By Soy Sophea
Reaksmei Kampuchea newspaper
The pro-government newspaper Phnom Penh Reaksmei Kampuchea in Cambodian on 22 March carries a report by Soy Sophea saying a proposed "ban on the royal family members to enter the political arena" has triggered a "clash" between Son Chhai, MP of the Sam Rainsy Party [SRP], and Princess Norodom Vichara, MP of the FUNCINPEC [National United Front for an Independent, Neutral, Peaceful, and Cooperative Cambodia] Party.
On 21 March, the report adds, Son Chhai said, "Staying out of politics is to elevatepolitical prestige, and playing politics has caused those close to the King to be smitten with curses like commoners."
The report also says that although he recognizes the rights to participate in politics, Son Chhai asked Princess Vichara to understand that it was "impossible to have both [politics and royal status] together; it would create problems." "I do not want to make law, but the royals must understand their duties," he added. He cited the United Kingdom, Holland, and the Kingdom of Thailand, where the royal family members, albeit not forbidden, have steered clear of politics but engaged in social activities.
However, Son Chhai further said, "We should consider looking for ideas to make law to ban the royals from politics."
The report further says Son Chhai was "pessimistic" about the royal family members' involvement in politics, saying it would "affect the kingship if the royals continued a political life that was not supported by the citizens."
Further elaborating on the royal family members' involvement in politics, Son Chhai emphatically said, "Meddling with politics is not a guarantee of the monarchic regime." He added that since there were "curses in the political arena, it is better for the royals to enact their roles only in dealing with social affairs."
Speaking to reporters on 21 March, the report says, Heng Samrin, chairman of the National Assembly and honorary president of the Cambodian People's Party [CPP], "dismissed the report that now the CPP's new position was to terminate the royal family members' political life." "It is not true," he pointed out. However, he added, "We decline to comment on a proposal to make law to ban the royals from politics."
FUNCINPEC MP Princess Vichara expressed her "discontent" with the MPs' votes bringing down the royals, the report adds. She regarded it as 'discrimination." She also considered the ban on the royal family members from taking part in politics an "unjust" act. She said, "We do not choose our birth, so why should we be punished for our birth by depriving us of our rights to make politics? All the people are entitled to playing politics, be they royals or commoners, young or old," she concluded.
Saturday, July 5, 2008
Primary School Students in Rattanakiri Facing Hardships When Attending School
By Soy Sophea
This year, the number of students enrolled for primary school places increased in Rattanakiri compared to previous study years. However, students who registered for the study year (2006-2007) were not able to attend schools regularly, according to education officials.
They explained that those young students were required to stay at home by their parents to help with the rubber or cashew nut harvest.
Khan Phirun, Director of the Education, Youths and Sports Department in Rattanakiri province, said that his department has made an effort to encourage all Cambodians to pay attention to education, be it formal or otherwise.
For this study year (2007-2008), the number of students enrolled for primary school places throughout Rattanakiri was 24,500, an increase of 1,500 compared to the previous study year (2006-2007) with only 23,000 students. However, an estimated 20 percent of students dropped out of school due to financial considerations.
Pol Vy, Chief of the Education Office in Bar Keo district, told the Cambodia Weekly that this study year, the number of students registered for primary schools in his district was up to 2,547 students, an increase of 35 percent compared to ‘06-‘07.
Vy said that at the end of 2006-2007, at least 12 percent of primary school students were compelled to give up their classes.
“We know the hardship that the students here have met,” he said. “So we have to continue to do our best to motivate them to come to schools. Necessity dictates however, that at harvest time, teachers are sitting around in empty classes.”
“I like to learn, and I want to become a civil servant and commune councilor member,” said a 12-year-old heroine, Miss Jai Puon, interviewed whilst selling vegetables near her cottage in Bar Keo district, Rattanakiri province. A member of the Jarai community, she used to study for five years at Khmer public school in Bar Keo. Naturally, since having to withdraw from education two years ago, her dreams have all but evaporated. She added that most of her fellow villagers have also given up on schooling in favour of farm work.
Speaking sotto voce, the consciousness of lost opportunities fixing her eyes to the floor, Miss Jai Puon said that she really wanted to keep studying just like other people of her age, but she could not do as she wanted. “My brothers and I were forced to quit school because of our lifestyle. We are not a regular people,” she said, as if irregularity were a crime worthy to be punished by the withdrawal of all hope for personal fulfillment. “We need to move from one place to another.”
