The Cambodian Human Rights Action Committee (CHRAC), a coalition of 18 local NGOs working on human rights issues, expressed concern about reports that the Cambodian government is investigating and considering the closure of the Highlanders Association, an association of indigenous community people in Ratanakiri.

“We this is a threat to freedom of association, a fundamental right enshrined in the Cambodian constitution,” said Mr.Sok Sam Oeun, Chairman of CHRAC. “It’s disappointing to see pressure being put on a community-based organization, that advocates for indigenous minority rights.”

The threat against the Highlanders Association follow events on 03 March, when community people in Ya Tung commune of O Yadao district, Ratanakiri peacefully expressed their opposition to the take-over of their land by a land concession that they had not been informed of.

”We urge the government to uphold freedom of assembly and association by continuing to support community-based grassroots organizations,” said Mr. Sok Sam Oeun, Chairman of CHRAC. “Groups such as the Highlanders Association are simply advocating for cultural preservation and protection of the land and natural resources on which highlanders depend for their decent livelihoods.”

The Highlanders Association was established in 2001 with the encouragement of Ratanakiri Governor Kham Khoeun and Member of Parliament Bou Thang. It is one of a number of groups and projects that have been providing support to communities in Ratanakiri to help them understand their rights under Cambodian laws and assist them in maintaining their livelihoods and culture. CHRAC understands that the Highlanders Association, like other projects in Ratanakiri, supports only non-violent and peaceful _expression of fundamental human rights under Cambodian law.

CHRAC requests that the government maintains its support for the activities of groups like the Highlander Association, which works towards mutual respect and peaceful coordination among different communities in the Kingdom of Cambodia.

For more information, please contact:
▪ Mr. Sok Sam Oeun, Chairperson of CHRAC at 012 901 199
▪ Dr. Kek Galabru, President of Licadho at 012 940 645
▪ Mr. Mom Sarin, President of KKKHRA at 011 738 975
▪ Mr. Yong Kim Eng, President of KYA at 016 828 211

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