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Communities Gather to Celebrate International Human Rights Day 2024Published on 11 December 2024
In December 2024, communities from 14 provinces and Phnom Penh came together to commemorate International Human Rights Day and the 76th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
Over 6,000 people participated in events held across Cambodia, including in Battambang, Kampong Chhnang, Kampong Thom, Kampong Speu, Kampot, Koh Kong, Kratie, Preah Vihear, Pailin, Pursat, Svay Rieng, Stung Treng, Tbong Khmum, and Banteay Meanchey.
These gatherings served as platforms for community members to assert their rights, highlight pressing challenges and propose solutions. Despite facing restrictions and surveillance from authorities in Pursat, Prey Lang and Phnom Penh, the planned events went ahead.
The celebrations were marked by diverse activities, including speeches, writing banners, marches, indigenous dances, prayers and solidarity lunches, reflecting a shared commitment to the promotion and defense of human rights.
Published on 16 October 2024
More than 500 people in 13 land communities held celebrations from 6 to 15 October to mark World Habitat Day, despite local officials trying to block or prevent some of the events. Land communities from Kampong Speu, Koh Kong, Kampot, Banteay Meanchey, and Kampong Chhnang provinces organised public events, spoke out for their land rights, and discussed how violations threaten their livelihoods and families.
Among them were representatives from the Amleang community in Kampong Speu, which discussed their fight to defend their land after it was grabbed by Phnom Penh Sugar Company. In Trapeang Chor, the community similarly highlighted their fight for land rights amidst forced evictions linked to sugarcane plantations under the theme “Farmers Protecting Land Rights and Environmental Justice.”
Published on 6 May 2024
As Cambodia’s human rights record is reviewed at the Human Rights Council on 8 May 2024, we urge UN Member States to recommend granting debt relief and implementing free education and healthcare services, in order to reduce debts and put an urgent stop to abuses linked to microfinance loans.
LICADHO, Equitable Cambodia, Sahmakum Teang Tnaut, and FIAN Germany are releasing a series of infographics today in four languages to highlight the debilitating indebtedness faced by many Cambodians and the predatory tactics used by microfinance institutions and microloan providers to target vulnerable, poor and Indigenous communities.
UN Member States must hold Cambodia accountable during the Universal Periodic Review and make recommendations to immediately end human rights abuses in the country’s microfinance sector.
LICADHO, Equitable Cambodia, Sahmakum Teang Tnaut, and FIAN Germany submitted a report to the Human Rights Council on these concerns. The submission can be accessed here.
Published on 1 May 2024
Federations, unions, workers and civil society groups across Phnom Penh celebrated International Labour Day on Wednesday.
Events were held outside the Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training, near Wat Phnom and the National Assembly in Phnom Penh.
Union leaders and workers spoke about the progress they have made in the labour movement but warned against the criminalisation of unions, persecution of labour activists, and the recent regression in the workers' rights, their right to advocate for their peers and fair wages and work conditions.
Published on 26 April 2024
Youths from the Mother Nature Movement and other activists today led a commemorative walk in honour of murdered environmental activist Chut Wutty. Wutty was shot dead on 26 April 2012 whilst patrolling a protected forest area with two journalists in Koh Kong province. A military police officer, In Rattana, was also fatally shot on the same day and blamed for Wutty’s killing following a flawed investigation.
Around 20 youth activists from Mother Nature and six monks gathered in front of Phnom Penh’s Night Market this morning to begin the march. Participants painted messages on their faces and wore white headbands, conducted chants, held a short performance, and carried banners calling for justice for the murder. The march concluded at Hotel Cambodiana, where participants submitted a petition calling for an independent investigation into the killing to authorities from the Ministry of Justice.
Published on 8 March 2024
Around 2,000 people gathered across Phnom Penh and multiple provinces including Banteay Meanchey, Battambang, Kampong Chhnang, Kampong Thom, Kampong Speu, Kampot, Koh Kong, Kratie, Preah Vihear, Pursat, Svay Rieng, Stung Treng, and Tbong Khmum to celebrate International Women’s Day 2024. Between 3 March and 8 March, land and Indigenous community members, labour rights activists, youths, children, local authorities, INGOs and local NGOs joined events to give speeches, march together, join discussion forums, sing songs, and share solidarity meals.
Published on 22 January 2024
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More than 100 people gathered nearby Phnom Penh’s Wat Langka pagoda this morning to demand justice for murdered union leader Chea Vichea. The former President of the Free Trade Union of the Workers of the Kingdom of Cambodia (FTUWKC) was shot and killed in broad daylight at a newspaper stall outside the pagoda on 22 January 2004.
Today, 20 years later, participants including activists, youth and other civil society representatives gathered to call for the murderers to be brought to justice. Vichea’s younger brother and now National Power Party (NPP) Vice President Chea Mony and other FTUWKC representatives read statements about the unionist’s murder. Participants also submitted a petition to Prime Minister Hun Manet’s Cabinet, calling for justice for Vichea and other murdered activists.
