The Cambodian Human Rights Action Committee (CHRAC), a coalition of 21 NGOs, is concerned with the measures taken by the Khan Daun Penh authority and the Phnom Penh municipality to relocate people who live in village 14 (Sambok Chab village) Khan Chamcarmon, Phnom Penh to a new location situated in Trapeang Anh Chanh village, Sangkat Trapeang Kra Sang, Khan Dangkor, Phnom Penh.

CHRAC has carried out a thorough investigation of this case and has found that it is unclear how the new land will be distributed in fairness, since the statistics put together by the people in six communities and the statistic of local authority are different. This has led people to feel unsure of whether they will be relocated or not. Furthermore, the authority has not yet built basic and adequate infrastructures and services such as health center, school, market, sewers, and electricity system at the new location.

On the May 3 and 4, the Phnom Penh authority deployed police forces equipped with weapons, electric shock batons, and shields to force Sambok Chab villagers to relocate. This event generated concern that there would be violence between the police and villagers. On the night of May 3, the security forces and village authorities removed tents and destroyed the people's pots and dishes while they were having dinner, affecting the temporary house renters in that area.

To contribute to this situation, CHRAC therefore would like to appeal the following points:

- The local authority should delay eviction until a commission is established to elaborate a proper statistic of the people who live in Sambok Chab village and until the new location is adequately serviced.
- The Phnom Penh municipality should consider land distribution for both house owners and house renters in order for them to live altogether in the new location based on land social concession.
- The local authority should allow organizations or generous persons to donate and distribute humanitarian assistance to the poor renters who are now waiting for a solution regarding their resettlement.
- The authorities should be prepared to prevent any form violence which may occur.

For more information, please contact:
▪ Mr. Thun Saray Chairman of CHRAC and President of ADHOC Tel: 016 880 509
▪ Ms. Sao Chanhorm Monitoring Coordinator of LICADHO Tel: 012 356 107
▪ Mrs. Nay Dina Executive Director of KID Tel: 011 924 286
▪ Mr. Chiv Youmeng President of KYA Tel: 012 772 271

PDF: Download full statement