Call for Assistance for Drought Disaster in Kampong Speu Province
Published on 22 September 2005; Cambodia Human Rights Action Committee (CHRAC)
The Cambodian Human Rights Action Committee (CHRAC), a coalition of 18 NGOs, is very upset after hearing a report that five poor people have died and 900 families are suffering from hunger in Boset District, Kampong Speu Province, as broadcast by Radio Free Asia on the night of the 21st September 2005.
Recently, CHRAC has learned about severe draughts in several provinces in Cambodia due to lack of rain, particularly in Kampong Speu Province, which has caused some Cambodian farmers to suffer from lack of food. In addition we have also heard poor people appealing to their leaders, without consideration of political loyalties, for immediate food assistance, as well as for water support to their rice fields and plantations. These calls follow a promise made by the head of government who claimed that he would not allow any Cambodian to die of hunger or to have violated his/her right to food and life.
Therefore, to contribute towards resolving the issue, CHRAC would like to appeal to:
1. The Senate, National Assembly, Royal Government and other local NGOs to start raising funds within their institutions that can be contributed directly to the victims, and further calls for generous individuals, living inside or outside Cambodia, to help these farmers.
2. The Government to prepare a clear mechanism to enable the local authorities to easily draw attention to and report on the people's hunger. In addition, the Cambodian Red Cross and the National Disaster Management Committee should examine and determine the living standards of people affected in order to be able to donate to the affected victims when help is needed, to prevent them from dying of hunger.
3. Ministry of Agriculture and Ministry of Meteorology and Water Resource to repair the irrigation system in order to prevent similar disasters in the future, further water shortage this rainy season, and to ensure sufficient water in the next dry season.
4. The Royal Government in the future to take all necessary measures in advance in order to avoid Cambodian people die of hunger - as happened in the Khmer Rouge Regime and is happening again at this time.
For more information, please contact:
▪ Mr. Sok Sam Oeun Chairman of CHRAC and Director of CDP Tel: 012 901 199
▪ Mrs. Nay Dina Executive Director of KID Tel: 011 924 286
▪ Mr. Cheav Kim Eang LICADHO Tel: 012 803 174
▪ Mr. Ny Chak rya ADHOC Tel: 012 920 730
▪ Mr. Yung Kim Eng President of KYA Tel: 016 828 211
