Phnom Penh-based Sahmakum Teang Tnaut (STT) is a Cambodian Urban NGO that was set up in September 2005 and officially registered with the Ministry of Interior in December 2006. STT is seeking One intern, working full-time in Phnom Penh city, to assist Admin.
Qualification
– At least a fourth-year student or a recent graduate in the field of Administration or another related field
– Willing to learn and get experience in the training
– Demonstrate a high level of ethical commitment and trustworthiness
– Ability to use a computer with applications relevant to the study fields
– Good verbal and written communication skills in English and Khmer
– Willing to learn and commit to work full time and can travel to target communities (as required)
– Be honest, Loyalty, Friendly, and hard working
– Available to work as a full time
Main responsibilities
– Assist Admin and finance teams in allocating
– Arrange documents
– Assist to control the stationary, sanitation supply, and kitchen supply
– Assist Admin and Finance team in photocopy, scan, and filing
– Assist in delivery works
– Assist in monitoring the timesheet
– Perform other works assigned by the supervisor
What support will STT provide?
Monthly allowance will be provided
Training support – relevant to Admin operation
A desk and computer with internet access
Work experience within an office and urban poor communities
Interns can apply what they have learned to specific projects
The development of ideas through learning by doing
How to apply: Interested candidates should submit a resume and cover letters to the address given below, Name: Sahmakum Teang Tnaut (STT)
Address : #07, St 494, Sangkat Phsar Deum Thkov, Khan Chamkarmorn, Phnom Penh
Phone : 023 555 19 64 Email: recruitment@teangtnaut.org Website: www.teangtnaut.org
19 August 2022 – We, the undersigned press freedom, human rights and civil society groups, condemn the recent violence, arbitrary detention and intimidation of five journalists and four activists by officers from the prime minister’s bodyguard unit (BHQ) in Phnom Tamao forest.
Five journalists from independent news outlet VOD and four activists from social justice group Khmer Thavrak were unjustly detained for about seven hours on 16 August 2022. They were arrested in Phnom Tamao forest on Tuesday morning by BHQ officers and then brought to the Bati district police station in Takeo province.
Authorities told VOD journalists they were not permitted to photograph, film or fly a drone in Phnom Tamao, claiming photos and recordings could be used to spread false information. There is no justification for such a claim, and we reject such arbitrary restrictions on journalists.
We also condemn the authorities’ unconscionable abuse of power and use of physical violence against a journalist and an activist, and call for an impartial investigation into the incident, prosecution of any authorities who acted in violation of the law, and justice for the victims.
A VOD videographer was slapped in the face by a BHQ officer when the journalist refused to hand over the phone he was using to record officers questioning his VOD colleagues.
“I was walking to the pagoda [in Phnom Tamao forest] and was told that VOD reporters were detained. I returned to them and took out my phone intending to film them for documentation. One bodyguard came up to me, told me not to film and wanted to take my phone from me, but I refused. He slapped me in the face and snatched the phone from my hand,” said Hy Chhay, the videographer.
Khmer Thavrak activist Hun Vannak was also hit repeatedly by a BHQ officer while being pushed into the back of a truck during his arrest.
“I refused to get into the [vehicle] and he punched me in the face three times and jumped to kick my head,” Vannak said after his release.
While authorities claimed on 16 August that the nine had entered a prohibited area in Phnom Tamao forest —which earlier this month saw approximately a quarter of its territory cleared of trees — journalists and others in recent weeks were freely able to report on, photograph and film the deforestation, replanting and other developments in the forest. These restrictions were sudden, arbitrary and infringed on press freedom.
In addition, the five journalists and four Khmer Thavrak activists, including Vannak, Sokun Tola, Chhem Sreykea and Chhoeun Daravy, were only released from detention on Tuesday evening after authorities required them to sign a “contract”. The contract stated that the journalists flew a drone without permission from authorities, despite no known existing regulations on using drones in that area. We view this as coercion, harassment and intimidation.
Independent journalists’ right to report news freely in Cambodia must be protected, especially when reporting on matters of the public interest such as the recent massive deforestation of Phnom Tamao forest. Cambodia’s 1995 Press Law prohibits pre-publication censorship like what was exhibited on 16 August, when authorities told journalists they were not allowed to photograph or film in the forest without prior approval, and when officers confiscated their equipment, including phones, cameras and a drone equipped with a camera.
Similarly, individuals and activists have the right to freely document and monitor environmental destruction and rights abuses, and to express their opinions publicly, a right protected by Cambodia’s Constitution and international human rights law.
We stand in solidarity with our colleagues working in the independent news media and as human rights defenders against state violence, arbitrary detention, harassment and intimidation. We call on the Cambodian authorities to uphold the Press Law, Constitution and all national and international laws which ensure the rights of freedom of expression, and of all journalists and human rights defenders to document and publicise actions by the state, and to serve society.
Background
The violence and detentions of five VOD journalists and four activists from Khmer Thavrak on 16 August 2022 came just days after the Phnom Tamao forest underwent massive deforestation, losing around 500 hectares of forest at the roughly 2,000-hectare site in about one week. Prime Minister Hun Sen ordered the forest to be replanted on 7 August, cancelling concessions given by his government to several businessmen, including Leng Navatra and Khun Sea. The reversal came after a series of VOD articles featuring photos and drone footage of the rapid deforestation, other news articles and drone footage of the clearing, and public outrage on social media over the forest’s destruction.
The five VOD journalists detained on Tuesday were following up on their earlier reporting on the forest clearing, including conducting interviews and photographing and filming using a drone.
The Khmer Thavrak activists were detained after one group member was live-streaming on Facebook from Phnom Tamao, and the group had submitted a petition about the forest to the Takeo Provincial Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries. Authorities had reportedly started marking forest land, drawing questions from local residents and triggering a visit by Khmer Thavrak.
Prime Minister Hun Sen announced late Tuesday that his bodyguard unit was now responsible for removing felled timber, preparing the land and replanting trees in Phnom Tamao, after his government earlier authorised the privatisation and clearing of parts of the forest. Hun Sen also instructed the Ministry of Agriculture to reestablish Phnom Tamao as a protected forest area.
For more information, please contact:
• Ith Sothoeuth, Media Director of Cambodian Center for Independent Media (CCIM), on Signal at (+855) 12 819 545 (English and Khmer)
• Chhoeun Daravy, Social Activist and Member of Khmer Thavrak, on Signal at (+855) 12 209 311 (Khmer)
• Nop Vy, Executive Director of Cambodian Journalists Alliance Association (CamboJA), on Signal at (+855) 12 519 261 (English and Khmer)
• Am Sam Ath, Operations Director of LICADHO, on Signal at (+855) 10 327 770 (Khmer)
• Pilorge Naly, Outreach Director of LICADHO, on Signal at (+855) 12 214 454 (English)
• Daniel Bastard, Asia-Pacific Director at Reporters Without Borders (RSF), dbastard@rsf.org (English)
This joint statement is endorsed by:
1. ActionAid Cambodia
2. Advocacy and Policy Institute (API)
3. Alliance for Conflict Transformation (ACT)
4. Building Community Voices (BCV)
5. Cambodian Association for Protection of Journalists (CAPJ)
6. Cambodian Center for Human Rights (CCHR)
7. Cambodian Center for Independent Media (CCIM)
8. Cambodia Coalition of Farmer Community (CCFC)
9. Cambodian Human Rights Action Coalition (CHRAC)
10. Cambodian Human Rights and Development Association (ADHOC)
11. Cambodian Institute for Democracy (CID)
12. Cambodian Journalists Alliance Association (CamboJA)
13. Cambodian League for the Promotion and Defense of Human Rights (LICADHO)
14. Cambodian Youth Network Association (CYN)
15. Center for Alliance of Labor and Human Rights (CENTRAL)
16. Committee for Free and Fair Elections in Cambodia (COMFREL)
17. Community Legal Education Center (CLEC)
18. Gender and Development for Cambodia (GADC)
19. International Federation of Journalists (IFJ)
20. Overseas Press Club of Cambodia (OPCC)
21. Reporters Without Borders (RSF)
22. Sahmakum Teang Tnaut (STT Cambodia)
23. Transparency International-Cambodia (TIC)
24. Village Support Group (VSG)
25. Youth Resource Development Program (YRDP)
26. 197 Land Community (Koh Kong)
27. Andong Trabek Land Community (Svay Rieng)
28. Chi Kha Kraom Land Community (Koh Kong)
29. Kouy Indigenous Community (Preah Vihear)
30. Indigenous Community in Prame Commune (Preah Vihear)
31. Mean Chey Land Community (Svay Rieng)
32. Phnom Krom Community (Siem Reap)
33. Prey Chher Pech Changvar Laor Chhert Community (Kampong Chhnang)
34. Prey Peay Land Community (Kampot)
35. Samaki Chek Meas Community (Svay Rieng)
36. Samaki Romeas Haek Community (Svay Rieng)
37. Samaki Sangkae Pir Mean Rith (Preah Vihear)
38. Sre Prang Community (Tboung Khmum)
39. Steung Khsach Sor Forestry Resource (Kampong Chhnang)
40. Trapeang Chour Community (Kampong Speu)
In early August 2022, 320 families in Phnom Penh’s Kilometer 6 commune (known hereon as the railway community) accepted a land compensation package, administered by local authorities, through a lucky draw. This land dispute was caused by a development project: to build a 12-meter-wide concrete road, as well as a drainage system, by the old train tracks. The new road will run from Tuol Kork district to Russey Keo via Daun Penh causing the eviction of the railway community. Following a number of advocacy efforts and negotiations, the Russey Keo district’s administration set up a lucky draw, to allocate each affected family with a plot of land, in a nearby area along the O Veng Canal of Boeung Salang, also in the Russey Keo district.
Each family received a plot of land of 4 meters x 15 meters without any monetary compensation. This resolution came after a decade of community and activist-led advocacy, as members of the railway community relentlessly defended their right to land and adequate housing. The community is primarily concerned that the infrastructure for their new homes will not be built any time soon, as many parts of the site have only just been filled with soil to make way for house construction.
Site visit and discussion with community leader and members
Following the acceptance of the plots of land, STT went to visit the relocation sites to investigate the situation. Some parts of the site had already been demarcated for the railway community residents. However, none of the families have moved to the new location site yet due to its unreadiness. It was also noted that there are no clean water or electricity outlets in place. The road in front of the allocated plots of land has not been developed either, it is currently covered in gravel.
One of the community leaders told STT that even though families accepted the compensation, they made a public request at a press conference, calling the City authorities to provide extra financial and material support. Families need money for transporting construction materials, construction costs, clean water and electricity connections, land titling, and so on. The next step will be to ask for land title registration. The community leader has stressed that this is of utmost urgency, and he is currently seeking support from the City and local authorities.
On the 9th of August 2022, a few other community members expressed relief that the government authorities provided them with some compensation. However, they are still concerned over the lack of financial help for rebuilding their homes on the plots of land along the canal. Community members expressed the same apprehension as the community leader, with regards to access to water, electricity, and land titling. One concern for STT is that these communities will approach Micro-Finance Institutions to ask for loans to build their new homes. Many NGOs including STT have documented predatory practices undertaken by MFIs in Cambodia. If loans are taken out to build houses, the poor will face further challenges.