She said that her 40-year-old mother told her not to study too much because it is the Jarai custom to be all but nomadic, moving from place to place every two years or so.
A 9-year-old lad said that he is now trying to studying grade1 at a community school in Lom Chor commune of O Ya Dav district. Much as this young scholar would like to, he is unable to attend school on a regular basis, for he has a real man’s job to do.
He said that his parents and four brothers and sisters are workers at a rubber plantation. He has part time work to do there, in between classes. “I am the only one in my family who has been given a chance to study and I appreciate it so much. If they could, I know my parents would send us all to school and then to University.”
The responsibility looks very big for such young, bird-like shoulders; but the determination in his eyes suggests that this young Cambodian hero is more than equal to the task.
This year, the number of students enrolled for primary school places increased in Rattanakiri compared to previous study years. However, students who registered for the study year (2006-2007) were not able to attend schools regularly, according to education officials.
They explained that those young students were required to stay at home by their parents to help with the rubber or cashew nut harvest.
Khan Phirun, Director of the Education, Youths and Sports Department in Rattanakiri province, said that his department has made an effort to encourage all Cambodians to pay attention to education, be it formal or otherwise.
For this study year (2007-2008), the number of students enrolled for primary school places throughout Rattanakiri was 24,500, an increase of 1,500 compared to the previous study year (2006-2007) with only 23,000 students. However, an estimated 20 percent of students dropped out of school due to financial considerations.
Pol Vy, Chief of the Education Office in Bar Keo district, told the Cambodia Weekly that this study year, the number of students registered for primary schools in his district was up to 2,547 students, an increase of 35 percent compared to ‘06-‘07.
Vy said that at the end of 2006-2007, at least 12 percent of primary school students were compelled to give up their classes.
“We know the hardship that the students here have met,” he said. “So we have to continue to do our best to motivate them to come to schools. Necessity dictates however, that at harvest time, teachers are sitting around in empty classes.”
“I like to learn, and I want to become a civil servant and commune councilor member,” said a 12-year-old heroine, Miss Jai Puon, interviewed whilst selling vegetables near her cottage in Bar Keo district, Rattanakiri province. A member of the Jarai community, she used to study for five years at Khmer public school in Bar Keo. Naturally, since having to withdraw from education two years ago, her dreams have all but evaporated. She added that most of her fellow villagers have also given up on schooling in favour of farm work.
Speaking sotto voce, the consciousness of lost opportunities fixing her eyes to the floor, Miss Jai Puon said that she really wanted to keep studying just like other people of her age, but she could not do as she wanted. “My brothers and I were forced to quit school because of our lifestyle. We are not a regular people,” she said, as if irregularity were a crime worthy to be punished by the withdrawal of all hope for personal fulfillment. “We need to move from one place to another.”
She said that her 40-year-old mother told her not to study too much because it is the Jarai custom to be all but nomadic, moving from place to place every two years or so.
A 9-year-old lad said that he is now trying to studying grade1 at a community school in Lom Chor commune of O Ya Dav district. Much as this young scholar would like to, he is unable to attend school on a regular basis, for he has a real man’s job to do.
He said that his parents and four brothers and sisters are workers at a rubber plantation. He has part time work to do there, in between classes. “I am the only one in my family who has been given a chance to study and I appreciate it so much. If they could, I know my parents would send us all to school and then to University.”
The responsibility looks very big for such young, bird-like shoulders; but the determination in his eyes suggests that this young Cambodian hero is more than equal to the task.
Joseph: Positive Developments of ECCC Urge the U.S. to Consider Funding
Soy Sophea
Phnom Penh: The Washington’s government will assess the positive developments of the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia (ECCC) in weeks to come, according to the head of U.S. diplomats in Cambodia.
“There will be a final assessment on the recent developments of the Khmer Rouge Tribunal to determine the [U.S.’s] ability to fund the Khmer Rouge Tribunal,” Joseph Mussomeli, U.S. ambassador in Cambodia, told journalists at the U.S. Embassy after a ceremony was held to give certificate to journalism trainees on December 21, 2007.