Published on 26 December 2023
Around 50 people from grassroots groups and unions this morning gathered in front of Correctional Center 2 (CC2) prison to call for the release of Chhim Sithar, President of the Labor Rights Supported Union of Khmer Employees of NagaWorld (LRSU).
Participants included supporters from the LRSU, Cambodian Alliance of Trade Unions (CATU); Cambodian Food and Service Workers’ Federation (CFSWF); Independent Democracy of Informal Economy Association (IDEA); Cambodia Tourism Workers' Union Federation (CTWUF); Cambodian Informal Economic Workers Association (CIWA); and Cambodian Youth Network (CYN); and LICADHO. Many joined with banners, balloons, and loudspeakers. They were monitored by approximately 10 plainclothes authorities, who photographed and videoed participants throughout.
Published on 10 December 2023
At least 3,000 people across Phnom Penh and 12 provinces celebrated International Human Rights Day 2023 this week. International Human Rights Day is itself observed on 10 December each year in recognition of the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR). This year marks the 75th anniversary of the signing of the UDHR.
International Human Rights Day is itself observed on 10 December each year in recognition of the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR). This year marks the 75th anniversary of the signing of the UDHR.
Published on 20 November 2023
International brands’ garment waste is contributing to human rights and environmental harms in Cambodia’s brick factories. During visits to brick factories from April to September 2023, LICADHO found pre-consumer garment waste this year at five operational and two permanently closed brick factories. These factories in Phnom Penh and Kandal province burnt pre-consumer garment waste to fuel brick kilns. LICADHO found waste marked with 19 international brands as evidenced by the photographs below.
Published on 8 October 2023
Communities across four provinces and Phnom Penh celebrated World Habitat Day 2023 this week, which is itself marked by the first Monday of October each year. Members of land and forest communities gathered to acknowledge the day and raise concerns about their rights to adequate housing and livelihoods. Community members also urged the Cambodian government to expedite the process of finding solutions for ongoing land disputes. At least three communities faced harassment, threats, and surveillance by authorities.
Published on 10 July 2023
Citizens, political party representatives and civil society groups, including NGOs and activists, congregated today to mark the seventh anniversary of Kem Ley’s murder. They continue their call for a genuine and impartial investigation into his death to establish the truth and secure justice for him and his family.
Published on 26 May 2023
Members of land communities from Koh Kong, Svay Rieng, Kampong Speu, Preah Vihear and Tbong Khmum provinces continued to gather to demand the release of three Coalition of Cambodian Farmer Community (CCFC) staffers who were arrested on 18 May.
Theng Savoeun, the association’s president; Nhel Pheap, senior organizing officer; and Thann Hach, community facilitator officer, were charged by the Ratanakiri Provincial Court with plotting against the nation and incitement under Articles 453 and 494-495 of the Criminal Code, respectively. All three are currently in pre-trial detention in Ratanakiri prison.
Authorities have also threatened representatives from land communities in Svay Rieng, Kampong Speu, Koh Kong and Tbong Khmum provinces with arrest if they continue to gather in Phnom Penh.
This follows a series of gatherings between 19 and 22 May 2023 of land community members from Koh Kong, Preah Sihanouk, Svay Rieng, Kampong Speu, and Kandal provinces.
Published on 22 May 2023
Members of land communities from Koh Kong, Preah Sihanouk, Svay Rieng, Kampong Speu, and Kandal provinces gathered to demand the release of three Coalition of Cambodian Farmer Community (CCFC) staffers who were arrested on 18 May.
Theng Savoeun, the association’s president; Nhel Pheap, senior organizing officer; and Thann Hach, community facilitator officer, were charged by the Ratanakiri Provincial Court with plotting against the nation and incitement under Articles 453 and 494-495 of the Criminal Code, respectively. Say Kouhav, the investigating judge, sent all three CCFC staff members to pre-trial detention in Ratanakiri prison at approximately 6:30 pm today. If convicted, they face between 5 and 10 years in prison.
While hundreds of community members gathered outside the Ministry of Interior to demand the three men’s release, many others were blocked by authorities from travelling to the capital. On 19 May 2023, community members from Koh Kong province were blocked by local authorities at 2 am as they attempted to drive to Phnom Penh. They were stopped for around two hours and threatened with arrest if they continued their journey. After they returned home, authorities warned community representatives that any further efforts by community members to gather in Phnom Penh would be met with arrests.
Published on 1 May 2023
Around 2,000 people celebrated International Labour Day 2023 at two key events in Phnom Penh this morning. Workers, unionists, and civil society gathered at Wat Phnom and outside the National Assembly to call for respect for labour rights and an end to harassment of unionists.
Garment workers, construction workers, informal workers, farmers, entertainment workers, domestic workers, hospitality workers, and others gathered this morning. Unionists and workers marched from Wat Phnom to the Council for the Development of Cambodia, where they gave speeches, sang songs, and shared ideas in a public forum. Another group marched from the National Assembly to Chea Vichea's statue, where they gathered to hear speeches.
