the world. Special Procedures’ experts work on a voluntary basis; they are not UN staff and do not receive a salary for their work. They are independent from any government or organization and serve in their individual capacity.For inquiries, please contact Ruben Brouwer Ruben.brouwer@un.orgFor media inquiries regarding other UN independent experts, please contact Dharisha Indraguptha (dharisha.indraguptha@un.org) or John Newland (john.newland@un.org)Follow news related to the UN's independent human rights experts on Twitter@UN_SPExpertsConcerned about the world we live in?
Then STAND UP for someone's rights today.
#Standup4humanrights
and visit the web page at https://www.standup4humanrights.org *(https://www.ohchr.org/sites/default/files/documents/countries/cambodia/statements/20240726-eom-sr-cambodia.docx)
Then STAND UP for someone's rights today.
#Standup4humanrights
and visit the web page at https://www.standup4humanrights.org *(https://www.ohchr.org/sites/default/files/documents/countries/cambodia/statements/20240726-eom-sr-cambodia.docx)
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