Land Security of Urban Poor Communities: Challenges and Solutions 2024

On 15th May 2024, Sahmakum Teang Tnaut Organization is issuing the report titled “Land Security of Urban Poor Communities: Challenges and Solutions 2024”.

This research aims to study the root of land issues that people in 11 poor communities in Phnom Penh are facing. The study examines the implementation of existing national and international instruments to provide appropriate solutions to the promotion of land and housing rights in those communities.

The report identified key issues facing the 11 communities, including issues related to land and housing rights, livelihoods, declining incomes, discouragement, intimidation by authorities and court allegations.

These issues are partly caused by a lack of access to information and the lack of inclusion in the solution-finding process to development and eviction. Poor communities are failing to obtain certain documents that can support their land tenure, and as a result, when development projects are planned. They are required to leave their land, sometimes without adequate compensation. Communities are being forced to unite and advocate for government intervention to protect their ancestral lands. Despite facing intimidation, some members have even been taken to court. It's a desperate fight to preserve the places they once called home.

Ms. Vorn Pha community member at Somrong Thbong community said, "The poor constantly lose and never recover; they lose and sink to the bottom. The officials assaulted the people again and filed a complaint against them”.

The report provides recommendations that include:

1. Allegations that communities are illegally occupying state land, when that land hasn't even been officially registered, violate the rights of the poor and perpetuate social injustice. Before making such claims, the government must transparently complete the land registration process. This should include participation from the communities involved in defining what constitutes public state land. Anything less undermines their rights and fuels further inequity.

2. Circular 03 and Circular 06 are important foundations for the protection of the rights and interests of the poor, especially those living in unregulated areas, but implementation is limited. Phnom Penh Capital Hall and the General Department of Housing should implement these guidelines in collaboration with relevant institutions, including the Ministry of Economy and Finance, civil society and the private sector, in order to improve the right to housing and livelihoods of the poor through adequate housing funding for poor communities.

For further information please contact: 
Mr. Seang Muoylay, Rights to the City Program Manager at Sahmakum Teang Tnaut Organization.
Signal: 016 899 465 
Email: [email protected]