Key legal instruments to ensure the quality of relocation
The right to adequate housing is guaranteed by a list of national laws and regulations, as well as international human rights instruments. Firstly, Article 25 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights provides that everyone is entitled to the right to housing. This is elucidated further in the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, which states, under Article 11, that governments must take “appropriate steps” to ensure the realization of this right. However, the relationship between eviction, resettlement and human rights is not clearly delineated here.
The Constitution of Cambodia (1993) recognizes the importance of human rights, notably those stipulated in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, through Article 31. With regards to eviction and resettlement, Article 44 of the Constitution outlines the right to land, stressing that land ownership in Cambodia is a right reserved to all Khmer citizens.
The “Circular on Resolution on Temporary Settlements on Land Which Has Been Illegally Occupied in The Capital, Municipal and Urban Areas,” more commonly known as “Circular 03,” is a government policy aimed to help address urban land disputes. Circular 03, signed off in 2010, is a dispute resolution mechanism for communities said to be occupying public space, private state land, or private company-owned land, in confrontation with authorities.
The Government of Cambodia also set up the “National Housing Policy” in 2014. This is a further step towards the realisation of the right to housing for Cambodian citizens, especially the urban poor. This policy acknowledges that the right to housing is a human right, by outlining requirements for house construction, upgrading, and financing. The housing policy emphasises the need for good housing governance in conjunction with proper land-use planning.
Finally, the “Human Rights Commentary and Guidelines on Eviction and Resettlement” published by the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights to Cambodia (OHCHR,) outlines the rights of individuals which need to be respected during eviction and relocation processes. Although it carries no legal weight, and it is unclear if authorities are aware of its existence, it is an important tool to help outline key principles that must be upheldto respect human rights norms and standards during eviction processes. Most importantly, the guideline stipulates that “All resettlement measures, such as the construction of homes, the provision of water, electricity, sanitation, schools, access to roads, and the allocation of land, shall adhere to internationally recognized human rights principles.”
Conclusion
The Phnom Penh Kilometer 6 commune’s right to adequate housing should be respected and protected under domestic and international laws. Plots of land provided by the City authorities are not enough. The community’s need for material and construction costs, basic infrastructure such as roads, connection to electricity and clean water, should be provided by the authorities. As it stands, the government and the authorities are not fulfilling their legal obligations to provide adequate compensation for the affected communities. Furthermore, the relocated families need to be given land titles once all other basic needs are covered.
An overview of the situation
In early August 2022, 320 families in Phnom Penh’s Kilometer 6 commune (known hereon as the railway community) accepted a land compensation package, administered by local authorities, through a lucky draw. This land dispute was caused by a development project: to build a 12-meter-wide concrete road, as well as a drainage system, by the old train tracks. The new road will run from Tuol Kork district to Russey Keo via Daun Penh causing the eviction of the railway community. Following a number of advocacy efforts and negotiations, the Russey Keo district’s administration set up a lucky draw, to allocate each affected family with a plot of land, in a nearby area along the O Veng Canal of Boeung Salang, also in the Russey Keo district.
Each family received a plot of land of 4 meters x 15 meters without any monetary compensation. This resolution came after a decade of community and activist-led advocacy, as members of the railway community relentlessly defended their right to land and adequate housing. The community is primarily concerned that the infrastructure for their new homes will not be built any time soon, as many parts of the site have only just been filled with soil to make way for house construction.
Site visit and discussion with community leader and members
Following the acceptance of the plots of land, STT went to visit the relocation sites to investigate the situation. Some parts of the site had already been demarcated for the railway community residents. However, none of the families have moved to the new location site yet due to its unreadiness. It was also noted that there are no clean water or electricity outlets in place. The road in front of the allocated plots of land has not been developed either, it is currently covered in gravel.
One of the community leaders told STT that even though families accepted the compensation, they made a public request at a press conference, calling the City authorities to provide extra financial and material support. Families need money for transporting construction materials, construction costs, clean water and electricity connections, land titling, and so on. The next step will be to ask for land title registration. The community leader has stressed that this is of utmost urgency, and he is currently seeking support from the City and local authorities.
On the 9th of August 2022, a few other community members expressed relief that the government authorities provided them with some compensation. However, they are still concerned over the lack of financial help for rebuilding their homes on the plots of land along the canal. Community members expressed the same apprehension as the community leader, with regards to access to water, electricity, and land titling. One concern for STT is that these communities will approach Micro-Finance Institutions to ask for loans to build their new homes. Many NGOs including STT have documented predatory practices undertaken by MFIs in Cambodia. If loans are taken out to build houses, the poor will face further challenges.
Key legal instruments to ensure the quality of relocation
The right to adequate housing is guaranteed by a list of national laws and regulations, as well as international human rights instruments. Firstly, Article 25 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights provides that everyone is entitled to the right to housing. This is elucidated further in the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, which states, under Article 11, that governments must take “appropriate steps” to ensure the realization of this right. However, the relationship between eviction, resettlement and human rights is not clearly delineated here.
The Constitution of Cambodia (1993) recognizes the importance of human rights, notably those stipulated in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, through Article 31. With regards to eviction and resettlement, Article 44 of the Constitution outlines the right to land, stressing that land ownership in Cambodia is a right reserved to all Khmer citizens.
The “Circular on Resolution on Temporary Settlements on Land Which Has Been Illegally Occupied in The Capital, Municipal and Urban Areas,” more commonly known as “Circular 03,” is a government policy aimed to help address urban land disputes. Circular 03, signed off in 2010, is a dispute resolution mechanism for communities said to be occupying public space, private state land, or private company-owned land, in confrontation with authorities.
The Government of Cambodia also set up the “National Housing Policy” in 2014. This is a further step towards the realisation of the right to housing for Cambodian citizens, especially the urban poor. This policy acknowledges that the right to housing is a human right, by outlining requirements for house construction, upgrading, and financing. The housing policy emphasises the need for good housing governance in conjunction with proper land-use planning.
Finally, the “Human Rights Commentary and Guidelines on Eviction and Resettlement” published by the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights to Cambodia (OHCHR,) outlines the rights of individuals which need to be respected during eviction and relocation processes. Although it carries no legal weight, and it is unclear if authorities are aware of its existence, it is an important tool to help outline key principles that must be upheldto respect human rights norms and standards during eviction processes. Most importantly, the guideline stipulates that “All resettlement measures, such as the construction of homes, the provision of water, electricity, sanitation, schools, access to roads, and the allocation of land, shall adhere to internationally recognized human rights principles.”
Conclusion
The Phnom Penh Kilometer 6 commune’s right to adequate housing should be respected and protected under domestic and international laws. Plots of land provided by the City authorities are not enough. The community’s need for material and construction costs, basic infrastructure such as roads, connection to electricity and clean water, should be provided by the authorities. As it stands, the government and the authorities are not fulfilling their legal obligations to provide adequate compensation for the affected communities. Furthermore, the relocated families need to be given land titles once all other basic needs are covered.
TOR (Term of Reference) word lettering illustration with icons for web banner, flyer, landing page, presentation, book cover, article, etc.
Sahmakum Teang Tnaut (STT) is located in Phnom Penh. STT was founded in 2005 and officially registered in 2006 as a local NGO supporting urban poor communities. “Teang Tnaut” means “Palm Leaves” and palm leaves are used by poor communities, to build rooves, and walls for their houses. This simplistic name was chosen to forever remind STT that its work serves the poorest members of society. STT started as a small NGO that focused on technical upgrades in poor communities but over the past decade, many communities have been affected by development, land transfers, and evictions. As a result, STT has since grown to produce community maps, research and advocacy in order to achieve its goal of helping poor communities realize their rights to land and housing. STT’s efforts in Phnom Penh alone have reached 270,000 people. STT and its partners have helped communities express their concerns to national and international media, donors as well as national and international NGOs.
Objective
The purpose of the consultancy is to help STT staff build strong foundations on community facilitation skills, including effective communication and facilitation to enhance work effectiveness with target urban and vulnerable communities.
Expected Results and Deliverables
– Before commencement of work the consultant is required to submit a final proposal including methodology, support strategy, work plan and budget, to STT.
– One training course on community facilitation skills will be provided to STT’s relevant staff members.
– A report of the capacity of staff members following the training course will be produced and submitted to STT.
Methods and Activities
The training course will use standard TOT methodologies/techniques and as much practical as possible. The training will be conducted in a way so that participants will have the opportunity to clarify and practice key facilitation techniques and methodologies.
Topics the training should be covered include but are not limited to:
– Good communication: what is it and how is it best applied?
– What makes effective communication
– Roles/functions of training and facilitation
– Good community facilitator: what are the roles, what are the required competencies
– Key approaches and techniques for community facilitation
– Soft skills needed for effective community facilitation
– Designing the facilitation process
– Motivating participation and managing a group’s dynamic
– Problem solving in community facilitation
Support Team from STT
The consultant will work closely with Administration and Human Resource Manager and relevant project managers and staff to facilitate this consultancy.
Duration and Place of Work
This consultancy will commence as soon as possible and the duration of the contract will be between three to five days from the start date.
Consultancy Fee
This consultancy fee is competitive.
Required qualifications of the Consultant
STT is looking for consultant with the following qualifications:
– Minimum of Bachelor’s Degree in a relevant field.
– Extensive knowledge and concrete professional experience of capacity building and training.
– Experience in providing organizational consultancy services on the topics mentioned by STT above.
– Highly effective team player.
– Good communication skills.
– Khmer speaker is an advantage.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should send their application and CV highlighting relevant experience and a technical proposal, including budget to STT’s Administration and Human Resources: recruitment@teangtnaut.org.
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Sahmakum Teang Tnaut (STT) is a non-governmental organization, non-profitable, was set up in September 2005 and officially registered with the ministry of interior in December 2006. STT tries to reflect in its work with urban communities. From the outset, STT has had a focus on infrastructure upgrading, but over the past decade, many communities have been impacted by development relating to land alienation and evictions. Because of this, STT has strengthened its research and advocacy to draw attention to a development policy that in Phnom Penh alone has led to 270,000 residents being displaced since 1990. By supporting genuine community complaints and grievances, STT and its partners have been helping communities articulate their concerns to local and international medias, donors and other NGOs and INGOs. Visit us at www.teangtnaut.org.
To support our projects, STT is looking for qualified candidates to join our dynamic team for the following positions:
Mapping Officer
Unit : Rights to the City Program Reporting to : Community Mapping, Housing Improvement and Urban Resilience Project Manager Hiring : 1 Position Starting Date : 15 August 2022 Schedule : Full Time (Monday-Friday) Gross Salary : Will be negotiated
Responsibilities:
Project Management: Assist the Project Manager in project management in terms of project planning, organizing, leading, monitoring and evaluation.
Project Implementation: Under the supervision of the Project Manager, undertake specific activities including:
– Community mapping: Conduct participatory mapping activities and the production of hand-drawing and digital maps and other information working alongside the other teams and target communities.
– Community Survey: Design and complete survey and mapping of target communities working with STT staff and taking part in collaboration with communities.