Published on 8 March 2023
About 3,000 people gathered across at least 10 provinces and Phnom Penh to celebrate International Women’s Day 2023. Between 5 March and 8 March, land and indigenous community members, labour rights activists, children, youth, local authorities and NGOs joined events to give speeches, march, dance and share solidarity meals.
Participants called for equality and respect for women’s rights, as well as solutions for problems they face, such as land disputes, gender-based violence, limited access to social protection, and harmful microfinance debt.
In some communities, local authorities participated and listened to concerns, but there were also attempts at restricting several gatherings. Local authorities warned community members in Kampot province on 7 March against proceeding with their event planned for the following day, threatening that it would be forcefully dispersed. Police also monitored an event and demanded participant lists in Koh Kong province on 6 March. Both events were able to proceed.
Published on 10 December 2022
More than 7,000 people across at least 15 provinces and Phnom Penh gathered to celebrate International Human Rights Day between 4 December and 10 December 2022. Land community members gathered to discuss unresolved land conflicts in their communities; forestry communities discussed the importance and ongoing challenges of protecting natural resources; and unionists highlighted the repression of labour rights and imprisonment of union leader Chhim Sithar. NGO members gathered in Phnom Penh and across the country to participate in events led by communities, and to discuss the human rights situation.
Published on 27 November 2022
Throughout the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, which runs from 25 November to 10 December, LICADHO will be sharing six videos in this album featuring labour rights activists who are standing up for just working conditions and fighting to end gender-based violence at work. Each with different backgrounds, together they represent factory workers, sex workers, entertainment workers, casino workers, teachers, tuk tuk drivers, domestic workers and more.
Published on 10 October 2022
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Members of communities affected by land conflicts gathered across Cambodia in the weeks leading up to and following World Habitat Day to call on the government to ensure the right to adequate housing, and to call for a solution to their long-running land disputes.
Published on 10 July 2022
Civil society groups and political parties have gathered at multiple events to call for justice for Kem Ley and his family in recent days. Events and ceremonies were held in Phnom Penh and Takeo – Kem Ley’s home province – to mark the sixth anniversary of the political analyst’s murder.
About 70 unionists, youth activists and civil society members gathered this morning outside the Star Mart at the Caltex Bokor service station in central Phnom Penh where Kem Ley was shot dead while drinking his morning coffee on 10 July 2016. Participants laid flowers and held a monk blessing ceremony. The mart was shuttered as commemorators began to gather, while about 20 plainclothes security monitored the event.
Civil society groups continue to call for the establishment of a Commission of Inquiry, tasked with conducting an independent, impartial and effective investigation into Kem Ley’s death. The investigation into the killing was widely considered inadequate and failed to identify those beyond the shooter who may have been responsible for the murder.
Published on 1 May 2022
Several events were organised by labour unions and civil society organisations to celebrate International Labour Day 2022 in Phnom Penh on Sunday. There are approximately one thousand of workers participating in this morning celebration.
Published on 8 March 2022
More than 3,000 people joined events to celebrate International Women’s Day 2022 across 12 provinces and the capital Phnom Penh. Communities, farmers, unionists, informal workers, land activists, youth, civil society members and others joined events and shared speeches about challenges faced by women in their communities. They spoke out for imprisoned unionists to be released, for an end to gender based violence and discrimination, for women to be able to enjoy their rights to expression and assembly, and more. Many communities also marched, released balloons, led question and answer sessions, and shared solidarity lunches.
While most events were celebrated on 8 March, communities began celebration on 6 March and two further events are planned in Banteay Meanchey and Preah Vihear provinces. In Pursat province, an event was cancelled following threats and intimidation by commune authorities and a district governor.
Published on 7 February 2022
LICADHO staff support and show solidarity with employees of NagaWorld by calling for the immediate and unconditional release of eight unjustly imprisoned union representatives. We also call on NagaWorld to enter negotiations to address and end this labour dispute peacefully and reinstate the 365 employees, as well as stop all harassment against the union. Joining a union and peaceful strikes are not crimes.
Published on 10 December 2021
Environmental and land rights groups, indigenous communities, and other civil society organisations gathered to celebrate International Human Rights Day in 11 provinces and the capital between the 5th and 10th December 2021.
Despite ongoing intimidation and restrictions from authorities, more than 2,400 people joined together in public forums, discussions, marches and religious ceremonies to call on the government to respect human rights and address long-standing land grabbing cases, as well as to release and drop all charges against imprisoned human rights defenders.
Published on 30 November 2021
On each day of this year’s 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign, which runs from 25 November to 10 December, LICADHO is sharing key findings from its new report “Status Update”. The report details the findings of a survey of over 700 people, and shows that Facebook, the Cambodian government and other social media companies must do more to protect human rights online.
Published on 11 August 2021
The government has unleashed a campaign to attack, jail and convict Cambodia’s environmental defenders and social activists who have raised warnings over issues like waste management, sand dredging, and deforestation, as well as labour and political rights.
In the run up to International Human Rights Day, LICADHO will advocate each week for the release of human rights defenders and highlight the brave and critical work done by these imprisoned activists. Six of these activists are environmental defenders from Mother Nature Cambodia, who are facing the outrageous charge of plotting against the state, two of whom are also facing additional charges of insulting the king. Others are longtime labour leaders, monks, and members of the youth activist group Khmer Thavrak.
These activists spoke out on issues important to Cambodia and have faced harassment, intimidation and prison sentences as a result.
It is time to drop these charges and release these activists and all human rights defenders now.
Published on 1 June 2021
This Children’s Day, LICADHO is releasing a series of quotes from children and their families whose lives have been impacted by the response to COVID-19. They have decided to share their experiences and detail how measures to contain the pandemic have affected their education, as well as their physical and mental health, particularly for children caught in harsh lockdowns.
Published on 9 March 2021
This March 8, garment workers, teachers, laborers and farmers from Phnom Penh and five provinces gathered together across Cambodia to celebrate International Women’s Day. Taking care to maintain social distancing measures, check temperatures and wear masks to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission, these communities came together to hold local forums and share their experience with the struggles facing women from grassroots communities still fighting to protect their land and their livelihoods.
In Phnom Penh, scores of participants joined in a celebration centered around the theme of “True Democracy Leads to a System of Social Protection and Justice for Women and All”. Accompanied by traditional musicians, a number of union leaders spoke about the challenges facing women in their workforces as well as the broader fight against domestic violence, rising household debt, the ongoing harassment of activists by authorities and the urgent need for social security programs in response to the pandemic.
Not all of these celebrations were allowed to proceed in peace. At least one community faced arbitrary restrictions on the number of participants. Despite the shadow of Cambodia’s latest community outbreak of COVID-19, though, women and the communities who support them continued to demonstrate their commitment to promoting justice, dignity and equality between men and women.
Published on 10 July 2020
Four years after political analyst Kem Ley was shot dead while drinking his morning coffee, the Star Mart at Caltex Bokor service station stood empty behind sealed shutters. But despite the authorities’ attempts to restrict all public commemoration of the popular commentator’s murder, former friends, colleagues and human rights defenders gathered in Phnom Penh and Takeo in the days leading up to the anniversary to pay tribute to his memory.
On Wednesday July 8, a group of monks and young activists were physically barred from holding a peaceful prayer ceremony at the site of Kem Ley’s shooting by a human chain of security forces. One young man wearing a t-shirt showing Kem Ley’s face was immediately arrested and made to sign a contract by district police.
The next day, a group of youth activists were blocked from travelling to Kem Ley’s family home in Takeo by heavily armed security forces. And today, scores of military police and security forces were deployed to block a convoy of monks, activists and supporters of the slain commentator from peacefully processing along the same route. Undaunted, they continued their journey on foot.
Rights groups continue to call on Cambodian authorities to create an independent Commission of Inquiry to fully investigate Kem Ley’s murder, and urge authorities to cease all intimidation and harassment of people peacefully commemorating his death.
Published on 8 March 2020
From March 5 to March 8, hundreds of people from dozens of different communities came together to celebrate International Women’s Day across Cambodia. In Kampong Speu province, convoys of tractors trekked across the red earth to public forums where women shared stories of finding strength amidst discrimination and struggle. In Koh Kong province, more than 300 people marched in protest of enduring inequality between men and women. And in the capital of Phnom Penh, more than 200 workers and activists gathered in Freedom Park to take part in performances exposing the harassment that many women continue to face every day in their workplaces. In Svay Rieng, Banteay Meanchey, Kampong Chhnang, Thbong Khmum, Battambang, Preah Sihanouk, Siem Reap and Pursat provinces, men, women and children joined arms to demand equal rights for women.
For many of the women involved in demonstrations across Cambodia, land rights continued to play a central role in their struggle. Grassroots communities gathered to discuss the ongoing harassment and intimidation facing women who stand up to protect the land they depend on to survive, as well as ways to strengthen and support women activists fighting for their livelihoods.
But few of these celebrations were free from outside pressure. In Phnom Penh’s Freedom Park, municipal authorities arbitrarily restricted the number of participants to 200 people crowded beneath a single tent. Most gatherings across the country took place under the watching gaze of security forces, and communities in Pursat and Svay Rieng provinces reported being threatened by local security in the days leading up to International Women’s Day. As has become all too common, much of the harassment levelled against local communities by authorities was carried out in the name of the much-condemned Law on Associations and NGOs (LANGO), which gives officials arbitrary power to suppress grassroots organising and events. Despite these challenges, though, women across Cambodia continued to raise their voices against ongoing discrimination and abuse.
Published on 10 December 2019
December 10 - Around 6,000 community members and civil society activists participated in events in Phnom Penh and provinces across Cambodia to celebrate International Human Rights Day between December 7 and December 10, 2019.
Several communities reported being threatened by local authorities to not hold events, particularly in Sihanoukville, Kampot, Koh Kong, and Kampong Speu provinces. Some communities went ahead with planned events despite pressure from authorities.
In Phnom Penh, representatives from civil society groups, unions, Buddhist monks and youth groups gathered alongside representatives from various embassies to discuss the importance of human rights at Freedom Park.
Published on 7 November 2019
Soldiers, military police and police have mobilised across Cambodia this week ahead of the planned return of former leaders of the Supreme Court-dissolved Cambodia National Rescue Party. In many provinces this has included public processions of armed security forces down main thoroughfares, sometimes with children lining the streets to observe the armed forces, as organised by their public schools. Government-aligned media and official Facebook pages have shared videos of armed forces alongside machine gun turrets, grenade launchers, artillery, assault rifles and sniper rifles. LICADHO has confirmed that convoys of security forces have traveled through public streets in Banteay Meanchey, Battambang, Kampong Thom, Koh Kong, and Svay Rieng provinces.
This deployment of armed forces takes place amid an unprecedented wave of arrests of former opposition members, with at least 50 people arrested since August 2019.
Published on 1 May 2019
More than 2,000 people in at least five provinces across the country marked International Labour Day over the last week, often in the presence of security forces. In Phnom Penh, around 500 mixed security forces were deployed, and workers and civil society members gathered at both Freedom Park and the Council for the Development of Cambodia. Municipal authorities stopped workers from marching to the National Assembly and instead allowed for a limited march around Wat Phnom in the presence of security officials.
Published on 8 March 2019
About one thousand people across at least five provinces and Phnom Penh gathered to celebrate International Women's Day this morning.
Mixed security forces physically blocked about 500 participants in Phnom Penh as they attempted to march from Olympic Stadium to submit a petition to the Council of Ministers, and authorities at one point forcibly pushed several women into the stadium grounds before closing the gate and locking them inside.
Authorities attempted to prohibit community-led events in Tbong Khmum and Kampong Speu provinces, but participants went on to hold the events without major issues. Many celebrations around the country were held in the presence of security forces.
Published on 10 December 2018
Communities, associations, trade unions and other civil society groups celebrated Human Rights Day in Cambodia between 5 and 10 December 2018.
Despite ongoing intimidation and restrictions from authorities more than 7,000 people in 14 provinces and the capital participated in theatre, music, parades and discussions. They called on the government to respect human rights and tackle long standing violations, not least unresolved land grabbing cases.
Published on 5 October 2018
Communities around the country celebrated World Habitat Day between 28 September and 5 October 2018.
This year's theme was “municipal solid waste management” and many organised garbage clean ups as well as discussions on housing and land rights.
More than 2,000 people participated in at least 30 communities.
Authorities shut down some events, claiming they were illegal, and others were cancelled or held indoors due to threats and intimidation.
Published on 2 May 2018
Close to a thousand workers and trades unionists celebrated International Labour Day around Cambodia on 1 May 2018 despite restrictions on public gatherings and a ban on the traditionally held march in the capital.
A large area around the National Assembly was cordoned by mixed police forces and the rally in the capital was closely monitored.
Other events in Cambodian provinces were also low key and closely watched by authorities.
Published on 11 July 2017
This photo album covers the events that took place in Cambodia on 9 and 10 July 2017 to commemorate the killing of political analyst Kem Ley. Cambodians abroad also paid their respects to Kem Ley, with tributes taking place in Australia and Thailand. On 10 July 2016, Kem Ley was shot twice, in his chest and his head, at the Caltex petrol station in central Phnom Penh. The gunman Oeuth Ang was convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment in March 2017, however justice has yet to be served due to numerous concerns about the adequacy of the criminal process in both the investigation and the trial.
Published on 2 May 2017
The photo album covers the 2017 International Labour Day celebration in Phnom Penh. More than 1,500 workers and activists gathered in central Phnom Penh, facing barricades and mixed police armed with shields, batons and other weapons. After two hours of negotiations, the group of workers stood their ground and rallied for labour rights, freedom of association, the living wage and better working conditions.
Published on 13 December 2016
Over 11,000 people across Cambodia joined together in a series of events to celebrate International Human Rights Day 2016.
Celebrations organised by Friends of December 10 across the country saw thousands speak on issues such as free and fair elections, land rights, a living wage for workers, a free and fair judiciary and an end to attacks on fundamental freedoms.
Published on 2 December 2016
To accompany publication of the report “Built on Slavery: Debt Bondage and Child Labour in Cambodia’s Brick Factories” LICADHO is releasing this photo album which shows the different elements of the brick-making process and the living and working conditions of the adults and children who make the bricks.