In late November 2007, Williamson, U.S. ambassador-at-Large, visited Cambodia and met Cambodian senior government officials, ECCC’s officials, and NGOs’ representatives to discuss the progress of the Khmer Rouge Tribunal.
“Both U.S. Ambassador-at-Large Williamson, who has recently visited Cambodia to learn about the process of the Khmer Rouge Tribunal, and I myself are really optimistic with the process of the Khmer Rouge Tribunal,” said Joseph.
“We think that the Royal Government of Cambodia and the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia itself have made remarkable progress in this year and shown positive outlooks in accordance with international standard,” he said.
However, although the U.S. ambassador has expressed his optimism about the process of the tribunal, he has not shown clearly whether or not his government will fund the tribunal. It needs to be waited until there is the final assessment on the Khmer Rouge Tribunal by the U.S. government in two weeks.
Joseph did not claim what had made him think the ECCC had done something, but the noticeable thing is that the Khmer Rouge Tribunal has brought five former senior Khmer Rouge leaders to the detention centre of the hybrid court.
The former Khmer Rouge leaders who are being detained provisionally are former president of Democratic Kampuchea National Assembly Nuon Chea, known as Brother Number 2, former vice Prime Minister Ieng Sary, also minister of foreign affairs, his wife former social and women affairs minister Ieng Thirith, former head of state Khieu Samphan, and Kaing Guek Eav, alias Duch, former chairman of Tuol Sleng prison.
ECCC’s Spokesman Reach Sambath welcomes the U.S.’s interest in funding the process of the Khmer Rouge Tribunal by telling Rasmei Kampuchea on Friday.
“We welcome all consideration of UN’s member states concerning the developments of the tribunal,” he said, adding that up to the present time a special committee of the Khmer Rouge Tribunal was studying the time and expenses of the tribunal.
“Up to the present time, we have not known clearly, and the day that they (the “Internal Review Committee”) will let us know has not been informed too,” he said.
So far, the Khmer Rouge Tribunal has appealed the Royal Government of Cambodia and the United Nations to immediately complete their budgetary shortfalls in which the government is lacking $3.2 million and the UN is short of $4.9 million for the planned three-year tribunal.
The United States has not provided any funds to the hybrid Khmer Rouge Tribunal. According to the ambassador, the U.S. will not fund the tribunal unless it can notice that the tribunal is moving forward and “stable” first.
Unofficial Translation-Extracted from Rasmei Kampuchea, Vol. 15, #4469, Saturday, December 22, 2007
Phnom Penh: The Washington’s government will assess the positive developments of the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia (ECCC) in weeks to come, according to the head of U.S. diplomats in Cambodia.
“There will be a final assessment on the recent developments of the Khmer Rouge Tribunal to determine the [U.S.’s] ability to fund the Khmer Rouge Tribunal,” Joseph Mussomeli, U.S. ambassador in Cambodia, told journalists at the U.S. Embassy after a ceremony was held to give certificate to journalism trainees on December 21, 2007.
In late November 2007, Williamson, U.S. ambassador-at-Large, visited Cambodia and met Cambodian senior government officials, ECCC’s officials, and NGOs’ representatives to discuss the progress of the Khmer Rouge Tribunal.
“Both U.S. Ambassador-at-Large Williamson, who has recently visited Cambodia to learn about the process of the Khmer Rouge Tribunal, and I myself are really optimistic with the process of the Khmer Rouge Tribunal,” said Joseph.
“We think that the Royal Government of Cambodia and the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia itself have made remarkable progress in this year and shown positive outlooks in accordance with international standard,” he said.
However, although the U.S. ambassador has expressed his optimism about the process of the tribunal, he has not shown clearly whether or not his government will fund the tribunal. It needs to be waited until there is the final assessment on the Khmer Rouge Tribunal by the U.S. government in two weeks.
Joseph did not claim what had made him think the ECCC had done something, but the noticeable thing is that the Khmer Rouge Tribunal has brought five former senior Khmer Rouge leaders to the detention centre of the hybrid court.
The former Khmer Rouge leaders who are being detained provisionally are former president of Democratic Kampuchea National Assembly Nuon Chea, known as Brother Number 2, former vice Prime Minister Ieng Sary, also minister of foreign affairs, his wife former social and women affairs minister Ieng Thirith, former head of state Khieu Samphan, and Kaing Guek Eav, alias Duch, former chairman of Tuol Sleng prison.