– Data Analysis: Analyze data and support in the production of relevant statistics and other data summaries, including final project documentation.
– Community Mapping and Enumeration and Climate Smart Design Training: Conduct community mapping and enumeration and climate-smart design training to target communities under supervision from Project Manager.
Project Innovation: Keep abreast of technical development in project fields and to maintain an overview of the social and political climates affecting contact communities.
Other Project and Tasks: Assist other project tasks and other additional tasks as required by other Managers and/or Management Committee.
Experience and Qualifications:
– At least one year of work experience relating to urban development, land law, community training, social works, environmental science, or other related fields.
– Ability to use computer Ms. Office.
– Ability to speak, write and understand English
– Commitment to working full time and travel to target communities.
How to Apply:
Interested and qualified candidates are required to submit a cover letter and resume (CV) via e-mail to recruitment@teangtnaut.org or to STT’s address provided below by August 8, 2022. Applications that do not indicate the position being applied for will not be considered. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview.
STT is a Cambodian Urban NGO working with vulnerable urban poor communities, in Phnom Penh and the provinces, who are affected by land and housing rights issues. STT is currently implementing four related projects: 1) Community Mapping, Housing Improvement, and Research Project; 2) Land and Housing Rights Project; 3) Community Empowerment Project, and 4) Community Media and ICT Project. Each year, to support the advocacy work of STT and other partner organizations, STT undertakes research into key issues affecting urban poor communities under the threat of eviction. STT also has a strong focus on strengthening the advocacy capacity of community activists and provides a number of social media, ICT, and land and housing rights trainings to urban and rural communities.
STT is looking to hire an external consultant to develop the Rental Housing App for setting up an app capable of disseminating information about adequate housing for renters (human rights) in Phnom Penh, in order provide factory workers and the general public with a complete set of tools in accessible and engaging format, and easily downloadable for the general public. The idea of the App is to provide a comprehensive understanding of adequate housing standards for renters, in accordance with the Civil Code Book 5, Cambodian Contract Law and the Rental Rights Guidelines.
The maps can then be used by blue-collar workers (i.e. union members) in conjunction with other tools to locate safe rental housing. Maps will be utilized as supporting documentation in rental housing rights claims and will complement state land mapping to better inform local authorities and relevant ministries of rental properties.
Objective
The purpose of this consultancy is to develop the Rental Housing App to clearly identify safe rental housing around Phnom Penh.
Expected Results and Deliverables
– Before commencement of work the consultant is required to submit a final proposal including methodology, support strategy, work plan and budget to STT.
– The Rental Housing App will be developed and incorporated into STT’s website.
– Progress reports with verbal presentations of progress as appropriate.
– A final report on the work undertaken and presentation to relevant staff and stakeholders.
– The organization of a training session for relevant staff on the whole process of development of the guideline.
Methods and Activities
The consultant will provide STT with the following:
– Produce the rental housing app.
– Receive comments from STT’s relevant staff and apply these to the development process.
– Provide training to STT’s relevant staff on the whole process of the development of the App
– Prepare a final report.
Support Team from STT
The consultant will work closely with the Community Mapping, Housing Improvement and Urban Resilience Project (CMHRP) Manager, Administration and Human Resource Manager, and relevant project managers and staff to facilitate this consultancy. Key contacts include :
Duration and Place of Work
This consultancy will commence as soon as possible and the duration of the contract will be three months from the start date. Specific duration will be stated in the service agreement once the consultancy is offered.
Consultancy Fee
This consultancy fee will be paid is a competitive rate.
Required qualifications of the Consultant
STT is looking for consultant with the following qualifications:
– Minimum of Bachelor Degree in a relevant field.
– Five years’ experience in providing organizational consultancy services on the topics mentioned by STT above.
– Highly effective team player.
– Good communication skills.
– Khmer language is an advantage
How to Apply
Interested candidates should send their application and CV highlighting relevant experience and a technical proposal, including budget to STT’s Administration and Human Resources through email recruitment@teangtnaut.org
Phnom Penh-based Sahmakum Teang Tnaut (STT) is a Cambodian Urban NGO that was set up in September 2005 and officially registered with the Ministry of Interior in December 2006. STT is seeking One intern, working full-time in Phnom Penh city, to assist their Admin and Finance.
Main responsibilities
– Assist Admin and finance teams in allocating
– Arrange documents
– Assist to control the stationary, sanitation supply, and kitchen supply
– Assist Admin and Finance team in photocopy, scan, and filing
– Assist in delivery works
– Assist in monitoring the timesheet
– Perform other works assigned by the supervisor
Qualification
– University student in the field of Administration or another related field
– Willing to learn and get experience in the training
– Demonstrate a high level of ethical commitment and trustworthiness
– Ability to use a computer with applications relevant to the study fields
– Willing to learn and commit to work full time and can travel to target communities
(as required)
– Be honest, Loyalty, Friendly, and hard working
– Available to work as a full time
What support will STT provide?
Monthly allowance will be provided
Training support – relevant to Admin operation
A desk and computer with internet access
Work experience within an office and urban poor communities
Interns can apply what they have learned to specific projects
The development of ideas through learning by doing
How to apply: Interested candidates should submit a resume and cover letters to the address given below, Name: Sahmakum Teang Tnaut (STT)
Address : #07, St 494, Sangkat Phsar Deum Thkov, Khan Chamkarmorn, Phnom Penh
Phone : 023 555 19 64 Email: recruitment@teangtnaut.org Website: www.teangtnaut.org
Steung Kambot is an urban poor community located in Lor Kam Bour village, Svay Pak commune, Russey Keo district, Phnom Penh. There are 210 households, 244 families, and 847 community members (437 females). They have lived there since 1979 and continue to live there to this day.
Problem/ Challenge
Because some of the community’s houses were located along Street 1003, Russey Keo authorities did not provide land titles, nor did they recognize their land tenure. Furthermore, authorities referred to the community as a community living on public state roads. Despite having lived there since 1979, the community never obtained any official documentation to act as proof for their settlement and land titling. The community members lack confidence to advocate for their livelihoods and land tenure. From 2020 to 2021, the community suffered from the widening of the 30-meter road, and they still live under fear of imminent eviction, which could potentially have them relocate far from their original settlement.
Intervention by STT
Sahmakum Teang Tnaut (STT) went to observe and discuss the community’s challenges. After hearing their problems, STT implemented a project with the community. The project included training on the Land Law, Circular 03/06, Human Rights Principles, Advocacy and ICT skills. Now the community understands such issues better and have developed more confidence and courage. People in the community have become united and advocate very seriously about their land issues to find a solution.
More recently, the community members organized a public march to an event at the building of the Ministry of Land Management, and Urban Planning and Construction, where the Prime Minister presided. The community members just wanted to raise two points: on-site development, and land titling. The Khan authorities said that the campaign was illegal since the community residents had not submitted requests to relevant local authorities.
Result/ Outcome/ Change
As a result of STT’s intervention, the community members now have the capacity to lead community and advocacy activities more independently, with confidence. From September 2020 until now, the community has submitted five petitions to four ministries and one letter to the Prime Minister’s cabinet seeking intervention in their land settlement. In addition, on 29 October 2021, they submitted their letter to the Ministry of Justice and the relevant Anti-Corruption Unit to request intervention on their land issue. Mr. Makara received an invitation from the Russey Keo district administration to discuss the community’s land situation.
However, Mr. Sar Makara refused to attend the meeting with Mr. Prach Seiha, Deputy Governor of Russey Keo District, because Mr. Sar Makara stated that this meeting could take place only with the participation of at least 10 to 12 members of the community’s committee.
Community representatives went to the Ministry of Justice and Anti-Corruption Unit for following up the petition
In October 2021, Community members (244 families) of Steung Kambot community conducted a campaign to request the government to look at their land issue. The community blocked the street to force the authority to consider their land problem. One of the community leaders, Mrs Long Poch said “SuSu (keeping fighting for land rights)! I will die on the land”.
Authorities of Russey Keo district finally conducted a meeting with the community on the 11 November, 2021 to discuss with the community on the issues and to find solutions. More than 200 Community members of Steung Kambot community met with Mr. Ek Khun Doeun, the governor of Khan Russey Keo, to discuss and find a solution for their land issue.
Another community representative, Mrs. Reoung Oun said that “We, the community members have been living here for 30 years without a land title, but the Borey (gated-community) company has only been developing for 3 to 5 years, and getting the land title, this is very unfair for the communities.”
The community members will continue to advocate by conducting advocacy events at both local and national levels, including the follow-up of submitted petitions to relevant government’s ministries and institutions.
Russey Sros Community is located in a residential area at Group 7 and 8, Russey Sros Village, Sangkat Niroth, Khan Chbar Ampov, in Phnom Penh. It was originally settled in 1979. There are 465 people living in the area, consisting of 100 families, occupying 100 houses. All residents are ethnically Khmer, and include eight individuals who are disabled. In 2010, the community met to re-select a new representative under supervision by Urban Poor Women Development (UPWD), World Vision Cambodia, Sahmakum Teang Tnaut (STT) and local authorities. At a June meeting in 2015, the Sangkat recognized that the Russey Sros community lives on private land that they themselves own. However, the community has not undergone the Systematic Land Registration process, without which no family can obtain a formal land title.
Despite the fact that they live on private land, residents may still face pressure to relocate. During an informal discussion with the Municipality of Phnom Penh (MPP), residents were made aware that the MPP plans to build a bridge from Koh Pich across the River, through their community. However, families have yet to receive any official notifications regarding these plans.
Problems/ Challenges
The community has lived under continuous fear of eviction, ever since they first heard of the MPP’s plan to build a bridge across the river which would force them to relocate. The community has access to electricity provided by the state and buys water from the Phnom Penh Water Supply Authority. There is no communal street lighting, nor are there any drainage systems. Some residents have a private toilet, while others use a “flight toilet” – wherein they relieve themselves in a plastic bag and then throw the bag away. There is no rubbish collection. Flooding has also been an issue throughout the three preceding rainy seasons, sometimes lasting more than four weeks.
The community comprises a number of challenges. These include water and air pollution, domestic violence, rampant drug and alcohol abuse; not to mention infrastructure challenges such as the lack of a proper drainage system, hygienic toilets, and the dilapidated state of homes in the area. Families living there are also concerned about the threat of eviction, and flooding problems.
Intervention by STT
Sahmakum Teang Tnaut (STT) has monitored the situation and collected information in the area since 2012. STT has also attempted to map the community, but this has yet to happen. The community empowerment project invited community representatives to attend community exchange visits both in Phnom Penh and in the province. These visits enabled them to witness real urban situations and provided great opportunities for communities to share knowledge. The communities notably demanded land tenure security through the implementation of systematic land registration. Additionally, community representatives and members were
invited to participate in the quarterly meetings that were conducted four times per year. It was a great opportunity for urban communities to meet each other, and to share challenges, experiences, and knowledge. This helped mobilize networks of communities to support each other through social activities with the aim of protecting their land and housing rights from the government and private companies. Exchange Learning visits helped increase capacity for community representatives to be able to exercise leadership within their community. Moreover, community members or representatives were able to gain from the project’s training. Training topics included the land law, secular 03, human rights, non-violence strategies, the basics of ICT, social media (Facebook, WhatsApp, Telegram, Signal, Citizen Journalism, Digital Security, Photo and Video making, and so on). The purpose of these trainings was to strengthen community capacity to protect their land and housing rights, and to be able to claim land title and security.
STT’s projects always teach how to produce community plans, monthly meetings, and ways to engage with local authorities for Sangkat Development action plans. Projects also teach advocacy and ICT skills, and how to monitor and reflect, once the activities are underway. Participants were also encouraged by the project to participate in a national forum on housing policy that was held by the Ministry of Land Management Urban Planning and Construction.
Result/ Outcome/ Change
After the projects, the Russey Sros community has become stronger and has developed good relationships with other urban land communities as well as local authorities. They now have the capacity to lead community and advocacy activities more independently, and with confidence. After the community’s struggles which lasted about 18 years, community residents are now waiting for the official land title from Khan Chbar Ampov, as the measuring process of each household is underway. The community members hope that they will get the land title in early 2022.
Since the community representatives and members have joined the trainings, quarterly meetings, workshops, forums, exchange learning visits, NGO advocacy, and Facebook live shows, they have learned about human rights, about land and housing rights, how to protect themselves from forced eviction, and what the main legal documents are, for demanding land and housing rights.
Community representatives and members have understood their rights and now have the capacity to conduct any activity both within the community and outside the community in order to discuss issues and to seek solutions from local authorities. Moreover, they have been submitting petitions to relevant government institutions which enables them to demand interventions on their land dispute. Furthermore, community members joined other communities and civil societies to participate in international events that promote human rights such as World Habitat Day, and International Human Rights Day. In addition, community members always conduct monthly meetings among themselves if they have urgent tasks to be discussed or need to mobilize support from NGOs like STT.
Throughout their monthly meetings, the community members have gained strength and empowerment by promoting discussion and sharing knowledge, experiences, and new approaches for claiming land titles for many years.
In October 2021, the authorities set up a committee for measuring the GPS of each household. They were informed that all households submitted their documents to relevant authorities to provide land titles where they are located.
The community leader of the community Mrs. Sek Saly, 53 years old, living with her husband and one daughter, told STT: “I am so happy to work for my community members and I want to help lift them out of poverty, I put my heart and soul into helping them to get Equity Cards and am waiting to see the result of land titles in the near future”.
Saly added: “Thanks to STT for supporting our community and training us to engage with local authorities in difficult times to achieve the recent changes in the community. STT helped me and other community members to know human rights, land rights, housing rights, communicating with community networks, NGO partners, and how to advocate for a proper solution. I suggest that STT provide more training to them to be able to share in the community.”
On May 19, 2022, a group of more than 30 young people who love the environment participated in a cycling event around Boeung Tamok lake, coordinated by the organizing team of the World Environment Day 2022 with 15 associations and organizations. The event has three main objectives:
First, to raise awareness of the general situation, benefits, and challenges of Boeung Tamok lake;
Second, to promote the youth rights in environmental protection and Third, disseminate information to stakeholders, especially those who have the right to decide, and to consider stopping the cutting and contribute to the degradation of Boeung Tamok lake.
The event started from a community located on the east side of Boeung Tamok lake, then continued along the Win-win boulevard, and then into the central part of the lake before continuing on to the west and the north.
In this event, there have also been some problems, such as the blockading of the road by the Prek Pnov district authority at the central part of the lake, which did not allow the youth to see the view of the lake and the deep pit that was dug to fill the lake. In addition, our youth group also had to cycle across the water because of flooding.
Despite some obstacles, our young people expressed their appreciation for the dedication and for their energy and time in this event.
Please note that Boeung Tamok, also known as Boeung Kobsrov is the largest natural lake in Phnom Penh, located in the northwest of the city along Win-Win Boulevard and has a total area of 3239. 7 hectares, covering two districts. 6 villages and 25 villages. Around the lake, there are about 300 families and about 1,000 people living there, most of whom are involved in fishing, raising fish, planting lotus, farming, and small businesses at home. The lake was determined by the sub-decree in 2016 and by the end of 2021, the lake area has been cut and handed over to private individuals and public institutions at least 46 times, covering a total area of 2,094 hectares or 65% of the lake area.
On a background of wooden blocks, a white pen, white paper clips and a white card with the text WE ARE HIRING. View from above
Sahmakum Teang Tnaut (STT) is a non-governmental organization, non-profitable, was set up in September 2005 and officially registered with the ministry of interior in December 2006. STT tries to reflect in its work with urban communities. From the outset, STT has had a focus on infrastructure upgrading, but over the past decade, many communities have been impacted by development relating to land alienation and evictions. Because of this, STT has strengthened its research and advocacy to draw attention to a development policy that in Phnom Penh alone has led to 270,000 residents being displaced since 1990. By supporting genuine community complaints and grievances, STT and its partners have been helping communities articulate their concerns to local and international medias, donors and other NGOs and INGOs. Visit us at www.teangtnaut.org.
To support our projects, STT is looking for qualified candidates to join our dynamic team for the following positions:
Community Training Officer Unit : Program Reporting to : Housing Rights Research Project Manager Hire : 1 Position Schedule : Full Time Gross Salary : Negotiable
Main Responsibilities
1. Project Management: Assist the Project Manager in project management in terms of project planning, organizing, leading, monitoring and evaluation.
2. Project Implementation: Under the supervision of the Project Manager, undertake specific activities including:
– Community monitoring: To monitor target communities’ events and other cases of land conflict.
– Community Profiling: To write and produce a profile of the community and another report on the land conflict.
– Community Mapping: To assist participatory mapping activities and help to produce hand-drawn and digital maps and other information working alongside the other team and communities.
– Community Survey: To participate in designing and completing surveys of target communities working with STT staff and assist collaboration with communities and local authorities.
– Legal Analysis: To collect and analyze data collected through surveys, interviews, and other means and support to write legal advice sheet with exiting template.
– Workshop, Training, Meeting, Exhibition: To involve, assist, and organizes any pieces of training, meetings, and workshops in relation to project implementation under the instruction of the Project Manager.
3. Project Innovation: To keep abreast of technical development in project fields and to maintain an overview of the social and political climates affecting contact communities.
4. Other Project and Tasks: To assist other project tasks and other additional tasks as required by other Managers and/or Management Committee.
Requirements
Requirements
The post holder is expected to have:
– At least one year of work experience relating to urban developments, land law, community training, social works, environmental science, or other related fields.
– Ability to use computer Ms. Office.
– Ability to speak, write and understand English
– Commitment to work full time and travel to target communities.
How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should submit their application to recruitment@teangtnaut.org by indicating clearly the job tittle Only shortlisted candidate (s) will be contacted for discussion and interviews.
Development is increasing at an unprecedented rate, in Phnom Penh, leading to long lasting environmental and social impacts. Wasteful and unsustainable housing for the rich, which are routinely undertaken prior to conducting comprehensive environmental and social impact assessments, are undermining the enjoyment of decent housing for the urban poor and contributing to the current climate crisis.
Cambodia comprises the largest youth and adolescent population in the South East Asian region. The involvement of young people in social and environmental development issues has been observed via social media and in groups throughout Phnom Penh. As a result, the youth are critical players in building and strengthening public outreach and awareness on urban and environmental issues in Phnom Penh, and manifest the great potential to drive economic and social development.
We are interested in original research proposals analyzing one of the topics below, from a human rights and environmental perspective, possibly also to do with the context of Covid-19:
– Poverty and Human Rights
– Rights of Persons with Disabilities
– Women’s Rights
– Environment and Human Rights
– Environment and sustainability
– Climate change
– Trash in Phnom Penh
– Flooding in Phnom Penh
– Good governance of communal development plans in the urban poor community
– Economic Inequality in Phnom Penh
– Other topics related to Environment and Human rights
2. Purpose
This project will aim to build the capacity of groups who are generally not given a voice, such as the urban poor and the youth, so that they are able to promote good environmental governance, in a safe and peaceful manner.
3. What Sahmakum Teang Tnaut Offers:
– Research grant: 800 USD to conduct individual research or group research.
– Technical support and monitoring during the research.
– Opportunity to be supported by STT to disseminate the paper via a soft-launch onto STT’s website.
4. Eligibility
Applicants are to meet the following criteria:
– Be nationals of Cambodia
– Applicants must have reached at least year two of a relevant university bachelor program, or be pursuing a graduate degree
– A candidate has the right to research only one topic
5. Deliverables expected from the researchers
The researchers are expected to join the various meetings and produce the following deliverables in Khmer or English.
Unit : MEAL (Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning) Officer Reporting to : Program Manager
Main responsibilities, Tasks and Activities
The MEAL Officer is responsible for the following activities:
Monitoring: To evaluate overall progress on STT’s achievement of results. In doing so, the MEAL officer will be expected to develop and strengthen monitoring, inspection, and evaluation procedures.
Evaluation: To keep abreast of STT’s work at the internal and community levels. To provide inputs, statistics, and information to help STT develop quarterly, annual or other reports in due course. The MEAL officer is also expected to develop monitoring and impact indicators to evaluate a project’s success.
Activity Evaluation: To suggest strategies to the Management Committee for improving the efficiency and effectiveness of a project by identifying possible obstacles in completing project activities and developing plans to minimize or eliminate such obstacles.
Project Reviewing: To participate in project reviews, as well as planning workshops, to help each project manager prepare and set up relevant reports, and workplans.
Quality Assessment: To carry out data quality assessments and audits regularly, based on MEAL indicators agreed with STT, to guide decision making, and to be of use in relevant reports.
Capacity Building: To build capacity of staff through training, to ensure adoption of new data monitoring tools and quality of data collected.
Safeguarding: To report all safeguarding incidents seen, heard, or suspected, using STT’s internal reporting mechanisms.
Other Duties: May be required to work on other projects as agreed with the Management Committee or as directed by the Executive Director.
Performance Indicators
– The annual work plan will outline the outputs and outcomes for this post this will be monitored via supervision and annual appraisal.
– All posts at STT are subject to a 3-month probationary period.
– There will be a 6-monthly review to assess performance and listen to any issues the employee may have.
– This post is subject to the STTs terms and conditions of service. The post holder is expected to follow STT policies.
April 4, 2022 – We, the undersigned organisations, remain deeply concerned about Cambodia’s failure to conduct a thorough, independent, transparent, and effective investigation into the suspected enforced disappearance of Thai activist Wanchalearm Satsaksit and the resulting impunity. As the UN Committee on Enforced Disappearances (CED) prepares for a preliminary review of the situation of enforced disappearances in Cambodia on 5 April 2022, we call on the CED to address Cambodia’s persistent failure to conduct a prompt and thorough search for Wanchalearm to determine his fate and whereabouts or to effectively and transparently investigate his disappearance.
We stand in solidarity with Wanchalearm and his family and all victims of enforced disappearance, and call on Cambodia to address apparent failures of the investigating to date, and to immediately disclose any information they may have about his fate and whereabouts, and to ensure truth, justice and reparations for his family”. We agree with the CED that “the very nature of enforced disappearance [is] a continuous crime” which presents grave risks to the rights to life, liberty, security of person, freedom from secret detention and torture, as well as the right to family life. Families of those disappeared have faced incalculable suffering, while being deprived of the right to obtain redress and have closure.
The CED has previously expressed concern over Cambodian authorities’ failure to define and conduct thorough, impartial, and independent searches and investigations into reported enforced disappearances, a pattern that continued with Wanchalearm’s case. In June 2020, Wanchalearm was abducted in broad daylight outside his apartment building while living in exile in Phnom Penh. Wanchalearm is an outspoken critic of the Thai government and the subject of criminal charges in Thailand. His abduction was captured on CCTV footage, which includes images of the vehicle used and its license plate, as well as by eyewitnesses. Wanchalearm’s sister, Sitanan Satsaksit, also overheard part of the abduction as she was on the phone with him at the time. General Chhay Kim Khouen, spokesman of the National Police, and Khieu Sopheak, spokesman for the Ministry of Interior, initially dismissed the abduction as “fake news” while another official implied that the government would not investigate the matter because there was no formal complaint.
Authorities later denied Wanchalearm had been in Cambodia at the time despite clear evidence and instead focused on issues irrelevant to determining his fate and whereabouts such as whether he had proper immigration documentation. Amid widespread international condemnation, and only after Sitanan Satsaksit filed a formal complaint with the Phnom Penh Municipal Court on 8 July 2020, Cambodian authorities finally opened a criminal investigation in September 2020. Despite Sitanan giving testimony and evidence to a Phnom Penh court in December 2020 and early 2021, there have been no leads in the investigation. Subsequent appeals for information on his disappearance and the progress of the investigation from Wanchalearm’s family have been met with silence. In Thailand, Thai authorities have twice threatened Sitanan with criminal charges after she spoke at events in September and December 2021 about her brother’s disappearance and the need to enact Thailand’s draft law on the prevention and suppression of torture and enforced disappearances.
Wanchalearm’s disappearance is a chilling reminder of the 2007 cross-border disappearances of two Vietnamese pro-democracy and labour activists from Cambodia. For example, Le Tri Tue, a Vietnamese dissident, disappeared in Phnom Penh in 2007 after applying for asylum and remains missing.
Failure to effectively investigate his abduction calls into question the authorities’ compliance with Cambodia’s obligations under the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance (ICPPED), to which Cambodia became a state party in 2013. Specifically, Cambodia is in violation of its duties under international human rights law to undertake a thorough and impartial investigation without delay, take necessary measures to hold those involved criminally responsible, and guarantee access to information to the families of the victims and those with a legitimate interest. In addition, unconscionable delays in the search for a disappeared person are inconsistent with the Guiding Principles for the search for disappeared persons, including to presume the person is alive, respect human dignity, begin without delay, use information in an appropriate manner, and respect that the search is a continuing obligation until the fate of the disappeared is known.
The CED opened its 22nd session on 28 March and will develop a List of Issues that will form the basis for the review of Cambodia’s first report under Article 29 of the ICPPED. This report was due in 2015 but was not submitted by the Cambodian government until 2021.
This joint statement is endorsed by:
1. Sitanan Satsaksit and Family
2. Affiliated Network for Social Accountability (ANSA), Cambodia
3. Alliance for Conflict Transformation (ACT), Cambodia
4. Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK), Bangladesh
5. Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development (FORUM-ASIA)
6. Asian Resource Foundation (ARF), Thailand
7. Association of Women for Awareness & Motivation (AWAM), Pakistan
8. Banglar Manabadhikar Suraksha Mancha (MASUM), India
9. Bytes for All, Pakistan
10. Cambodia’s Independent Civil Servants Association (CICA)
11. Cambodian Center for Human Rights (CCHR)
12. Cambodian Food and Service Workers’ Federation (CFSWF), Cambodia
13. Cambodian Human Rights and Development Association (ADHOC), Cambodia
14. Cambodian Institute for Democracy (CID), Cambodia
15. Cambodian League for the Promotion and Defense of Human Rights (LICADHO), Cambodia
16. Cambodian Youth Network (CYN), Cambodia
17. Center for Alliance of Labor and Human Rights (CENTRAL), Cambodia
18. Center for Human Rights and Development (CHRD), Mongolia
19. Center for Prisoners’ Rights (CPR), Japan
20. Coalition of Cambodian Farmers Community Association (CCFC), Cambodia
21. Committee for Free and Fair Elections in Cambodia (COMFREL), Cambodia
22. Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative (CHRI), India
23. Cross Cultural Foundation (CrCF), Thailand
24. Defence of Human Rights (DHR), Pakistan
25. Dignity-Kadyr-kassiyet (KK), Kazakhstan
26. Equitable Cambodia (EC), Cambodia
27. Human Rights Commission of Pakistan, Pakistan
28. Human Rights Lawyers Association (HRLA), Thailand
29. Independent Democracy of Informal Economy Association (IDEA), Cambodia
30. The Indonesian Human Rights Monitor – Inisiatif Masyarakat Partisipatif untuk Transisi Berkeadilan (Imparsial), Indonesia
31. International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH)
32. Korean House for International Solidarity (KHIS), South Korea
33. League for the Defence of Human Rights in Iran (LDDHI), Iran
34. Madaripur Legal Aid Association (MLAA), Bangladesh
35. Maldivian Democracy Network (MDN), Maldives
36. Manushya Foundation, Thailand
37. Odhikar, Bangladesh
38. People’s Empowerment Foundation (PEF), Thailand
39. People’s Watch, India
40. Programme Against Custodial Torture & Impunity (PACTI), India
41. Progressive Voice, Myanmar
42. Safety and Risk Mitigation Organization (SRMO), Afghanistan
43. Sahmakum Teang Tnaut (STT), Cambodia
44. Suara Rakyat Malaysia (SUARAM), Malaysia
45. Thai Lawyers for Human Rights (TLHR), Thailand
46. The Cambodian NGO Committee on CEDAW (NGO-CEDAW), Cambodia
47. Think Centre, Singapore
48. Transparency International Cambodia (TIC)
49. Vietnam Committee on Human Rights (VCHR), Vietnam
50. Youth Resources Development Program (YRDP)
Authorities have alarmingly escalated the use of violence and mass detention of union members in front of NagaWorld casino in recent weeks, as well as increasing restrictions placed on human rights monitors and journalists covering the authorities’ worsening crackdown. We, the undersigned civil society groups, urge the government to de-escalate the situation and stop the repeated intimidation of strikers, including driving them to various areas far from the city center and leaving them stranded there late at night.
We are concerned by recent actions from authorities prohibiting human rights monitors and journalists from observing the continued use of violence against peaceful strikers, most of whom are women. On multiple occasions, authorities have barred human rights monitors and journalists from taking photographs or standing near the site of these heavy-handed detentions. Journalists have been threatened with arrest for covering the strike, and in several cases authorities have pushed monitors and journalists away as authorities violently drag strikers onto buses. They have also threatened to detain monitors alongside strikers at Covid-19 quarantine centers.
In some cases, authorities have forced monitors to delete photographs and videos of the incidents – further showing that these abusive arrests are a source of shame, and are not justified under domestic or international law. If observers continue to be restricted, we fear that there may be a further increase in violence and abuse during this crackdown.
In addition, in recent days authorities have put strikers into city buses and driven them to the outskirts of the city, dropping them off and forcing them to arrange and pay for their own transport home. This is entirely arbitrary and serves only to punish workers without any legal justification, reasoning or authority.
Women strikers from LRSU have also been targeted with violence, sexual harassment, imprisonment, and arbitrary application of COVID-19 measures in response to their peaceful strike since December 2021. On 29 December 2021, in an incident captured on video, authorities used vulgar sexual language toward a striker and threatened to sexually assault her. On 22 February, a male officer grabbed and squeezed the breast of one striker as she was being forced onto a bus. On 22 March, a woman striker was hit in the eye by authorities while being detained. These actions are unacceptable.
LRSU has conducted their strike peacefully and within the framework of Cambodian and international law, which guarantees the rights to assembly and free association. Yet the government’s response to the strike has been to arrest 11 union members, activists and leaders on trumped-up charges, which still hang over their heads despite their release on bail. Authorities have also regularly arrested and temporarily detained hundreds of additional LRSU strikers on a near-daily basis, arbitrarily sending them to Covid-19 quarantine centers or, more recently, dropping them off in remote areas of the city.
We call on authorities to de-escalate this situation and to take genuine steps toward resolving the dispute, including ensuring that NagaWorld participates in negotiations in good faith and in alignment with Cambodian law.
This joint statement endorsed by:
197 Land Community (Koh Kong)
Affiliated Network for Social Accountability (ANSA)
Alliance for Conflict Transformation (ACT)
Am Leang Community (Kampong Speu)
Andong Trabek Land Community (Svay Rieng)
Areng Indigenous Community (Koh Kong)
Association of Domestic Workers (ADW)
Building and Wood Workers Trade Union Federation of Cambodia (BWTUC)
Boeung Pram Community (Battambang)
Bos Snor Community (Tbong Khmum)
Cambodian Alliance of Trade Unions (CATU)
Cambodian Center for Human Rights (CCHR)
Cambodian Center for Independent Media (CCIM)
Cambodian Food and Service Workers’ Federation (CFSWF)
Center for Alliance of Labor and Human Rights (CENTRAL)
Cambodian Human Rights and Development Association (ADHOC)
Cambodia’s Independent Civil Servants Association (CICA)
Cambodian Informal Economy Workers Association (CIWA-CLC)
Cambodian Labor Confederation (CLC)
Cambodian Tourism Workers Union Federation (CTWUF)
Cambodian Journalists Alliance (CamboJA)
Chi Kha Kraom Land Community (Koh Kong)
Chi Kha Leu Land Community (Koh Kong)
Coalition for Integrity and Social Accountability (CISA)
Coalition of Cambodian Farmers Community Association (CCFC)
Community to Protect Nature (Pursat)
Committee for Free and Fair Elections in Cambodia (COMFREL)
Cambodian Youth Network (CYN)
Dak Por Community (Kampong Speu)
Equitable Cambodia (EC)
Gender and Development Cambodia (GADC)
Haong Samnam Community (Kampong Speu)
Independent Democracy of Informal Economy Association (IDEA)
Independent Trade Union Federation (INTUFE)
Kamprers community (Tboung Khmum)
Khmer Student Intelligent League Association (KSILA)
Khmer Thavrak
Klaing Toek 78 Community (Siemreap)
Koh Sralao Fishery Community (Koh Kong)
Kouy Indigenous Community (Preah Vihear)
Labour Right Supported Union Khmer Employee of Nagaworld (L.R.S.U)
Lor Peang Community (Kampong Chhnang)
Mean Chey Land Community (Svay Rieng)
Neutral and Impartial Committee for Free and Fair Elections in Cambodia (NICFEC)
Peace Bridges Organization (PBO)
Peam Ros Community (Kampong Speu)
People Center for Development and Peace (PDP)
Phnom Krom Community (Siemreap)
Phnom Tnaut Community (Kampot)
Phum Sela Khmer Land Community (Banteay Meanchey)
Ponlok Khmer (PKH)
Prek Ksach Land Community (Koh Kong)
Prey Chher Pech Changvar Laor Chhert Community (Kampong Chhnang)
Prey Lang Community (Stung Treng)
Prey Lang Community (Kampong Thom)
Prey Peay Fishery Community (Kampot)
Ou Vor Preng Community (Battambang)
Reaksmei Sameakki Community (Kampong Speu)
Samaki Chek Meas Community (Svay Rieng)
Solidarity House (SH)
Sahmakum Teang Tnaut (STT)
Sre Ampel Water Fall Tourism Forestry Community (Kampong Chhnang)
Sre Prang Community (Tboung Khmum)
Steung Khsach Sor Forestry Resource (Kampong Chhnang)
A new research study by Sahmakum Teang Tnaut titled “COVID-19 and the help provided” assesses the Government’s actions during the COVID-19 pandemic and compares them to community requests for help. The research process consisted of interviews with 45 community members. On 28 April 2020, communities from around the country went to meet with Government officials to submit a joint request signed by 141 communities calling for help at the beginning of the COVID-19 outbreak. Communities from around the country submitted five key requests to the Government in 2020, and this research measures the Government’s responses and actions. The 5 requests to the government are: Distribute preventative medical supplies to the most vulnerable; Ease or suspend debt to MFIs, banks, and private money-leaders; Rental suspension, and suspension of all taxes on sales; Stay at home payments; and Relocation and eviction issues.
This research finds that the Government did not respond to all the requests for help from communities. The Government reacted to help communities in some ways and did not react at all to other requests. The Government provided medical supplies to communities, offered payments, and enacted policies to reduce MFI debts. However, communities reported that the Government did not respond to requests to stop evicting communities even during a global pandemic. At least 11 communities from around Phnom Penh were evicted or issued with a notice to evict during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Government did not suspend rental payments despite direct requests from 37 of the 45 communities that STT interviewed. The request was made because income for workers throughout communities had decreased or workers had lost their jobs. Many families who rented houses or areas to sell or do business had less income to pay rental fees.
Mrs. Lay Srey Met, representative of Prek Ta Kong 60m community, said:
“During the COVID-19 outbreak, my income went down because sales were not as good as before. Because there are so many difficulties in daily life. “I and all community members have submitted a request to the government, but we have not received any assistance or response from the government”
March 10, 2022 – We are deeply disturbed by reports of widespread human trafficking into Cambodia leading to forced labour, slavery and torture at compounds across the country. Dozens of media reports and numerous victim accounts collected by local and international organisations suggest that thousands of people, mostly foreign nationals, are entrapped in these situations. We call on the government to take meaningful and coordinated action to respond to these gross human rights violations, and to investigate alleged complicity between some government authorities and the criminal enterprises.
Media reports and victim accounts indicate these abuses involve foreign citizens who are kidnapped, sold, trafficked or tricked into accepting jobs in Cambodia. Once in Cambodia, they are detained in large compounds and forced to work, often conducting online scam operations targeting foreign nationals outside the country. Workers who escape report having faced physical and mental threats and violence at the hands of their captors. Reports indicate that most compounds are located in Sihanoukville, yet similar abuses have been reported in Phnom Penh, Pursat, Koh Kong and other provinces.
This grave reality has been recognised by numerous foreign embassies. Indonesia issued a warning regarding the situation in January 2021; Vietnam warned its citizens of such operations in June 2021; the Thai government issued a warning in November 2021; the Pakistan Embassy reported rescuing four citizens in January 2022; and the Chinese Embassy has published multiple statements and warnings regarding such operations. Thai police have expressed concern and recently stepped-up efforts to intervene in cases where Thai citizens have been trafficked and become trapped in these compounds.
Local and international journalists have been central to bringing this human rights crisis to light, reporting on the victims, perpetrators, and government institutions involved in these operations. Reports have implicated a well-known Cambodian tycoon and a ruling party senator as being connected to some of the operations.
While some Cambodian authorities have responded to a handful of individual complaints, this crisis cannot be resolved on a case-by-case basis. A coordinated and targeted response is urgently needed from the Cambodian government, local and international organisations, UN bodies, and other governments to respond to the magnitude of this crisis. We urge the Cambodian government to fulfil its responsibility to fully investigate the abuses within its territory; abolish all compounds linked with illegal gambling and fraud operations, and the associated forced labour, slavery or torture; ensure that those entrapped are released and provided with safety; and prosecute all those responsible in accordance with Cambodian law.
The continued existence of these operations is a tragedy, and we are horrified that Cambodia is being used as a base for such inhumanity. All relevant actors must immediately guarantee that no one is subject to slavery or torture within Cambodia.
This statement endorsed by:
1. Alliance for Conflict Transformation (ACT)
2. Association of Domestic Workers (ADW)
3. Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development (FORUM-ASIA)
4. Bytes for All, Pakistan
5. Cambodian Center for Human Rights (CCHR)
6. Cambodian Human Rights and Development Association (ADHOC)
7. Cambodian League for the Promotion and Defense of Human Rights (LICADHO)
8. Center for Alliance of Labor and Human Rights (CENTRAL)
9. Centre for Human Rights and Development, Mongolia
10. Coalition of Cambodian Farmers Community Association (CCFC)
11. Cambodian Food and Service Workers’ Federation (CFSWF)
12. Committee for Free and Fair Elections in Cambodia (COMFREL)
13. Cambodian Center for Independent Media (CCIM)
14. Cambodian Institute for Democracy (CID)
15. Cambodian Youth Network (CYN)
16. Defense of Human Rights & Public Service Trust, Pakistan
17. Equitable Cambodia (EC)
18. Gender and Development for Cambodia (GADC)
19. Independent Democracy of Informal Economy Association (IDEA)
20. Initiativ Kambodja (IK)
21. International Justice Mission (IJM)
22. M’Lop Tapang
23. Neutral and Impartial Committee for Free and Fair Elections in Cambodia (NICFEC)
24. Odhikar, Bangladesh
25. Peace Bridges Organization (PBO)
26. People Center for Development and Peace (PDP-Center)
27. People’s Empowerment Foundation, Thailand
28. Sahmakum Teang Tnaut – (STT)
29. Society for the Protection of the Rights of the Child (SPARC), Pakistan
30. Transparency International Cambodia (TI)
31. The Cambodian NGO Committee on CEDAW (NGO-CEDAW)
32. Suara Rakyat Malaysia (SUARAM), Malaysia
33. Women’s Rehabilitation Centre (WOREC), Nepal
34. Think Centre, Singapore
35. Banglar Manabadhikar Suraksha Mancha (MASUM), India
36. Progressive Voice, Myanmar
For more information, please contact:
▪ Mr. Am Sam Ath, Operations Director LICADHO – (+855) 10 327 770 (Khmer)
▪ Mr. Jake Sims, Country Director IJM – (+855) 12901446 (English)
Sahmakum Teang Tnaut Organization (STT) is located in Phnom Penh. STT was founded in 2005 and officially registered in 2006 as a local NGO supporting urban poor communities. “Teang Tnaut” means “Palm Leaves” and palm leaves are used by poor communities to build roofs, and walls for their houses. This simplistic name was chosen to remind STT that its work serves the poorest members of society. STT started as a small NGO that focused on technical upgrades in poor communities but over the past decade, many communities have been affected by development, land transfers, and evictions. As a result, STT has since grown to produce community maps, research and advocacy in order to achieve its goal of helping poor communities realize their rights to land. Furthermore, STT also helps urban communities gain awareness of the ID Poor Program. STT’s efforts in Phnom Penh alone have reached 270,000 people. STT and its partners have helped communities express their concerns to national and international media, donors as well as national and international NGOs.
STT is looking to hire an external consultant to conduct research which will update a study on urban poor settlements in Phnom Penh conducted by STT in 2017.
2. Objective
The purpose of this consultancy is to conduct one research, aiming at providing an update to the published research on urban poor settlements with specific objectives as follows:
– To update and collect new data on existing urban poor settlements researched under STT’s 2017 “Phnom Penh Survey,” and identify potential new settlements.
– To produce up-to-date and accurate maps of the locations of urban poor settlements.
– To develop findings and recommendations for key stakeholders that will lead to positive outcomes for the urban poor.
3, Methods and Activities
The consultant will work at STT’s offices and/or remotely as appropriate throughout the consultancy, which is expected to last six months. When working from STT’s premises, STT will offer office space and facilities, including Wi-Fi connection. The consultant is required to use certain methodologies as stated below:
– Produce key research methodology that could accurately respond to the objectives of this consultancy and generate appropriate findings that lead to feasible recommendations
– Conduct literature reviews on existing studies, papers and gather evidence from various sources.
– Conduct field visits to collect certain information and reflect on the reality of communities/resettlement.
– Conduct focus group discussions, in depth interviews with community members and other relevant stakeholders to explore the challenges and seek further recommendations.
4. Expected Outcome and Deliverable
– Before commencement of work the consultant is required to submit a final proposal including proposed methodology, support strategy, clear work plan, timeframe and budget to STT.
– The submission of a draft report.
– Progress reports with verbal presentations of progress as appropriate.
– A final report on work undertaken and presentation to relevant staff and stakeholders.
– Arrange a workshop session plan and present it to STT’s relevant project staff and community members.
– The submission of map of resettlement sites in Phnom Penh
5. Support Team from STT
The consultant will work closely with the Program Manager, Housing Rights and Research Project Manager (HRRPM) and Senior Human Resource and Admin Officer and relevant project managers and staff to facilitate this consultancy.
6. Duration and Place of Work
This consultancy will commence as soon as possible and the duration of the contract will be 6 months from the start date. Specific duration will be stated in the service agreement once the consultancy is offered.
7. Consultancy Fee
The consultant will be compensated at a competitive rate.
8. Required qualifications of the Consultant
STT is looking for a consultant with the following qualifications:
– Minimum of Bachelor Degree in a relevant field.
– Extensive knowledge and concrete professional experience of social research;
– Thorough knowledge of using Excel and/or SPSS for data analysis;
– Five years experience in providing organizational consultancy services on the topics mentioned by STT above.
– Good communication skills
– Ability to adhere to deadlines and flexibility
– Khmer speaker is an advantage.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should send their application including: CV highlighting relevant experience, a budget and sample work to STT’s Administration and Human Resources through email recruitment@teangtnaut.org. Note: Only shortlisted applicant (s) will be contacted for discussions and interviews.
Closing date: March 25, 2022 before 5pm
TOR (Term of Reference) word lettering illustration with icons for web banner, flyer, landing page, presentation, book cover, article, etc.
Sahmakum Teang Tnaut (STT) is located in Phnom Penh. STT was founded in 2005 and officially registered in 2006 as a local NGO supporting urban poor communities. “Teang Tnaut” means “Palm Leaves” and palm leaves are used by poor communities, to build roofs, and walls for their houses. This simplistic name was chosen to forever remind STT that its work serves the poorest members of society. STT started as a small NGO that focused on technical upgrades in poor communities but over the past decade, many communities have been affected by development, land transfers, and evictions. As a result, STT has since grown to produce community maps, research and advocacy in order to achieve its goal of helping poor communities realize their rights to land and housing and raising awareness on the ID Poor program. STT’s efforts in Phnom Penh alone have reached 270,000 people. STT and its partners have helped communities express their concerns to national and international media, donors as well as national and international NGOs.