Published on 17 October 2016
On Sunday, 16 October, thousands of people joined a 90-kilometre funeral procession, from Phnom Penh to Takeo, to mark 100 days since the assassination of political analyst Dr. Kem Ley. He was shot dead in a busy Caltex petrol station cafe in central Phnom Penh on 10 July 2016. Over the past three months since he was murdered, there has still been no independent and credible investigation into his murder.
The procession started from Wat Chas, a pagoda in Phnom Penh, where over the previous two days thousands of people had travelled to pay respect.
Published on 17 December 2015
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To celebrate International Human Rights Day (IHRD), about 10,000 people from rural and urban communities participated in 20 marches and events across the country from December 6 to December 10. These were organized by the informal network Friends of December 10th, which includes youth, land communities, associations, farmers, monks, and NGOs.
On December 10, groups peacefully marched from various locations in Phnom Penh toward the Ministry of Justice to demand that the government resolve Cambodia’s land conflict epidemic; reform the judicial system and release human rights defenders and activists; raise the minimum wage and respect labour rights; end state-sponsored violence; and respect freedoms of expression, association and peaceful assembly. This year’s IHRD theme was ‘Justice’.
Published on 5 October 2015
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This morning, over 1,400 community members, monks and grassroots groups from across Cambodia gathered in Phnom Penh to celebrate the 30th World Habitat Day and to call on authorities to respect Cambodian people’s right to housing.
Published on 2 July 2015
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From June 28-30, various sectors of Cambodian civil society conducted a spirited 3-day campaign to protest against two draft laws, the Law on Associations and NGOs (LANGO) and the Trade Union Law (TUL). On the third day, authorities used force to prevent hundreds of members of civil society from peacefully marching toward the National Assembly from four locations.
Published on 5 May 2015
On the morning of May 1, 2015, in celebration of International Labour Day, marches and rallies were held at three sites around Phnom Penh to request a living wage of $177, greater respect for workers’ rights and freedom of expression, and for the government to drop draft legislation on unions, associations and non governmental organizations (NGOs).
Published on 15 December 2014
To celebrate International Human Rights Day (IHRD) this year, 600 monks marched alongside land activists, associations, unions, rural and urban residents, and NGOs, on six national roads towards Phnom Penh from December 5 to December 10. This year’s IHRD theme was “Respecting Human Rights Leads to Peace!” For the first time, indigenous communities in Ratanakiri province participated in IHRD by organizing their own march on National Road 7, which began on December 4.
Published on 8 December 2014
On November 10 and 11, 10 Boeung Kak land rights activists were arrested while staging peaceful protests in Phnom Penh. By November 12, all had been sentenced to a year in prison. The imprisonment of the women occured during a wave of arrests which targeted not only land rights activists but also opposition party members and activist monks. Nineteen of those arrested remain in detention.
This photo album focuses on the 10 female Boeung Kak activists whose struggle for a just resolution to their land dispute has now lasted seven years. For five of them, this is their second prison term.
Published on 12 November 2014
On the morning of Tuesday, November 11, approximately 50 representatives from several land communities gathered outside the Phnom Penh Municipal Court to protest the detention of seven Boeung Kak Lake activists who had been arrested the day before while protesting outside Phnom Penh City Hall against the alleged failure of city authorities to deal with the issue of flooding around the site of the former lake.
Over 100 riot police and security guards violently broke up the protest in front of the court and arrested three additional land activists and one monk.
Published on 17 September 2014
At approximately 11am, labour unions in and around Phnom Penh launched the $177 minimum wage campaign in front of garment factories as workers were going on their lunch break. In the Canadia Industrial Park alone, over a thousand workers gathered next to factories to demand a humane minimum wage. Military soldiers were stationed along Veng Sreng road and inside Canadia Industrial Park to intimidate workers.
Published on 12 August 2014
On August 12 International Youth Day, LICADHO is releasing profiles of youths who are part of our Child Protection Groups (CPGs) network, and actively promote child rights in their respective communities. LICADHO works with 73 CPGs, six of which represent youth and comprise 81 members across four target areas: Phnom Penh/Kandal, Preah Sihanouk, Koh Kong, and Siem Reap. This year, some youth CPG members from Phnom Penh/Kandal participated in International Youth Day celebrations in Phnom Penh organized by other youth networks. The theme was, “Youth Social Movement and Change.” The group marched from Freedom Park to the National Assembly where youth CPG members submitted a statement calling on the government to promote child rights
Published on 10 January 2014
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On Thursday, January 2, 2014, Special Command Unit 911 violently cracked down on demonstrating garment factory workers near South Korean/U.S.-owned Yak Jin factory in the Pursenchey district of Phnom Penh, using knives, pipes, slingshots, batons and high-powered rifles, including AK-47 machine guns, to intimidate and injure civilians. The next day, state authorities used live ammunition to clear out the Canadia Industrial Area on Veng Sreng Road of civilians, resulting at least four civilian deaths and 38 hospitalized, 25 of whom suffered from bullet wounds. On Saturday, January 4, authorities then drove out CNRP supporters, including monks, women, and children, from Freedom Park with batons and metal rods. Amidst the chaos, state forces prevented media and rights workers from entering the park.
