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.” 

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. 

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 

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.