ECCC’s Spokesman Reach Sambath welcomes the U.S.’s interest in funding the process of the Khmer Rouge Tribunal by telling Rasmei Kampuchea on Friday.
“We welcome all consideration of UN’s member states concerning the developments of the tribunal,” he said, adding that up to the present time a special committee of the Khmer Rouge Tribunal was studying the time and expenses of the tribunal.
“Up to the present time, we have not known clearly, and the day that they (the “Internal Review Committee”) will let us know has not been informed too,” he said.
So far, the Khmer Rouge Tribunal has appealed the Royal Government of Cambodia and the United Nations to immediately complete their budgetary shortfalls in which the government is lacking $3.2 million and the UN is short of $4.9 million for the planned three-year tribunal.
The United States has not provided any funds to the hybrid Khmer Rouge Tribunal. According to the ambassador, the U.S. will not fund the tribunal unless it can notice that the tribunal is moving forward and “stable” first.
Unofficial Translation-Extracted from Rasmei Kampuchea, Vol. 15, #4469, Saturday, December 22, 2007
Cambodian Sex Workers Protest for their Rights
By Soy Sophea
Cambodian sex workers held a protest on May 4 to draw attention to the Cambodian Government’s implementation of laws covered by the “Suppression of Human Trafficking and Commercial Sexual Exploitation Act”. These laws came into effect in March 2008.
The protest took place in a conference room at an office of the Women’s Network for Unity in Phnom Penh. About 200 sex workers were involved in the action. Many of them had tales to tell of physical and sexual abuse whilst in custody.
Phally, a sex worker, said during the protest, “Setting aside other questions of morality for the moment, we are treated like violent criminals by authorities; but whatever else we are, we are certainly not violent people.”
Pich Sochea, another sex worker, said that the laws appear designed to persecute them and their families, rather than offer them a degree of protection as they undertake work in what is commonly referred to as the oldest ‘profession’ in the world. She called on authorities to amend the law so as to support, educate and guide the individual towards more socially acceptable means of employment, if such is desired. At the moment, laws covered by the “Suppression of Human Trafficking and Commercial Sexual Exploitation Act” tended to focus on getting the individual off the street and into custody as soon as possible, with little thought given to the often dire circumstances that brought the individual to the trade in the first instance.
Lawmaker Khieu San, has responded to these comments in a manner that suggests a National Assembly approach guided by clear-sighted pragmatism. Whilst not encouraging the industry, he recognized its existence in Cambodia; and again, he noted that in this case, punishing the criminal would never be as effective as attempting to rehabilitate the individual.
Cambodian sex workers held a protest on May 4 to draw attention to the Cambodian Government’s implementation of laws covered by the “Suppression of Human Trafficking and Commercial Sexual Exploitation Act”. These laws came into effect in March 2008.
The protest took place in a conference room at an office of the Women’s Network for Unity in Phnom Penh. About 200 sex workers were involved in the action. Many of them had tales to tell of physical and sexual abuse whilst in custody.
Phally, a sex worker, said during the protest, “Setting aside other questions of morality for the moment, we are treated like violent criminals by authorities; but whatever else we are, we are certainly not violent people.”
Pich Sochea, another sex worker, said that the laws appear designed to persecute them and their families, rather than offer them a degree of protection as they undertake work in what is commonly referred to as the oldest ‘profession’ in the world. She called on authorities to amend the law so as to support, educate and guide the individual towards more socially acceptable means of employment, if such is desired. At the moment, laws covered by the “Suppression of Human Trafficking and Commercial Sexual Exploitation Act” tended to focus on getting the individual off the street and into custody as soon as possible, with little thought given to the often dire circumstances that brought the individual to the trade in the first instance.
Lawmaker Khieu San, has responded to these comments in a manner that suggests a National Assembly approach guided by clear-sighted pragmatism. Whilst not encouraging the industry, he recognized its existence in Cambodia; and again, he noted that in this case, punishing the criminal would never be as effective as attempting to rehabilitate the individual.
The Year of the Mouse Promises Happiness and Prosperity
By Soy Sophea
This year, Khmer New Year shall arrive on Sunday April 13, at 18:24. