Government Ignores the Difficulty of Boeung Kak Villagers

Up to now, it has been seen the Cambodian government has failed to intervene local villagers, who live in Boeung Kak area and who have been negatively and severely impacted by Sukaku Inc. Over and over again, from a group of villagers to another have been trying to seek assistance from the government, but their endeavor for that and their suffering have been still the same.

Villagers Blocked of Access to Kampong Chhnang Province

On Tuesday, September 14, 2010, around 300-400 villagers from Boribour district were blocked of access to Kampong Chhnang province in order to submit complaints with the provincial authorities to seek for intervention on their land, which was allegedly grabbed by Pheapimex Co. Ltd.

Workers to Strike for Minimum Wage

Garment workers at about 40 factories in several provinces and around Phnom Penh, who have subsequently failed to meet their demand for a minimum wage from $75 to $93, are now on strike to continually request for that. The strike is planned to hold within a whole week, from Monday, 13 to 19 September 2010 in Kandal, Banteay Meanchey, Kampong Chhnang, Kampong Speu province and districts in Phnom Penh.

Two More Villagers Charged in a Land Dispute with Ly Yong Phat

Two more villagers in Amleang commune, Thpong district, Kampong Speu province, who have also been involved in protesting against the Phnom Penh Sugar Company, were reportedly summoned to Takeo Provincial Court for questioning in the accusation of having lived on the land, which belongs to the company owned by Cambodian People’s Party Senator Ly Yong Phat.

Land Encrochment in Takeo

On September 7, 2010 a villager, named Prum Sang Na, 34, who lives in Trapeang Trav village, Pot Sar commune, Bati district, Takeo province, reported on the phone that local authorities, communal chief and district governor in the above area in conspiracy with a land broker, have grabbed their 25-hectare land. This has affected 251 families since 2000 [but now the number has increased by about 300 families].

Impact of Social Land Concession in Preah Vihear

At least more than 400 families are living in fear and facing forcefully evicted and intimidated by a group of 10 staffs [agents] of a local non-governmental organization, called Aids and Drugs Research Protection Organization (ADRPO), which was founded by Sar Chhuon Lem or Pen Lem, the president of the organization. Sar Chhuon Lem or Pen Lem is all so known as Excellency, General, Neak Okhna and the consultant of Mr. Chea Sim. The position is equal to Secretary of State. He is also the General Director of Pen Lem Import, Export Company.

Impact of Social Land Concession in Preah Vihear

At least more than 400 families are living in fear and facing forcefully evicted and intimidated by a group of 10 staffs [agents] of a local non-governmental organization, called Aids and Drugs Research Protection Organization (ADRPO), which was founded by Sar Chhuon Lem or Pen Lem, the president of the organization. Sar Chhuon Lem or Pen Lem is all so known as Excellency, General, Neak Okhna and the consultant of Mr. Chea Sim. The position is equal to Secretary of State. He is also the General Director of Pen Lem Import, Export Company.

Villager Arrested in a LandConflict with Heng Development Company

On Saturday, September 4, 2010 a villager representative was arrested in a land dispute between Heng Development Company with those 2,676 families in 7 communes, Kandal Stung district, Kandal province.

Nguon Nhel Warned to Sue Opposition Lawmakers

On Wednesday, September 1, 2010 First Deputy President of the National Assembly Nguon Nhel reportedly considered lodging a complaint against Sam Rainsy Party lawmakers for defamation related to his 71 advisers.

Kim Sokha Charged with Defamation

On Monday, August 30, 2010 the president of Human Rights Party Mr. Kem Sokha was summoned for questioning by Phnom Penh Municipal Court of First Instance for the accusation of defamation, breach of trust and the utilization of fake documents. The summons was issued by Deputy Prosecutor Sok Roeun to ask Mr. Kem Sokha to come out for interrogating on September 6, 2010.

Police Broke up Villagers from Boeung Kak Lake

Around 200 people from Beoung Kak area in 8 villages, Srah Chork commume, Daun Penh district, on August 23, 2010, were planning to organize a public forum at the National Institute of Education in order to discuss together and find out way to solve their problems of which they said it resulted from the sand dredging by Sukaku Inc to fulfill the lake; and at the moment it is flooded all over. However, the plan was prohibited by Srah Chork authorities.

Sam Rainsy Party Activist Pre-Detained in Banteay Meanchey

Related to a land conflict in July 2009, an activist of Sam Rainsy Party was pri-trial detained by Banteay Meanchey Provincial Court for the accusation of incitement and disinformation. Mr. Him Sokha, 40, was arrested on Sunday, August 8, 2010 when he went back to his home in Poipet commune, Poipet city, Banteay Meanchey.

Journalists Fined for Disinformation and Defamation

On August 17, 2010 Phnom Penh Municipal Court of First Instance opened a hearing of journalists for Meato Phum Newspaper for disinformation and defamation in accordance with the complaint by Meas Sopheap, chief of military Battalion 204 who was also alleged of illegally logged, kept and transported timbers to neighboring country [Vietnam].

Serious Rights Violation in a Land Dispute in Kampong Cham

Serious rights violation occurred on August 8, 2010, in a conflict land area in Steng Trang district, Kampong Cham province, where around 100 villagers were intimidated to leave the farmland of 41 hectares. A group of around 20 police and military police officers utilized guns and electric batons to brutally compel them out of their rice field. In the event, three people were injured.

Land Representative Arrested in Battambang

On August 9, 2010, a villager representative in a land conflict was arrested by Battambang provincial police when he and other three deserters appeared in the village, Daun Ba commune, Kois Kralor distrtict, after they had been running away from being cuptured for a long time in relation to a land conflict in the area.

Union Leaders to Face Legal Action

Resuming the request of increasing minimum wage, which once held in a public forum on July 25, 2010, Cambodian Labor Confederation President Ath Thun said that he would plan to hold the other strike to protest against the latest government’s decision of the industry’s minimum wage. The schedule of the strike was due on August 25, 2010.

Police Broke off Protest at Premier’s Mansion

On August 8, 2010 around 100 villagers from Kois Kralor district, Battambang province came to Phnom Penh to hold protest in front of Prime Minister Hun Sen’s mansion in order that they could request the premier to intervene on their problem of which their land has been grabbed by a group of officials. However, instead of getting support, they were prohibited and forcedly forced to move out of the area by a group of about 50 police officers, garden securities and plain-clothes officials from Daun Penh district.

Village Chief Threatened People to Sell their Land

Tumpuon ethnic people, who live in Pou Traeng and Pou Las village, Dak Dam commune, O’Rang district, Mondulkiri province, were threatened and cheated out of selling their farmland and village land to a rubber plantation company by village chiefs and some elders.

Human Rights Party President Blocked

On July 4, 2010 the Human Rights Party president was blocked of his access to visit villagers in Prey Yuthkar commune, Koh Andet district, Takeo province by local authorities. The purpose of this visit was to discuss issue, as well as expressing opinions; especially problems that those people had faced in their own area.

Attempted Killing of Three Journalists

On February 4, 2010 three local journalists in Kratie province reported received death threat from Border Military Official as they accidentally encountered timbers were transported in a mini-van at around 12:00 mid-night on a small rout in Sre Roneam village Khsim commune, Snoul district, Kratie province. Tension rose up after these three reporters came up to them and asked questions.

Workers Violently Assaulted in Protest

Serious rights violation took place on July 27, 2010, in Sen Sok district where around 3,000 PCCS workers had been protesting in order to demand the Malaysian factory owner (boss) to give a chance for their union leader to go back to work again after she had absurdly been suspended. Those workers were planning to protest until they could reach their goal. However, they failed to do that because the authorities used a group of around 100 district police officers to force them to go back to work.

Land Conflict between Villagers and Deputy Governor in Kampong Thom

A land conflict has taken place since 2008 between 65 families and a deputy provincial governor in Kampong Kravei village, Bak Snar commune, Baray district, Kampong Thom province. The conflict land size is approximately 100 hectares, where those villagers asserted they have been living since 1994, 1995 and 1998.

Twelve Families in Stung Treng Protest over Land

About 12 families, who live in disputed Siem Pang village, Sekong commune, Siem Pang district, Stung Treng province, disagreed with the district authorities to order them to remove all fences from their land and hand it over to the authorities.

Khmer Amatak Publisher Faces Charge of Disinformation and Defamation

On August 3, 2010 Phnom Penh Municipal Court of First Instance was planning to summon Khmer Amatak publisher Bun Tha for questionings in accordance with the complaint by Kao Kimhuon, State of Minister of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Relation and also Director of Cambodia University. The publisher has been sued for disinformation and defamation related to two articles issued since 2009, “Students Pay 20,000 riels for Examination Document”.

Journalist Received Death Threat in Banteay Meanchey

A former reporter for Khmer Amatak News and human rights activist for the rights group Adhoc, based in Poipet city, Banteay Menachey province, reportedly received a death threat on July 9, 10 and 11, 2010 from the president of Mong Chin [Chinese Tomb] Pagoda committee. The death threat related to the alleged digging up old tombs of villagers’ ancestors [the area where Khmer-Chinese bodies were buried there] and others.

Four Sam Rainsy Party Local Officials Charged with Terrorists

Four local officials of Sam Rainsy Party in Kampong Thom province were charged with terrorists by Kampong Thom Provincial Court of First Instance, related to a criminal case, Number 309 signed on September 21, 2004 and Number 308 dated on September 10, 2004.

Those four people who were accused of the above criminal offense included Mr. Un Thorn, the chairman of Prasat Balaing District Council, Mr. Koy Koeun, chairman of North Kraya Communal Council, Mr. Kim Hong, Second Deputy of Kraya Commune, and Mr. Choam Cheav, North Kraya Commune Council member.

Garment Workers Banned from Access to Public Forum

On July 25, 2010 Ath Thun, the president of the Cambodian Labor Confederation, organized a public forum in front of the National Assembly. The purpose of the forum was to demand an increase to minimum wage. The government had recently offered an increase to $65 a month, but workers were asking from between $75-$93 so that they could afford a better standard of living.

Writer and also Journalist for Opposition Party Received Death Threat

A writer of two general knowledge textbooks and also a journalist for Sam Rainsy Party, Candle Light Program, received death threat from an unidentified man on the phone as he was traveling on his motorbike from his office in Phnom Penh.

Prime Minister Reacted against Surya Subedi’s Statement

On June 21, 2010 Prime Minister Hun Sen verbally reacted against the statement of Surya Subedi, UN human rights envoy, who also paid his official visit for 10 days in Cambodia in order to discuss the issues of human rights and the reform of Cambodian judicial system as planned. The premier said what Subedi had mentioned earlier showed no respect of the hosted country. It did not only disdain the country leader with sovereignty, but also Cambodian citizens, the voters.

Prime Minister Reacted against Surya Subedi’s Statement

On June 21, 2010 Prime Minister Hun Sen verbally reacted against the statement of Surya Subedi, UN human rights envoy, who also paid his official visit for 10 days in Cambodia in order to discuss the issues of human rights and the reform of Cambodian judicial system as planned. The premier said what Subedi had mentioned earlier showed no respect of the hosted country. It did not only disdain the country leader with sovereignty, but also Cambodian citizens, the voters.

Right Activist Summoned for Questioning

On June 17, 2010 a local rights activist was summoned by Mondulkiri Court of First Instance for questioning related to the case of 3 juveniles, who asserted to have been physically assaulted while they were arrested and sent to police office for interrogation.

Kol Midy, the staff of local rights Adhoc, was summoned by Mondulkiri Court Prosecutor Im Sophan to question him about the case of physically assault and punishment. The warrant issued on June 9, 2010 to ask him to present at court on June 17; however, he said he had not witnessed when those 3 young people were beaten by some of provincial police at all.

Land Conflict between Association and Villagers in Preah Sihanouk Not Yet Solved

Up to now a land conflict, which has taken place for more than one year, in O’ Bak Rotes commune, Kampong Seila district, Preah Sihanouk province between more than 20 families and the Cambodian Disabled Survivor’s Association has not been resolved yet.

On July 4, 2010 the above families came to the rice paddy in order to grow rice, but they were banned by a group of the association’s men. Related to the above event, Mr. Nget Ly, a villager representative said that those people have not been able to farm on the land for more than a year already. They are facing food shortage; and this will become more serious if those association members still do not allow them to farm. Anyway it is now rainy season.

Violence Occurred As Appeal Court’s Final Judgment Implemented

On the morning of July 2, 2010, violence took place in Samrong commune, Kien Svay district, Kandal province while villagers were coming to protest against the legal execution of Appeal Court’s final judgment to order more than 100 families in the above area to hand over the land to the other party, Mr. Prak Savuth, who was the winner of the case. During the event joint armed forces, police and military police physically assaulted the residents as they were trying to ban the authorities from implementing the action for they thought they would lose hectares of land, where they have been farming since 1979. In addition, the authorities arrested Mr. Pheng Siha, who also opposed in the event.

Police Suppressed Kampong Cham Villagers’ Protest over Land

On June 14, 2010 about 100 people from Sre Saom Chas village, Kampoan commune, Memot district, Kampong Cham province came to protest in front of Botum Vortey Pagada in Phnom Penh to seek Prime Minister Hun Sen’s intervention on their land being grabbed by RCAF soldiers in Memot district. Those villagers were representatives of 136 families, who were victims of the case.

Border Marker Posted in Villagers’ Farmland in Kampong Cham

Up to now Kampong Cham province has become the third one that local villagers, who live along the Cambodian-Vietnamese border, asserted that border makers, which have been recently planted by the committee of the two countries, encroach on villagers’ farmland, which also infringe Cambodian territorial integrity.

Ethnic Group in Mondulkiri Sued Vision Hiland Co. Ltd over Land

A land conflict took place in 3 villages, Pou Les, Pou Treng and Pou Chorb in Dak Dam commune, O’ Rang district, Mondulkiri province between a group of 334 families and Vision Hiland Co., Ltd over land. The event primarily stared on October 25, 2006 when the company secretly cleared community forest.

Villagers in Mondulkiri Sued DU RE CE Co., Ltd for their Land Being Grabbed

On August 11, 2009 villager representatives for 188 families in Pou Les village, Dak Dam commune, O’ Rang district, Mondulkiri province came to Phnom Penh to lodge complaints against DU RE CE Co., Ltd, which was accused of grabbing their community forestland of 641.44 hectares. The complaints were sent to the Ministry of Interior and the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries in order to seek for intervention from those concerned national authorities.

Villagers in Mondulkiri Faced Eviction by Oz Minerals Gold Company

Around 100 families of local villagers in the geographic location of O’Kvao, Chong Khlas commune, Keo Seima district, Mondulkiri have been subjected to force out of the area by the Cambodian authorities in order to keep this place for the government and Austrian mining firm Oz Minerals to run their operation.

Right Officer Sued for Disinformation in a Land Conflict with KDC Company

In relation to a long land conflict between remained 64 families and KDC Company, a local human right defender, who also investigated the case, was sued by the company’s representative for disinformation.

Mr. Sam Chankea, coordinator for the rights group Adhoc in Kampong Chhnang was complained for disinformation by KDC International Company, owned by Ms. Chea Keng, the wife of Minister of Industry, Mines and Energy Suy Sem.

Ethnic Jarai Continued its Protest against DM Group Co., Ltd

On June 14, 2010 affected ethnic Jarai villagers planned to set up a billboard on a new built road, National Road 78 in Ratanakiri province in order to seek for fair and just solution from DM Group Co., Ltd, which belongs to the sister of Finance Minister Keat Chhon, Keat Kolny.

409 Families in Yea Angk Protested against CT Mart Company over Land

Not different from villagers in Prambei Mon commune, 409 families in three villages, Kraviek, Prich Khpos and Peanich, Yea Angk commune, Thpong district, Kampong Speu have faced the same problem. About 1,000 hectares of land have been grabbed by CT Mat Company.

385 Families in Prambei Mom Protested against CT Mart Company over Land

Only August 11, 2009 villager representatives from Trapeang Kraegn village, Prambei Mom commune, Thpong district, Kampong Speu province came to Phnom Penh in order to file complaints with the national government against CT Mat, who was accused of grabbing villagers’ land.

In the complaints sent the National Authority of Land Conflict Resolution and others, they reported that they had been living in the location since 1996. At that time, they were recognized by communal chief and allowed to farm on the land in accordance with the request to own 2,800 hectares there.

Villagers Protested against Eviction by An Mardy Company in Kampong Cham

On June 9, 2010 about 180 families in village 33, Ta Ol commune, Chamkar Leu district, Kampong Cham province came up to protest against the plan of An Mardy Company to evict them out of the site to resettle in O’Reang Ov district so that the company would be able to use that land for rubber plantation.

As reported by villager representative, prior to the above event, on April 1, 2010 local authority and the company representative went to the area and promised to give them $500 and a plot of land of 10 meters by 20 meters in exchange with the removal out of their place.

Police Banned Protest of People from 24 Provinces

On June 15, 2010 around 200 villagers came from 24 provinces and towns throughout Cambodia in order to submit joint petitions together in Phnom Penh to national authorities to seek intervention from them. The people represented those villagers whose land, forest land, farmland and forest as well as homes have been grabbed, logged and burned and destroyed by those concession companies, businessmen, powerful people and government officials, who were accused to use joint arm forces, tractors and bulldozers in doing the above-mentioned activities. The purpose of submitting those petitions, they asserted, was to request some authorities, who had conspired with the aforesaid acts, to follow premier’s recommendations to stay away from grabbing villagers’ land, forest land and farmland and illegally logging trees.

Villagers Lodged Complaints with National Government over Land Conflict in Kampong Cham

On August 11, 2009 enthic Stieng representatives came to Phnom Penh in order to lodge joint complaints with the national government; such as the Cabinet of Prime Minister, Office of Councils of Ministers, the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries and the National Authority of Land Conflict Resolution, in order to ask for intervention over the problem.

Land Conflict between Oknha and 164 families in Malai

On August 11, 2009 villager representatives from Prasat Reangk village, Takung commune, Malai district, Banteay Meanchey province came to Phnom Penh in order to file complaints with the national government for intervention in a land conflict in the above site. The conflict took place between 164 families and some rich businessmen over a land area of 319 hectares.

Land Conflict between Soldiers, Local Authority and Villagers in Malai

A chronic land dispute has happened since 2004 between soldiers from Small Unit 51 and 338 families in Santepheap village, Tuol Pong Ror commune, Malai district, Banteay Meanchey province. At that time those soldiers, who were led by Preap Sarun, brought with tractors and bulldozers to clear and dug up the villagers’ land. The group was alleged to conspire with local authorities to grab 679.70 hectares of land from the families.

Land Conflict between CIV Development Company with 270 Families

Sre Char Commune in Snoul District of Kratie Province, Cambodia is the home for Stieng indigenous people. These communities have been living from traditional agricultural methods for generations. On May 27, 2008 the Kratie Provincial Governor signed a 769 hectare Economic Land Concession for rubber plantation with a private company, the CIV Development Company. This economic agreement affects approximately 270 families in four villages that are being evicted or will be at serious risk of eviction in the near future. The affected communities assert that they were not adequately informed nor were they adequately consulted. Families that have already been evicted reported that no notice was given to them, and that they learnt they were about to be evicted directly when bulldozers cleared their fields.

Land Conflict between CIV Development Company with 270 Families

Sre Char Commune in Snoul District of Kratie Province, Cambodia is the home for Stieng indigenous people. These communities have been living from traditional agricultural methods for generations. On May 27, 2008 the Kratie Provincial Governor signed a 769 hectare Economic Land Concession for rubber plantation with a private company, the CIV Development Company. This economic agreement affects approximately 270 families in four villages that are being evicted or will be at serious risk of eviction in the near future. The affected communities assert that they were not adequately informed nor were they adequately consulted. Families that have already been evicted reported that no notice was given to them, and that they learnt they were about to be evicted directly when bulldozers cleared their fields.

Complaint against Y Seng Khuor Company in Sihanouk

On 15 December 2008, Y Seng Khuor Ltd. Company came in and grabbed villagers land of about 289.60 hectares in Preik Toal and Preik Prah villages, Teuk Thla commune, Prey Nub district, Sihanouk province. The encroachment affected on 133 families.

Land Conflict between Okgha Kong Triv and 107 Families in Sihanouk

On 20 April 2007, at 6:00AM, provincial authorities led joint armed forces– about 150 soldiers, police, and military police– along with weapons, electric batons, shields, and fire trucks and teargas, to forcedly drive 107 families out of our homes in Group 1, Village 6, Sangkat 4, Mitt Pheap district, Sihanouk town and Sihanouk province. Participating in the event were authorities in uniforms and in civilian clothes.

Land Conflict between an Association and 722 Families in Bavel

On August 11, 2009 villager representatives from Tumnub Takuon village, Kdol Taken commune, Bavel district, Battambang province came to Phnom Penh in order to file complaints with the national government for intervention in a land conflict in the above site. The conflict took place between 722 families and the vice president of Association for Saving Disables, Widows, Poor People and Children over a land area of 722 hectares.

Land Conflicts between Powerful Men, the Rich and Local Villagers in Bavel

Two constant land conflicts have occurred since 1996 and 2005 in O’Vol Preng and Boeung Bat Phtel of Khnach Romeas commune, Bavel district, Battambang province between residents, who were the victims of their land having been grabbed; and several powerful men and the rich, who were alleged of seizing their land of about 161.50 hectares.

Ethnic Jarai Families Continued Suing Rubber Company

On June 1, 2010 Jarai community representatives in O’Yadaw district, Ratanakiri province filed a complaint against a local businessman, whom they alleged of having threatened them with legal action after they declined to accept cash and drop a court complaint accusing the man of land grabbing.

Impacts of Economic Land Concession Pheap Phimex Co., Ltd

On August 11, 2009, villager representatives from 11 affected villages in Kra Kor, Kra Vanh and Sampov Meas districts came to Phnom Penh to lodge complaints with the national level authorities against the Phea Phimex Co., Ltd., which received an economic land concession from the Cambodian government of about 315, 028 hectares in two provinces, Pursat (138,963 hectares) and Kampong Chhnang (176,065 hectares).

A Villager Representative Arrested in Samlot Land Conflict

A village representative in land disputes in Samlot district, Battambang province against RCAF Region 5 and Korean company, was arrested on May 24, 2010. Mr. Sim Mey, the representative, was summoned for questioning along with another villager by the provincial court. He was arrested after the interrogation, but the other was freed.

Mr. Sim Mey, 45 years old, used to be shot on April 4, 2010 at around 10:00PM by a few unidentified gunmen. However the perpetrators have not been arrested yet.

Villagers in Battambang Asked for Intervention over Land Conflict

On August 11, 2009 villager representatives from Angdong Kantuot, Chak Rokar, Boeung Srang and Chhouk in Cheng Bos Khnor village, Chaeng Meanchey commune, Banan district, Battambang province came to Phnom Penh in order to lodge complaints with the national government for intervention in a land conflict in the above area. The conflict took place between 368 families and soldiers Region 5 over 1,290 hectares of land there.

A Chronic Land Conflict between 36 families and Soldiers in Koas Krala

A chronic land conflict has taken place since 2003 in Tuol Mtes village, Thibpadei commune, Koas Krala district, Battambang province, between 36 families and Teng Chanthou, who was alleged to have used soldiers to grab those villagers’ land of about 116 hectares.

Once again on August 11, 2009 the residents thumbprinted and filed a complaint to Mr. Sar Kheng, Interior Minister and Deputy Prime Minister to seek his intervention over the matter in order that they could get back the 116 hectares of land.

Impacts of Economic Land Concession in Cambodia

In relation to Economic Land Concessions which the Cambodian government has granted to all local, joint venture and international companies; national and international non-governmental organizations and stakeholders have criticized the negative impacts of the strategy on local culture, economics and society. Furthermore, it has been seen that most of the contracts are around a century in length, which means that these negative impacts may last for a long time. In general the impacts include forced eviction, setting light to their houses, threatening to arrest, sending to prison for criminal offenses such as incitement, or state-owned property destruction, physical assault, and armed threats.

Lawmakers, Activists and Journalists Blocked Access to Border Marker 270

On June 3, 2010, a group of more than 20 opposition lawmakers, accompanied by communal and district councilors, made a trip to investigate the issues raised by a request for intervention from villagers affected by Border Marker 270 in Takeo province. Also participating in the trip were local and international journalists who sought to determine whether marker 270 had been planted onto villagers’ farmland and encroached on Cambodian territory.

Border Markers Post in Local Farmland in Takeo

On May 25, 2010 nine families protested against the border demarcation, which was planted onto their rice field. This caused them to lose their land, which they claimed to have done agricultural activities since 1983-84.

A villager, who was one of the above 9 family victims and asked for anonymous condition, reported that in the above due date, Vietnamese authorities came to pull out the former poll and replaced by a stone one. In addition those authorities had put Vietnamese flag there.

Impact of Economic Land Concession on Local Livelihood in Banteay Meanchey

About 150 families, who asserted to own 150 hectares of land in Slorkram commune, Svay Chek district, Banteay Meanchey, expressed their concerns that they may have lost their land, which was grabbed by local authority to give to a local company, Chak Puok Co., Ltd.

The people said that they were awarded a 150-hectare social land concession in 1998, after they repatriated from camps along Thai border in 1993. Local authorities, however, said that the villagers violently grabbed and illegally cleared the state-owned land in the aforesaid site.

Violence Occurred in a Land Conflict in Banteay Meanchey

On April 2, 2010 a couple was physically assaulted by a group of 8 people, who asserted to own this plot of land, and other 40 laborers. The event took place in Tuol Pong Ror, Malai district, Banteay Meanchey province when these husband and wife came to stop the other party from destroying their temporary shelters in the above location.

Ms. Nou Leng, 44, was wounded on her arm by a blow of a machete, which the massive group aimed at her; whereas her husband Mr. Im Kimsan, 56, was chopped in the back of his head, and was in serious condition in hospital, where he was helped and sent for treatment by other villagers.

Villagers Banned from Entering their Farmland in Banteay Meanchey

On February 12, 2010 some 20 families in Tuol Pong Ror village, Tuol Pong Ror commune, Poipet city, Banteany Meanchey province were intimidated and prohibited from harvesting in their rice field by a group of about 150 soldiers from RCAF Division 12, who came with weapons.

The above 20-hectare land conflict has taken place since 2006. However, the issue has not yet solved positively. Villagers have been threatened over and over although they have lodged a complaint with Banteay Meanchey Provincial Court of First Instance.

Ethnic Jarai Protested against Iron Ore Company in Ratanakiri

On May 25, 2010 about 90 families of ethnic minority from O’Yadav and Lumphat districts, Ratanakiri province were planned to protest against a Vietnamese mining firm, Hong Anh Ratanakir, which was granted 15,400 hectares of land to explore iron ore in the above districts.

Villagers Protested against Economic Land Concession in Koh Kong

Around 200 villagers, who were affected by a Chinese company in Koh Kong, were coming to Phnom Penh to seek intervention from Cambodian Government; especially from Prime Minister Hun Sen. However, they were ignored, banned and suppressed by some 40 joint armed forces. Finally those residents were pushed back to Botum Vortey Pagoda.

Police Banned Romeas Hek Villagers from Protesting

On May 24, 2010 about 200-300 villagers from a contested land area in Svay Rieng were banned on the way from aiming to protest in front of provincial court in order to demand the release of a representative Yea Yeng, who was arrested and sent to prison for illegally detaining people, including one military police officer and two Peam Chaeng Rubber company staff.

Villagers in Kratie Protested before Premier House in Phnom Penh

On May 17, 2010 about 150 villagers were coming from Kratie province in order to protest against their land being grabbed by several private companies, Huot Sambat, TTY, CT Men and Sovan Rithy, in front of Botom Vortey Pagoda in Chaktomok commune, Daun Penh district, Phnom Penh.

Soldiers Cleared Villagers’ Land in Siem Reap

People form Trapang Popel Thmei, Ta Siem commune, Svay Leu district, Siem Reap province asserted their land has been grabbed by soldiers from Small Unit 63 of RCAF in Phnom Khnong Camp. Up to now about 30 hectares of land have been cleared; and this affected 20 families there.

103 Villager Houses Burned Down in Oddar Meanchey

On May 25, 2010 in Prey Saak, O’Ampil village (Anglong Veng commune and district, Oddar Meanchey province), 103 poor villagers’ houses were burned to the ground, leaving them without shelter and destroying their belongings as well as thrusting them deeper into poverty. Almost all of the 103 homes were mainly made from wood with thatch or zinc roofs. The action was led by Siem Reap Court Prosecutor Ty Sovinthal and other joint armed forces, including police, solders, military police and various other officials. In all the party comprised of around 100 individuals.

Villagers in Russey Keo District Protested against Eviction

At least 30 villagers from Boeung Chhouk community gathered in front of Russey Keo district, Phnom Penh city on the morning of Wednesday, May 19, 2010 to protest against the notification issued by the district authority to ask them to move out of the area and to ask for the detail explanation from the authority over the matter.

Police Banned Human Rights Training in Mondulkiri

Yet again, a training course on Health and Human Rights for ethnic minority villagers was banned on April 29, 2010 at 12:00 at noon by a group of commune police officers. The training was organized by provincial human rights organization, Adhoc; and the police officers were led by Mr. Rith Bunsoeung, communal police chief.

Two Journalists Temporarily Blocked in Police Custody in Battambang

Two journalists were temporarily detained for approximately one hour in the Forest Administrative office in Battambang province on the morning of April 5, 2010, after they and others had made inquiries regarding allegations that Forestry officials had extorted money from charcoal makers in the street. The questioning had led to a verbal argument and the detention of these two journalists.

Journalist Received Death Threat

A journalist from Khmer Machasrok News, who is a supporter of the Sam Rainsy Party, received a death threat from a group of several bodyguards working for the Cambodian People’s Party (CPP) officials on Tuesday, April 20, 2010.

Boay Roeuy, 40, a Khmer Machasrok journalist, was intimidated while at home in Krang Thnong commune, Dangkor district. A group of bodyguards, one of whom he recognized as “Sna”, were in possession of a handgun and yelled for him to come outside of his house.

Seven People Remain in Prison over Land in Kampot

Former people, who had been living in a rubbish slum in Steng Meanchey commune, Meanchey district, Phnom Penh due to their eviction from their homes in 2009 in order to resettle in Kampot, up to 7 of these evictees now remain in jail for illegally clearing forests in a National Park in Sen Chey village, Taken Koh Sla commune, Chhouk district, Kampot province.

Economic Land Concession Negatively Impacts on Local Livelihood

The Coalition of Civil Society Organizations, including the Cambodian Human Rights Actions Committees (CHRAC), the NGO Forum and the Housing Rights Task Force (HRTF) issued a joint statement on Wednesday, May 12, 2010 regarding illegal economic land concessions which were granted by the government to various companies, which belonged to a person, an action which is inconsistent with the 2001 Land Law and Sub-degree on Economic Land Concession No. 146.

Land Victim Sentenced to One Year in Siem Reap Prison

Another villager was arrested by a group of 3 police officers on April 15, 2010 while he and his son came back from a local pagoda to give food to monks, accusing him of illegally detaining people, related to a land dispute in Chikraeng commune, Chikraeng district when local villagers came to protest at the provincial court to ask for the release of 12 people who were also detained connected to a violence on March 22, 2009.

14 Villagers Pre-Detained in a Land Dipute Siem Reap

At least 14 villagers out of 70 from Tbaeng village, Banteay Srey district, Siem Reap province were temporarily detained by Provincial Court on May 4, 2010 after they had been summoned for questioning over the accusation of illegally cutting down state forest- acacia trees, on the land they had been farming.

The procedure of interrogating those people was done by Investigating Judge Hok Pao from the morning of the day until 4:00 PM. Consequently the judge decided to provisionally confine those 14 people in accordance with Article 205 of Code of Criminal Procedure of the Kingdom of Cambodia and Article 98 of 2002 Forest Law in order to facilitate in further investigation.

Villager Representatives Arrested in Land Dispute in Svay Rieng

Related to a chronic land dispute between local people in Tras commune, Romeas Hek district, Svay Rieng province and Romeas Hek Rubber Plantation Company or Peam Chaing Rubber Company, a villager representative Yea Yeng was arrested on May 3, 2010, accused of leading hundreds of villagers to protest against the company and committing other criminal offenses.

Chea Vichea Documentary Banned

On April 30, 2010 Phnom Penh Municipal Governor refused the proposal by Rong Chun, the President of the Cambodia Independent Teacher’s Association and also the Cambodian Confederation Union to cast the documentary of Chea Vichea’s killing, which was planned on the International Labor’s Day, May 01, 2010.

In a letter sent to Mr. Rong Chhun that day, Kep Chutema claimed that reason which the government decided to reject the request that the film had not had a license from concerned ministries.

Government Warned Embassies over Internal Affairs

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation delivered letters signed on April 26, 2010 by Mr. Hor Nam Hong to all embassies in Cambodia to warn or remind the Article 41.1 of Law on International Diplomatic Relations, which mentions the role of not being involved with host country’s internal affairs.

Prey Norkor News Boy Temporarily Prohibited

On April 5, 2010 at about 6:00 to 7:00 PM, a young boy, 15, who delivered The Prey Nokor News was temporarily prohibited and sent to Daun Penh Police for questioning for a short time before releasing.

According to Mr. Ly Chhuan, the publisher of the newspaper, that young boy stayed in Botom Pagoda, who normally received and sold the newspaper around Chaktomok High School in order to gain some money for his school expenditure. Before the arrest, the delivery had been done for a few days there.

Violence Occurred in Kampong Speu Land Dispute

On March 18, 2010 about 100 villagers came out to protest against around 100 joint armed forces, which went to implement court-ordered proceedings in land conflict of 65 hectares between 88 families and Meng Kate company, belongs to Chang Kuseng. At the beginning of the implementation, which was led by Judge Keo Mony and joint forces, violence burst out between the group and villagers.

Land Representative Shot Dead in Battambang

A villager representative over land conflict was shot dead at about 8:00 pm on April 26, 2010 in a thick forest area in O’ Achoy, Chamlarng Romain Leu village, O’ Samrel commune, Samlot district, Battambang province by unidentified perpetrators.

Mr. Yin Mengly, Adhoc/CHRAC member in Battambang province reported the case that Mr. Pich Sophon, 60, was the victim in the attack. He was shot 7 bullets of AK 47. However only two of them hit him. One ran into his chest and the other in joint of his hand. The victim fell over and passed away in the event.

Four Villagers Arrested in a Land Dispute in Kiri Vong

Related to a land conflict in Kiri Vong district, Takeo province, which caused those affected villagers to protest in front of the National Assembly on April 7, 2010 to demand the legislative intervention over the matter of what they asserted that their land has been grabbed by a local forest conservative organization, called the NGO Chamreun Chiet Khmer in order to plant acacia trees. In addition the people have been intimidated by some local authority; and some residents were sued and summoned for questioning.

Land Victims Sought Asylum in Thailand

According the report by Secretary/ Monitoring Coordinator for Cambodian Human Rights Action Committee, Mr. Ieng Pich, a villager, named Um Sophy, who lived in Lorpeang village,Taches commune, Kampong Tralanch district, Kampong Chnang provinve and also had protested against KDC Company, has been escaping from the country and seeking asylum in Bangkak city, Thailand. Mrs. Um Sophy had been threatened to arrest and summoned many times by Kampong Chnang Provincial Court and Phnom Penh Municipal Court to clarify the case related to the above area’s land conflict. Her family will apply for refugee status to UNCHR in Bangkak; however, at the moment they are on the condition of food shortage and seeking for assistance from charity and donors.

Heng Development Co. Ltd Cleared Villagers’ Land in Kandal

A villager representative, who asked for the condition of anonymity[Phan Vuthy, 42, married with 5 children] and lived in Prek Tathok village, Prek Sleng commune, Kandal Stoeung district, Kandal province, reported on the phone on April 2, 2010 that Heng Development Co. Ltd was grabbing villagers’ land by using tractors and bulldozers to clear their land. This has affected 842 families in 4 villages, including Prek Tathok, Pun Chay, Prek Sleng and Prasat village in Prek Sleng commune.

21 Families Faced Forced Eviction in Mean Chey

Some 20 families in Group 28, Tanou village, Chak Angre Leu commune, Mean Chey district, Phnom Penh have faced forced eviction from their own communal chief, asking them to dismantle their homes and moved to live in an area close to river cliff, of which they thought, was very danger when there was huge water during rainy season. The cliff normally falls down into water. Therefore most of the families have still refused to leave.

Impacts of Apsara Authority Projects on Local Livelihood

According to a human right forum on March 25, 2010 by the Cambodian Center for Human Rights, which was coordinated by Mr. Chhim Savuth and Suan Bunthoeun, held in Anglung Sramoal pagoda, Leang Dai village, Leang Dai commune, Angkor Thom district, Siem Reap province, people in 6 villages were affected by the Apsara Authority, who had grabbed villagers’ land and banned them from setting up any form of building.

Koh Santepheap Journalist Sued for Defamation and Disinformation

Related to the previous case of a group of traffic police officers, who were trying to arrest and handcuff a driver for missing to put on safety belt, in Siem Reap on February 11, 2010; and the case was published on newspapers; such as Rasmei Kampuchea Daily, Koh Santepheap Daily and aired by the Radio Free Asia as well, a journalist was sued by a police officer with Provincial Court for defamation and disinformation.

Journalist Intimidated and Sued

A reporter for a local Khmer version newspaper, Sthabna Cheat Khmer was intimidated and his camera was grabbed while he was trying to take pictures of 3 ox carts carrying timbers out of the forest and two forest administrative officials were there trying to stop the carts in Kilometer 8, Thnal Dach village, Darin commune, Sotr Nikum district, Siem Reap province.

Phnom Penh Sugar Co. Ltd Continued Clearing Villagers’ Land in Amleang

According to the report by a villager Men Pao, 40, in Amleang commune, on April 7 there were joint forces of about 20 soldiers and military police came to the above area in order to defend the clearing activity of Phnom Penh Sugar company on villagers’ land. He revealed that on April 7, about 9:30 am a group of armed forces, brought with AK 47 in hands, led by an unidentified forest official to protect the company against around 200 villagers, who were trying to protest and stop the activity. He also said that the company representative used to promise that they would not bulldoze villagers’ land, but in contrast they went back on their word over and over again.

Villagers’ Houses Burned and Destroyed in Kampong Speu

At least 3 houses of former disabled soldiers were burned and destroyed on March 18, 2010 in Veal Thom village, Traeng Trayueng commune, Phnom Srouch district, Kampong Speu province by a group of 7-8 RCAF.

According to the interview quoted by the Radio Free Asia, published on March 20, 2010 the victims whose houses were destroyed in the event included Mr. Gnen Gneng, 42, his right leg was cut in 1998; Mr. Bun Sophat, his left leg was cut in 1996; and the other could not be reached in the area.

Amata Editor Sued for Defamation and Disinformation

A local Khmer version publisher for Amata Newspaper was summoned by Phnom Penh Municipal Court on March 22, 2010 for defamation and disinformation, according to a complaint by Mr. Kao Kimhuan, the director of Cambodia University and the secretary of state of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Mr. Bun Tha, the publisher, told other reporters the reason he had been sued as he left the courtroom that the case was related to two articles, published in 2009 about students’ complaints over an unofficial 20,000-riel fee collected on applications for a scholarship sponsored by the Japanese government and Prime Minister Hun Sen. However, those applications were supposed to hand out free of charge.

Boeng Kak Villagers’ Request for Land Title Ignored

About 60-70 people from eight villages around Boeng Kak Lake in Srah Chork commune, Toul Kak and Daun Pend district, Phnom Penh gathered March 22, 2010, around 8:00 AM, in front of Phnom Penh Municipal Hall, holding photos of Prime Minister Hun Sen, his wife Bun Rany Hun Sen, Senate President Chea Sim and slogans written in Khmer scripts to seek help from people in the photos regarding the confrontation of being evicted; and to ask for legal title from the government because they have been living in the area for a long time. In addition they also wanted to clarify the case of intervention from the National Land Conflict Resolution Committee and the Cabinet of Office of Councils of Ministers, which requested Sukaku Inc, Company to halt its sand dredging, waiting until fair and just resolution made in advance.

UN Intimidated over Draft Anti-Corruption Law

A Cambodian-based UN representative was threatened to oust out of the nation on March 22, 2010 by the government after having earlier issued a release to show its concerns related to the Draft of Anti-Corruption Law, which was submitted to the National Assembly to debate on March 10, 2010, because the law was abruptly passed, and all of 57 articles were not changed, as well as the recommendations from civil organizations and legal experts were not taken into consideration.

Two Representatives Released under Judicial Investigation Conditions

Two villager representatives, Mr. You Tho and Kem Rithy, were released on bails on March 29, 2010 around 2:00 PM after people for those 11 affected villagers from 400 to 600 had subsequently protested in front of Kampong Speu Provincial Court since March 24, when they were arrested and pre-trial detained for 6 days.

Impact of Economic Land Concession on Villagers in Kampong Speu

Regarding the protest against their land being bulldozed by two Economic Land Concession companies in Kampong Speu, five villager representatives among 11 affected villages in Amleang commune, Thpong district, were summoned by Kampong Speu Provincial Court for questioning on March 24, 2010 in accordance with the complaints by the companies. Out of them, two were shortly arrested after questioning on that morning according to Article 94 and Article 114 of Code of Criminal Procedure of the Kingdom of Cambodia.

Two More Charges Against Sam Rainsy

Going on with the case of border demarcation 185 in Svay Rieng province along the border with Vietnam in October 2009, and the provincial court sentenced him to 2 years in prison; the Phnom Penh Municipal Court on Friday, March 12, 2010 formally indicted opposition leader Sam Rainsy with forging public documents and spreading disinformation, related to the maps of border poles number 185 and others, using modern tool, called GPS to show that those markers had been planted into Cambodian territory.

Three Villagers Fired by Police in Kampong Thom

A case of violence occurred involving weapons at around 12:00 at day time on March 7, 2010 by a group of joint armed forces in Banteay Rongeang village, Kraya commune, Santuk district, Kampong Thom province, who were accused of setting fire at around 30 to 40 former villagers in the above areas, resulted in 3 wounded.

Enthnic People Called after Joining in CCHR Public Forum

At least 9 indigenous people in Bousra commune, Pech Chreada, Mondulkiri province were summoned to visit at the Commune Office on March 4, 2010 by Bousra communal chief after they had participated in a public forum held by the Cambodian Center for Human Rights on February 25, 2010 on Human Rights and Development.

Teachers Reacted against the Ban of Meetings

On 24 February 2010 the Cambodia Independent Teachers Association appealed to the Ministry of Education to withdraw a currently order, which banned school teachers and education officers from assembling on school space to talk about social situations or political issues.

In a release that day, Mr. Rong Chhun the president of the above association accused the ministry of violating the Cambodian Constitution on assembly and freedom of expression. He added that his association has played as a significant partner with the government in reinforcing good governance and developing education system with better quality in the educational institution in Cambodia.

Two Victims Summoned for Questioning over Allegedly Attempted Killing Case

Two more people were summoned on February 23, 2010 by the Siem Reap Provincial Court for questioning as witnesses over a land conflict in Chikraeng commune, Chikraeng district, Siem Reap province of what the nine people, who have been arrested and in jail, faced a new charge of an attempted killing related to the event on March 22, 2009.

Serious Crackdown of Land Issue in Dangkar District

A protest by around 100 people from Praka village, Prey Sar commune, Dangkar district, Phnom Penh was harshly suppressed early morning by the district police on March 01, 2010 while the villagers attempted to travel to Hun Sen’s house in Takmao town to seek the premier’s intervention on a land conflict in their area.

Ten Kampong Speu Police Officers Assaulted a Man

On Janurary 31, 2010 at about 10:00 PM, a group of about ten police officers, led by a so-called Nak, seriously attacked a 20-year-old youngster, named Thorn Chanou for the accusation of attempted killing related to a dispute in 2008. The officers came in civil uniform to an area in Kakab village, Khsem Khsan commune, Oddongk district, Kampong Speu province when the victim was dancing in a village ceremony. When they arrived, one of them, called Nak, hit the man over the ground, and then some others started beating and kicking the victim on his chest, head and face without telling reason; but confirmed they received order from the court. However, the sommonds was not shown to the suspect at all.

A Human Right Activist Received Death Threat

A local right activist for the Cambodian Center for Human Rights (CCHR) in Kampot province was intimidated and chased from behind in order to kill him with a hooked knife by a group of 4 RCAF soldiers when he took a photograph of the group cutting down fruit trees of a village family on February 4, 2010 in Trapeang Chheuteal village, Chres commune, Chumkiri district, Kampot province, at about 9:00 am.

A Forest Conservative Activist Shot Wounded by a Policeman

A forest conservative activist for a local NGO was shot seriously wounded at about 11:30 PM on January 23, 2010 at a Village Ceremony in Kampong Speu province by a police officer there.

Yong Chantrea, 27, an activist for Natural Resource Watch and Protection in Cambodia, lived in Talat village, Phneay commune, Sarong Torng district, Kampong Speu province. He was shot from behind by Se Chanthorn, 47, a Phneay commune police officer. The bullet hit him on his back and came out of his abdomen.

A Man Tortured for Answer by Police in Banteay Meanchey

A case of torture took place on January 23, 2010 in Poipet Police Custody by 4 police officers on a suspect in relation to a burglary in Poipet town, Banteay Meanchey province.

The victim was Chan Ek, 24, from Poipet commue, Poipet town, Batteay Meanchey was seriously hit on head with short-gun, kicked and banged on the brick wall unconscious and sent to local private hospital for emergency aid. Those four policemen, who were accused of committing this violence, included Soam Dara, Ul Chantha, Um Samphois, and the other policeman, whose name was not known.

A Man Died in Kandal Police Custody

A man was reported dead early morning on Monday, January 12, 2010 after he had been arrested and detained overnight in Kandal Provincial Police Custody in connect to the dispute with another man at a wedding in Kandoak commune, Kandal Steng district, Kandal province.

Sam Rainsy Sentenced to 2 Years in Prision over Territory Protection

On January 27, 2010 at about 8:00 am the Svay Rieng Provincial Court opened a hearing to sentence Mr. Sam Rainsy in absentia and 2 suspected villagers in Koh Kban Kandal village, Samrong commune, Chantrea district, Svay Rieng province for the accusation of incitement of race discrimination and intentionally damaging public property; via the border marker 185.

Man Left Drown in front of a Group of Military Police

An inhuman and human rights violation act caused a man drown on January 13, 2010 in Psa Lech village, Prek Phnov commune, Pognea Leu district, Kandal province.

The victim’s name was Chan Sophea, 25, living in the above area, but he had migrated to live in Kolab One, Srah Chork commune, Daun Penh district, Phnom Penh in order to earn a living by polishing shoes.

Rights Groups Blocked of Access to Visit Ethnic Group in Mondulkiri

About 30 civil society and NGOs represenatatives were blocked and banned their visit of Phnong ethnic minoritiy community in forest areas of Bousra commune, Pich Chreada district, Mondulkiri province on January 21, 2010 by French company representative on the way to the afore-mentioned location.

Demonstration At Jin Chan Factory Violently Broke Up

At least about 40 Jin Chan garment factory workers were assaulted by Daun Penh district policemen on January, 2010 as they were protesting against the factory that did not give their salary for three months, in Toul Kak commune, Daun Penh district, Phnom Penh.