STT is looking to hire an external consultant to produce advocacy videos which will be posted on social media to raise awareness on a variety of urban issues.
2. Objective
To produce two advocacy videos which will be posted on social media to raise awareness on a variety of urban issues. The videos will focus on raising awareness on the ID poor program; raising awareness on the lack of public documents in the urban poor communities in Phnom Penh, with the aim to highlight the importance of public documents as well as to promote the provision of public documents to urban poor communities.
3. Methods and Tools
– Consultant will produce two advocacy videos
– The concept of the video will either be provided by STT or proposed by the consultant
– Stories, photos, videos, images, audio, infographics and other materials related to the process of producing the video will be developed by the consultant
– The consultant must guarantee that the videos produced will not be copyrighted
– The full work plan and timeline will be developed by the consultant and approved by the STT team before commencement of work
– Travel to communities to collect media material
– Perform appropriate short interviews with partners, community members and other stakeholders (authorities Sangkat or Khan).
4. Expected Outcome and Deliverable
The consultant will submit to STT:
– Two advocacy videos of high quality and resolution.
– The duration of the videos will not exceed 5 minutes.
– Narration, translation and subtitles in English.
– Original photos, videos, images, audio, infographics which will be used in the videos.
5. Support team from STT
The consultant will work closely with Housing Rights and Research (HRRP) Project Manager, Community ICT and Media Project (ICT) Project Coordinator, Senior Human Resource and Admin Officer and relevant project managers and staff to facilitate this consultancy. Key contacts are as follows:
This consultancy will commence as soon as possible and the duration of the contract will be two months from the start date. Specific duration will be stated in the service agreement once the consultancy is offered.
7. Consultancy Fee
This consultancy fee is a maximum $ 2,200.
8. Required qualifications of the Consultant
STT is looking for a consultant with the following qualifications:
– Experience in producing advocacy videos for NGOs, the private sector or the government;
– Exceptional photography and videography skills;
– Excellent photo and video editing skills;
– Ability to adhere to deadlines and flexibility;
– Highly effective team player;
– Good communication skills;
– Khmer speaker is an advantage.
9. How to Apply
Interested candidates should send their application and CV highlighting relevant experience and a technical proposal, including budget to STT’s Administration and Human Resources through email recruitment@teangtnaut.org
Note: Only shortlisted applicant (s) will be contacted for discussions and interviews
February 24, 2022 – We, the undersigned civil society groups, communities and trade unions, are dismayed by recent incidents of state-sponsored violence, including sexual harassment, against Cambodian women engaged in peaceful strikes and assemblies. Members of the Labor Rights Supported Union of Khmer Employees of NagaWorld (LRSU) – most of whom are women – have been subjected to violence, imprisonment, and arbitrary application of COVID-19 measures in response to their peaceful strike since December 2021.
Authorities have repeatedly pushed, dragged and carried peaceful strikers onto buses to take them to a COVID-19 quarantine centre in Prek Phnov district, Phnom Penh this week. On 22 February 2022, a male officer grabbed and squeezed the breast of one woman as she was being forced onto a bus. Similarly, on 29 December 2021, state authorities used vulgar sexual language toward a striker and threatened to sexually assault her.
Women strikers have been repeatedly and disproportionately targeted by government efforts to disperse the peaceful strike. During January, strikers were arbitarily denied access to bathrooms nearby the strike site, which were reopened daily as strikers returned home. Authorities have prevented strikers from returning home until after dark on multiple occasions, and at times followed them when they have been permitted to leave.
This month, strikers have repeatedly complied with orders to undertake multiple COVID-19 tests and fulfiled quarantine orders. Despite meeting such demands, on 21 February 2022, 64 strikers – 56 women and eight men – were forcibly taken to a quarantine facility as they attempted to resume their strike and were only permitted to return home late in the evening after complying with further COVID-19 testing. The next day, 39 strikers – 31 women and eight men – were forcibly taken to the same quarantine centre. Strikers reported that the facility does not have adequate access to water for bathing or drinking or adequate sleeping areas. The following afternoon, 51 additional strikers – 41 women and 10 men – were sent to the same quarantine centre. They have each been fined up to 2 million riel (US$500) for allegedly violating COVID-19 measures as they attempted to resume their strike. Strikers detained since Tuesday have not been released from the quarantine centre.
Meanwhile, 11 LRSU members and leaders, including seven women, have been arrested since December 2021, in retaliation for their peaceful and legitimate exercise of freedom of assembly and freedom of association. They are currently in pre-trial detention. The seven women have been charged with incitement to commit a felony under Cambodia’s Criminal Code and face up to two years in overcrowded prisons if convicted.
State-sanctioned violence against women, arbitrary enforcement of COVID-19 mitigation measures, and the use of the judiciary to stifle public participation are unjustified and unlawful under both international and domestic law. In particular, they violate the constitutional right to peaceful assembly and rights under the UN Convention on the Elimination of all forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) as interpreted in the CEDAW General Recommendations Nos. 30 (regarding women in conflict, “including protracted and low-intensity civil strife, political strife”) and 35 (regarding gender-based violence).
Women’s rights violations continue to be rampant in Cambodia, with many women reporting feeling less free than men to exercise their fundamental rights, including their rights to speech and assembly. The COVID-19 pandemic has taken a particularly heavy toll on women in Cambodia: many have suffered its economic impacts since the most affected industries, including entertainment, garment, and hospitality, employ a larger share of women than other sectors. In these challenging times, women need increased guarantees to exercise their rights and support, and civil society cannot remain silent in the face of the violence committed against them, all the more when such abuses are committed by the very authorities whose mission is to protect them.
We remind the RGC of its commitments to CEDAW and the Committee’s recommendation in paragraph 9 from November 2019 to fully guarantee the rights of women human rights defenders, trade union leaders, land and environmental activists and members of the political opposition party, particularly their rights to freedom of expression, assembly and association, without harassment, surveillance or other undue restrictions. We strongly urge the government to adopt standards on gender-responsive policing and to mandate gender trainings for police, military, and other security acting on behalf of the state so that they conduct themselves in a professional, ethical, and gender-responsive and sensitive manner whenever they interact with members of the public. We call for all women to be free to resume their peaceful strikes and exercise their fundamental rights without discrimination, and for all imprisoned unionists to be immediately and unconditionally released with all charges dropped.
This joint statement endorsed by:
1. ActionAid Cambodia (AAC)
2. Association to Support Vulnerable Women (ASVW)
3. Banteay Srei (BS)
4. Building Community Voices (BCV)
5. Cambodia Labor Confederation (CLC)
6. Cambodian Center for Human Rights (CCHR)
7. Cambodian Center for Independent Media (CCIM)
8. Cambodian Food and Service Workers’ Federation (CFSWF)
9. Cambodian Human Rights and Development Association (ADHOC)
10. Cambodian League for the Promotion and Defense of Human Rights (LICADHO)
11. Cambodian Youth Network (CYN)
12. Cambodian Women’s Crisis Center (CWCC)
13. Center for Alliance of Labor and Human Rights (CENTRAL)
14. Coalition of Cambodian Farmer Community (CCFC)
15. Committee for Free and Fair Elections in Cambodia (COMFREL)
16. Gender and Development for Cambodia (GADC)
17. Independent Democracy of Informal Economy Association (IDEA)
18. Independent Trade Union Federation (INTUFE)
19. Klahaan Organization (Klahaan)
20. Neutral and Impartial Committee for Free and Fair Elections in Cambodia (NICFEC)
21. Sahmakum Teang Tnaut (STT)
22. The Cambodian NGO Committee on CEDAW (NGO-CEDAW)
23. Urban Poor Women Development (UPWD)
24. Women Peace Makers (WPM)
25. Youth Resource Development Program (YRDP) Cambodia
26. 197 Land Community (Koh Kong)
27. Am Leang Community (Kampong Speu)
28. Andong Trabek Land Community (Svay Rieng)
29. Areng Indigenous Community (Koh Kong)
30. Boeung Pram Community (Battambang)
31. Bos Snor Community (Tbong Khmum)
32. Chi Kha Leu Land Community (Koh Kong)
33. Community to Protect Nature (Pursat)
34. Dak Por Community (Kampong Speu)
35. Gender and Development network (GADNet)
36. Kompres Community (Tboung Khmum)
37. Klaing Teuk 78 Community (Siem Reap)
38. Kouy Indigenous Community (Preah Vihear)
39. Land Community (Pailin)
40. Ou Vor Preng Community (Battambang)
41. Peam Ros Community (Kampong Speu)
42. Phum Sela Khmer Land Community (Banteay Meanchey)
43. Prey Lang Community (Kampong Thom)
44. Prey Peay Land Community (Kampot)
45. Reaksmei Sameakki Community (Kampong Speu)
46. Sre Ampel Water Fall Tourism Forestry Community (Kampong Chhnang)
47. Sre Prang Community (Tboung Khmum)
48. Ta Noun Land Community (Koh Kong)
49. Thmar Da Community (Pursat)
50. Tonlung Community (Tboung Khmum)
51. Trapeang Pring Community (Tboung Khmum)
This report is an assessment of poverty in urban poor communities in Phnom Penh. This report has found many concerning trends with regards to land and tenure security, and access to food and public services, all of which should be addressed as a matter of urgency by local authorities, and the government. 958 households were selected for interviews for this study, which constitutes an insight into the situation of 42 urban poor communities around Phnom Penh.
One of the findings listed in this report is the worrying lack of family documentation for urban communities. 47% of respondents claimed not to have their family book at home. This is especially concerning as family books are crucial for being able to vote, or to be registered for ID poor. The ID poor system has itself been strongly criticised by community members:
‘Nearly two thirds (64%) of respondents expressed the need for further assessment to be carried out for ID Poor. Respondents stated that they believe the system has missed poor families who are eligible for ID Poor.’ (Poverty Assessment, STT)
The absence of a family book or registration onto the ID poor system can cause risks regarding tenure security. A family book is necessary to obtain ID poor status. This is especially urgent as the report has also found that some families have faced forced evictions over the last five years. The study has found that almost 50 respondents have endured forced evictions during that timeframe.
While this report highlights ongoing issues related to evictions, the report delves deeper into the social intricacies of housing and shelter, access to healthcare, food, and electricity, family vulnerabilities, and debt. Poverty has continued to affect many urban communities throughout Phnom Penh, and this has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Saran Soeung, the executive director of STT explains:
‘Urban poverty is mostly disregarded. There are many problems ranging from income insecurity, land tenure security, health care, children’s education, and sanitation. These problems seem to have been overlooked by relevant stakeholders. Communities are increasingly at risk of an extensive range of vulnerabilities.’ (Saran Soeung, Executive Director, STT)
Concerning the threat of evictions, local authorities and the government need to facilitate dialogue between urban poor communities and potential evictees. This report has shown that victims of forced evictions are typically faced with threats, intimidation, and humiliation. There needs to be community consultations, transparency, and ongoing dialogue with relevant government institutions when a big development project has the potential to cause displacement and eviction.