Published on 13 December 2013
On the morning of Tuesday, December 10, 2013, groups celebrated International Human Rights Day around the city. Monks and civil society peace marchers converged in front of the National Assembly after a 10-day march from various provincial locations. A group of about 1,000 people, largely consisting of garment workers, celebrated at Wat Phnom. Meanwhile, the CNRP held an event in Freedom Park attended by about 5,000 supporters. The day ended with tension as a 15-person protest in front of the US embassy was forcibly stopped with the deployment of hundreds of military police.
Published on 6 December 2013
On Sunday, December 1, 2013, civil society groups, led by monks, began marching from five different provincial locations down five National Roads towards Phnom Penh to commemorate the 65th anniversary of International Human Rights Day. Their goal is to march 20km per day and converge en masse in front of the National Assembly on December 10 to present complaints, concerns and recommendations from people they meet to elected officials. Along the way, marchers are also promoting human rights and educating communities on the teachings of Buddhism.
Published on 1 November 2013
For three days from October 23-25, 2013, over 25,000 people peacefully gathered from across Cambodia in the capital city to rally for political change. The National Rescue Party (CNRP) leaders collected over 2.3 million thumbprints calling for an independent investigation into July’s election irregularities and for election reform. Marking the 22nd anniversary of the 1991 Paris Peace Accords, CNRP leaders and supporters successfully delivered this petition to eight embassies and the UN, requesting signatories to uphold their promise to help ensure democracy and respect for human rights in Cambodia.
Published on 10 June 2013
On the morning of June 9, 2013, a series of well-organized protests occurred throughout Cambodia, at which participants denounced an alleged speech given by opposition party leader Kem Sokha. The Cambodian National Rescue Party (CNRP) leader allegedly claimed that Khmer Rouge S-21 prison was faked by the Vietnamese. These gatherings followed weeks of relentless attacks on Kem Sokha by the ruling Cambodian People’s Party (CPP) – mostly coming via CPP-dominated TV stations. Kem Sokha denies the accusation.
Published on 8 May 2013
On the morning of May 8, 2013, Boeung Kak community activists gathered in front of the South Korean Embassy in Phnom Penh to call for the release of Boeung Kak activist Yorm Bopha, declared Prisoner of Conscience by Amnesty International earlier this year. The action was in solidarity with a similar gathering in front of the Cambodian Embassy in Seoul, where South Korean activists were joined by a visiting Boeung Kak community member. The simultaneous gatherings in the two countries each culminated in the supporters submitting letters calling for the release of Yorm Bopha to Embassy officials.
Published on 1 May 2013
On May 1, 2013, between 6,000 and 7,000 garment workers, union leaders, local communities, motodops, students, NGOs and others gathered in Phnom Penh to mark International Labor Day. The group marched from Freedom Park to the National Assembly in Phnom Penh, calling for living wages, improved working conditions and for justice in the Born Samnang/Sok Sam Oeun and Chhouk Bandith cases. This album contains a selection of photos from the march.
Published on 26 February 2013
Today is Yorm Bopha’s 176th day in Correctional Center 2, a prison on the outskirts of Phnom Penh.
Bopha is a human rights defender from the Boeung Kak community who played an active role in the movement calling for the release of the Boeung Kak 13, a group of women who were imprisoned in May 2012 for defending their land rights. The 13 were released on June 27, but Bopha was arrested on Sept. 4, 2012, and accused of beating of a man in Boeung Kak. Though she maintains her innocence, Bopha was convicted on Dec. 26, 2012, and sentenced to three years in prison.
Since Bopha’s arrest, Boeung Kak residents and other supporters have staged approximately a dozen major protests calling for her release. This photo album documents some of these events.
Published on 18 June 2012
In May 2012, 15 activists from the Boeung Kak Lake community in Phnom Penh were arrested in relation to a land dispute that displaced thousands of families. Thirteen of them have been convicted and are now serving prison terms; the remaining two were released from pretrial detention on June 15 but still face charges. This photo album features photographs and biographies of each of the 15 activists.
Published on 31 May 2012
On May 31, the children and grandchildren of "the Boeung Kak 15" - former residents of the Boeung Kak Lake community who have been jailed following a land dispute - gathered outside the Ministry of Justice to sing songs in support of their relatives.
Published on 20 December 2011
On the morning of December 20, 2011, at 8:30 AM, over 100 Cambodian citizens from Phnom Penh and 23 provinces peacefully unrolled a 230 meter long blue kramar petition in front of the National Assembly. The petition addressed in Khmer to the Royal Government of Cambodia from the citizens of Cambodia calls on the government to: '... halt its intention of passing the Law on Associations and Non governmental Organizations, the Law on Trades Union and the Law on Farmers' Cooperative which restrict the basic rights and freedoms of Cambodian citizens."
