CCHR Public Forum

MEDIA ALERT from Cambodian Centre for Human Rights

For immediate release – Phnom Penh, 12 August 2009

Public Forum on Human Rights and Development for villagers affected by public canal dispute with community leader Parliamentarians, local authorities, organizations, community members and other stakeholders will participate in a Public Forum on “Human Rights and

Development” in Takeo Province. The Public Forum will consider the ongoing
dispute between community leaders and villagers taking place in Kompong
Omphil Village, Borey Chular Sa Commune, Borey Chular Sa District, Takeo
Province, that is currently adversely affecting the lives of several community
members.

The conflict originated with the selling of a public canal which was dammed by
the alleged purchaser for fishing purposes. Prior to the damming of the canal,
the community relied on a bridge over the canal that connected the two parts
of their village. Since the sale of the canal the community has been prevented
from using the bridge and the fishermen have not been permitted to fish the
water. Recently, ten community members were charged with “destroying
private property” after removing the makeshift dam.
The Public Forum on Human Rights and Development will provide community
members with the opportunity to voice their concerns, ask questions and express
their opinions to parliamentarians, local authorities, national and international
organizations as well other stakeholders who are concerned about the ongoing
conflict and who desire a peaceful resolution.
The Public Forum will take place on August 14, 2009, from 8.a.m. to 11.30 a.m. in
Kompong Omphil Village, Borey Chular Sa Commune, Borey Chular Sa District,
Takeo Province.

For Further information, please contact:
Mr. Chhim Savuth, Project Coordinator
Tel: 012 89 98 58
Email: savuth@cchrcambodia.org
CCHR Web Site: www.cchrcambodia.org