Reforms Should Lead to Inclusion and Opportunity for All Cambodians

By William E. Todd, United States Ambassador to the Kingdom of Cambodia

Since the elections, many of the questions I have received reveal a strong interest among readers in understanding how Cambodia can move forward with important reforms, not just of the electoral system, but other key areas as well.  In my opinion, the seating of a new national government will be an opportune time to enact reforms that bring about increased inclusion and economic opportunities for all Cambodians.

In addition to meaningful democratic reforms, there needs to be reforms that focus on meeting the economic needs of all Cambodians, especially the youth, women, and the poor -- all of which are critical.  Many studies have shown that there is a strong correlation between unhappiness in youth who do not feel they have an equal share in their country’s economic prosperity and their push for change.  I believe that this is an opportunity for Cambodia’s two major parties to come together and agree on democratic and economic reforms that should lead to inclusion and opportunity for all Cambodians, providing the youth, the poor, and women a share of Cambodia’s increased economic success. 

Earlier in the week, I was encouraged to hear that representatives from the Cambodian People’s Party and the Cambodia National Rescue Party met last Tuesday to discuss a path forward, even though the two parties missed an opportunity by not reaching an agreement on how to proceed with investigating reported election irregularities.  It remains vital that both sides return to the negotiating table and work together toward an outcome that serves the best interests of the Cambodian people.  Progress may be slow, but I am hopeful that the two parties can overcome their differences, implement a fair and transparent investigation process, and move forward with a reform agenda benefitting Cambodia.  Along the way, as always, I encourage both parties and their supporters to maintain calm and peace and continue to engage in dialogue.

On a different note, one reader asked, “I heard that the Cambodian staff at the Khmer Rouge Tribunal aren’t receiving their salaries and that they might have to leave their jobs.  I lost many family members during the Khmer Rouge time and want to see justice for them.  What can the United States do to help solve this problem?”  This is an important question given recent developments with the tribunal and with the end in sight of the initial phase in the prosecution of Khmer Rouge leaders Khieu Samphan and Nuon Chea.

The U.S. government is a proud donor to the Khmer Rouge Tribunal, which is known formally as the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia (ECCC).  Under the agreement with the United Nations that established the ECCC, the international community committed to providing the financial support for the operations of the UN side of the court, while Cambodia accepted responsibility for funding the expenses and salaries of the ECCC’s Cambodian staff – either through contributions from the country’s national budget or by securing donations from other donors.  This arrangement gives both the Cambodian government and the international community an active ownership stake in the ECCC, so it is very important that both sides fulfill their roles and meet their funding commitments.

For the past several months, I have been concerned by reports of a “financial crisis” on the national side.  Budget shortfalls have kept Cambodian staff from receiving their salaries – sometimes for months at a time – making it difficult for them to provide for their families.  The uncertainty facing these Cambodians, who are working hard to find justice for the victims of Khmer Rouge atrocities, threatens to undermine the court’s proceedings.  A recent positive development, however, is that a senior representative from the Council of Ministers is accompanying the UN Special Expert for the ECCC on a fundraising trip to five ASEAN countries.

I commend the Royal Government for taking action to secure pledges from other nations for the national side of the court.  This initial effort is a good start in working to ensure the financial stability required for the ECCC’s success.  Next, the Cambodian government will need a sustained commitment to identifying on-going funding, which will likely necessitate a mix of continual fundraising from new donors as well as cash contributions from the government’s national budget.  While such an effort will be challenging, it is an excellent opportunity for the Cambodian government to demonstrate its commitment to justice, the rule of law, and the fulfillment of its international obligations.  The U.S. Embassy remains a strong supporter of the Royal Government’s efforts, as well as those of the United Nations and other stakeholders, to ensure the proper functioning of the ECCC.  We believe it is critical for Cambodia that the ECCC fulfill its promise as a vehicle for promoting justice, rule of law, and national reconciliation. 

Finally, on a lighter note, I am very happy to announce that the U.S. Embassy’s Facebook page (www.facebook.com/us.embassy.phnom.penh) now has more than 100,000 “likes,” with thanks going out to readers of this column for providing feedback and input used not just on our Facebook site, but on our website, Twitter page, and my blog.  I’m hoping we can get to 200,000 likes by this time next year, so please keep your questions and comments coming.  As always, you can reach me by e-mail at AskAMBToddPP@state.gov. 

William E. Todd is United States Ambassador to the Kingdom of Cambodia