Published on 21 November 2011
In early November, some 300 Prey Lang network activists traveled deep into the Prey Lang Forest to observe land clear-cut by the CRCK Development Rubber Company, which had been granted an economic land concession in the area. The activists' goal was to prevent further illegal logging of the area. The journey took several days on foot. This slideshow documents their walk.
Published on 18 October 2011
On the morning of October 18, 2011, over 200 Boeung Kak lake residents peacefully gathered in front of the Phnom Penh court to show support for six of community representatives who were summoned by the court. The summons were in relation to complaints filed by local authorities, who accused the six of defamation and of making unlawful threats and insults.
Published on 3 June 2011
On May 25 2011, demonstrators came to Phnom Penh to protest the destruction of Prey Lang forest. Recent economic concessions have put at risk the livelihood of thousands of people.
Published on 6 May 2011
On May 1, 2011, some 3,000 Cambodians gathered in Phnom Penh to celebrate International Labor Day. This photo album documents their march from near Wat Phnom to the National Assembly.
Published on 31 July 2010
On March 22, 2009, 80 Chi Kreng villagers protested on the disputed land, demanding that they be allowed to farm. Authorities proceeded in shooting the protesters, resulting in four villagers injured, three of them hospitalized.
Published on 23 June 2009
The Cambodian government has created a de facto AIDS colony by relocating a group of HIV/AIDS-affected families, evicted from their homes at Borei Keila in central Phnom Penh, to live in sub-standard housing at Tuol Sambo village on the city outskirts.
Published on 25 January 2009
On Saturday, January 24, 2009, hundreds of police and military police helped a private company into forcefully evicting Dey Krahorm community in central Phnom Penh.
Published on 18 November 2008
RCAF Brigade 31 led an armed group to forcefully evict 300 families in Ta Ken commune, Chhuk district, Kampot.
Published on 8 November 2008
Walls that Talk, messages written by former detainees in Prey Speu Social Affairs Center. Photos taken by LICADHO on November 6, 2008.
Published on 28 June 2008
Koh Kor Social Affairs Center, an institutionalized program of unlawful detention by the government. Photos taken by LICADHO on June 17 & 19, 2008.
Published on 14 March 2008
Commissioned artwork used in LICADHO's latest Cambodian prisons condition illustrates the everyday life of incarcerated mother with their child.
Published on 17 December 2007
A photo collection depicting excessive use of violence by the authorities against a group of Khmer Kampuchea Krom monks who gathered in front of the Vietnamese Embassy on December 17, 2007.
Published on 22 November 2007
A collection of photos taken the first and second day passed the deadly eviction of 317 families in Preah Vihear
Published on 16 September 2007
On the morning of 20 April 2007, a mixed group of some 150 Royal Cambodian Armed Forces personnel, military police, and civilian police armed with guns, electric batons, shields and tear gas forcibly evicted the Spean Ches community, 105 families, in Mittapheap District, Sihanoukville.
Published on 21 June 2007
In addition to prison health program, LICADHO's doctors are often called for emergencies during land evictions and to relocation sites.
Published on 6 March 2007
Sre Ambel community lives under threat of losing their land over concession granted to a Thai Khon Kaen Sugar (KSL) company and CPP Senator Ly Yong Phat.
Published on 23 February 2007
Commissioned artwork for a women's right training offered to communities on domestic violence and trafficking.
Published on 1 June 2006May Day 2006
Published on 1 May 2006Child Rights Drawing Contest
Published on 14 February 2006
Students (aged 11 to 17) participate in art contest to celebrate Child Rights in Cambodia.
Published on 18 January 2006
A small album documenting events leading up to and following liberation of five silenced members of civil society.
Published on 1 January 2003
LICADHO plays an active role in promoting the rights of women and gender awareness.
Published on 1 January 2003
The Human Rights Education office increases awareness and understanding of human rights in Cambodia through its various programs.
Published on 1 January 2003
The Monitoring office is at the core of LICADHO's work to promote respect for human right and rule of law in Cambodia.
Published on 1 January 2003
The care provided by the Medical office is an essential part of the services LICADHO offers to victims, providing direct treatment, interventions with the public health system, and support for the legal process.
Published on 1 January 2003
The Project Against Torture assists victims of torture with a comprehensive range of services for their mental and physical rehabilitation. It is the only program of its kind in Cambodia.
Published on 1 January 2003
LICADHO’s Children’s Rights office promotes and defends the rights of children through its networks, monitoring and advocacy activities.
Published on 1 January 2003
The Children’s Rights Office created innovative networks to monitor communities for worst forms of child labor and trafficking.
Published on 1 January 2003
The Children’s Rights office created innovative educational material and a participatory learning approach to introduce child rights concepts to children as well as adults.
Published on 1 January 2003Cambodia
Published on 1 January 2003