You can download the reports as PDF files here! Khmer – English
For further information please contact:
Mr. Soeung Saran, Executive Director of Sahmakum Teang Tnaut.
Sahmakum Teang Tnaut Organization (STT) is located in Phnom Penh. STT was founded in 2005 and officially registered in 2006 as a local NGO supporting urban poor communities. “Teang Tnaut” means “Palm Leaves” and palm leaves are used by poor communities to build roofs, and walls for their houses. This simplistic name was chosen to remind STT that its work serves the poorest members of society. STT started as a small NGO that focused on technical upgrades in poor communities but over the past decade, many communities have been affected by development, land transfers, and evictions. As a result, STT has since grown to produce community maps, research and advocacy in order to achieve its goal of helping poor communities realize their rights to land. Furthermore, STT also helps urban communities gain awareness of the ID Poor Program. STT’s efforts in Phnom Penh alone have reached 270,000 people. STT and its partners have helped communities express their concerns to national and international media, donors as well as national and international NGOs.
STT is looking to hire an external consultant to take urban poor communities and photos of lakes, for a photo exhibition which will be displayed in person and on social media to raise awareness and attract attention from the general public about communities’ living conditions and challenges.
2. Objective
To take 40 photos of urban poor communities and lakes which will be publicly exhibited, and shared on social media, to raise awareness, and to direct the public’s attention towards communities’ living conditions and challenges.
3. Methods and Tools
– The consultant will take 40 photos, which relate to the urban poor communities and lakes in or near Phnom Penh that are targeted by STT.
– The consultant must have suitable photography equipment
– The consultant must guarantee that the photos will not be copyrighted
– The full work plan and timeline will be developed by the consultant and approved by the STT team.
– The consultant will receive comments from STT’s relevant staff in order to assure the collected photos are acceptable and in line with the project’s intentions.
– STT will cover the transportation cost for the consultant, traveling to communities and lake areas to collect the photos.
– The photos must adhere to children rights, and privacy norms
4. Expected Outcome and Deliverable
– Before commencement of work, the consultant is required to submit a final proposal which would include methodology, strategy, work plan, and budget to STT.
– 40 original and high-quality photos (which can be printed on A1 size) which relate to urban poor and lakes. The theme is “Urban Poor Communities and Inequality, in the face of City Development”. In addition, the photos can include the following aspects and themes:
+ Covid-19 pandemic and urban poor communities
+ Forced evictions
+ Infilling of the Lakes
+ Housing Rights and Challenges
+ Relocation sites
– After all the photos have been handed over to STT, they will become ownership of STT
5. Support Team from STT
The consultant will work closely with the community Housing Rights and Research (HRRP) Project Manager and Senior Human Resource and Admin Officer and relevant project managers and staff to facilitate this consultancy. Key contacts are as follows:
This consultancy will commence as soon as possible and the duration of the contract will be 15 days from the start date. Specific duration will be stated in the service agreement once the consultancy is offered.
7. Consultancy Fee
The consultant will be compensated at a competitive rate.
8. Required qualifications of the Consultant
STT is looking for a consultant with the following qualifications:
– Experience in photography or in a relevant field
– Good communication skills
– Has their own materials for producing the needed photos
– Fulfils all obligations to gender sensitivity and demonstrates zero tolerance for sexual harassment
– Ability to adhere to deadlines and flexibility
– Khmer speaker is an advantage.
9.How to Apply
Interested candidates should send their application including: CV highlighting relevant experience, a budget and sample work to STT’s Administration and Human Resources through email recruitment@teangtnaut.org. Note: Only shortlisted applicant (s) will be contacted for discussions and interviews.
Phnom Penh based Sahmakum Teang Tnaut (STT) is a Cambodian Urban NGO that was set up in September 2005 and officially registered with the Ministry of Interior in December 2006. STT is seeking three interns, working full time in Phnom Penh city, to assist their Housing Rights and Research Project (HRRP).
Qualification
– At least a fourth-year student or a recent graduate in Lay, Social & Environmental science or a related field or community members
– Ability to use computer with application relevant to the study fields
– Good verbal and written communication skills in English and Khmer
– Willing to learn and commit to work full time and can travel to target communities (as required)
– Be honest, Loyalty, Friendly and hard working
Main responsibilities
– Attend training on how to use data gathering tools
– Go to the designated work sites to complete data enumeration
– Enter data into the designated system
– Assist project staff in community mapping
– Assist project staff in organizing community meetings or training
– Do other necessary tasks assigned by supervisors
What support will STT provide?
Monthly allowance will be provided
Training support – relevant to research techniques
A desk and computer with internet access
Work experience within an office and urban poor communities
Interns can apply what they have learnt to specific projects
The development of ideas through learning by doing
Duration: 3 months
Monthly allowance: USD 150.00/month
Deadline: February 14th, 2022
How to apply: Interested candidates should submit resume and cover letter to the address given below, Name: Sahmakum Teang Tnaut (STT)
Address : #07, St 494, Sangkat Phsar Deum Thkov, Khan Chamkarmorn, Phnom Penh
Phone : 023 555 19 64 Email: hradmin@teangtnaut.org Website: www.teangtnaut.org
Phnom Penh, 10 February 2022 – We, the undersigned civil society groups, trade unions and communities are extremely disappointed and concerned over the conviction of Mr. Chhorn Phalla, who was sentenced to five years imprisonment by the Rattanakiri Provincial Court on 10 November 2021 after a hearing on 29 September 2021. During that hearing the prosecutor changed the charge against Chhorn Phalla from “fell trees, encroached and cleared forest land, set forest fire, and bulldozed forestlands to claim ownership” under Article 62 of the Law on Natural Protected Areas to “clear forestland and enclose it to claim for ownership” under Article 97 (6) of the Law on Forestry, without substantial evidence to support this change. The change of the charges violated Chhorn Phalla’s fair trial rights, as it affected his right to have adequate time to prepare his defense. The court nevertheless convicted Chhorn Phalla under the new charges and sentenced him to five years imprisonment. During the trial, witnesses stated that Chhorn Phalla did not clear forestland and enclosed it to claim for ownership. Chhorn Phalla himself confirmed that he does not own any piece of land in that area.
Chhorn Phalla has been active in the protection of forests and natural resources in Seda commune, Lumphat district, Rattanakiri province for more than ten years. Along with other activists, he monitors forest and natural resources destruction, collects information and documents evidence of this destruction to file lawsuits against competent authorities who fail to perform their duties in protecting natural resources and forest land, thus allowing perpetrators to destroy the forest and natural resources in violation of the Law on Forestry and the Law on Natural Protected Areas. Due to his activism, Chhorn Phalla was attacked on 8 July 2020 by a group of people close to the authorities, after he raised the issue of deforestation and destruction of natural resources during a forum organized by the authorities in Seda commune hall, Lumphat district, Rattanakiri province. After the attack, Chhorn Phalla filed a complaint to the Rattanakiri Provincial Court. However, no action has been taken against the suspects.
Chhorn Phalla has been detained in Rattanakiri provincial prison for more than four months since his arrest on 20 September 2021 while he was checking the voters’ list at the police station in Seda commune, Lumphat district, Rattanakiri province. The Rattanakiri Provincial Court’s unfair decision against Chhorn Phalla amounts to judicial harassment and aims to threaten, intimidate and frighten him, as well as other environmental activists who are actively involved in protecting forests and natural resources.
We urge the judiciary and relevant institutions to drop the charges against Chhorn Phalla and to release him unconditionally. We hope the government will remember its obligation to preserve and protect the environment and the natural resources of Cambodia, and to guarantee the rights and freedoms of individuals to take part in the life of the nation.
This statement is endorsed by:
Cambodian League for the Promotion and Defense of Human Rights (LICADHO)
Cambodian Center for Human Rights (CCHR)
Cambodian Human Rights and Development Association (ADHOC)
Committee for Free and Fair Elections in Cambodia (COMFREL)
Center for Alliance of Labor and Human Rights (CENTRAL)
Alliance for Conflict Transformation (ACT)
Coalition of Cambodian Farmers Community (CCFC)
Youth Resources Development Program (YRDP)
Peace Bridges Organization (PBO)
Cambodian Institute for Democracy (CID)
People Center for Development and Peace (PDP Center)
Coalition for Integrity and Social Accountability (CISA)
Cambodia’s Independent Civil Servants Association (CICA)
Cambodian Youth Network (CYN)
Sahmakum Teang Tnaut (STT)
Affiliated Network for Social Accountability (ANSA)
Boeung Pram Community (Battambang)
O’Vor Preng Community (Battambang)
Pailin Land Community
Chakrei Land Community (Banteay Meanchey)
Phum Sela Khmer Land Community (Banteay Meanchey)
Community to Protect Nature (Pursat)
Thmar Da Community (Pursat)
O’Chamsrey Tradakpong Community (Kampong Thom)
Kouy Indigenous Community (Preah Vihear)
Peam Ros Community (Kampong Speu)
Prey Peay Community (Kampot)
Samaki Sangkae Pi Meanrith Community (Preah Vihear)
Prey Lang Community (Stung Treng)
197 Land Community (Koh Kong)
Areng Indigenous Community (Koh Kong)
Chi Kha Kraom Land Community (Koh Kong)
Koh Sralao Fishery Community (Koh Kong)
Chi Kha Leu Land Community (Koh Kong)
Ta Noun Land Community (Koh Kong)
Bos Snor Community (Tboung Khmum)
Sre Prang Community (Tboung Khmum)
Tunlung Community (Tboung Khmum)
Sre Ampel Water Fall Tourism Forest Community (Kampong Chhnang)
Steung Khsach Sor Forestry Resource (Kampong Chhnang)
Charay Indigenous Community (Rattanakiri)
Am Laeng Community (Kampong Speu)
Building and Wood Worker’s Trade Union Federation of Cambodia (BWTUC)
Cambodian Alliance of Trade Unions (CATU)
Independent Trade Union Federation (INTUFE)
Cambodian Tourism Workers Union Federation (CTWUF)
Khlaeng Teok 78 Community (Siem Reap)
Tany Land Community (Siem Reap)
Andong Trabek Land Community (Svay Rieng)
Samaki Chek Meas Community (Svay Rieng)
Mean Chey Community (Svay Rieng)
Prey Lang Community (Kampong Thom)
Raksmei Samaki Community (Kampong Speu)
Human Right Defender Network (Kratie)
Broma Roub Roum Community (Kratie)
Sambok Community (Kratie)
Tamao Community (Kratie)
Da Community (Kratie)
Chang Krang Community (Kratie)
Kantout Community (Kratie)
Saob Community (Kratie)
Kra-nhung Senchey Community (Kratie)
Kbal Damrei Community (Kratie)
Prek Saman Community (Kratie)
Human Right Defender Network (Tboung Khmum)
Praphat Community (Tboung Khmum)
Bey Met Community (Tboung Khmum)
Chaom Kravean Community (Tboung Khmum)
Trapaeng Pring Community (Tboung Khmum)
Chan Moul Community (Tboung Khmum)
Kambrers Community (Tboung Khmum)
Indigenous Community Network Working Group (Mundulkiri)