NGO Forum concerned about land rights as country develops

PHNOM PENH, 24 May 2012 (Cambodia Herald) - NGO Forum Executive Director Chhith Sam Ath expressed concern Thursday about people affected by economic land concessions, mining concessions and hydropower development.

Speaking at a forum held by the Committee for Free and Fair Elections in Cambodia (Comfrel), he said land disputes remained a hot and complicated issue in Cambodia.

"Civil society groups are deeply concerned about the rights of communities which suffer from threats, forceful evictions and violence," he said, adding that land rights needed to be fully protected by the law.

Chhith Sam Ath also said that some companies with concessions had been exploiting ethnic minorities. "As a result, ethnic minorities have been losing their traditions, culture and beliefs," he said. "Their traditional way of life has  gradually been eroded, threatening their food security."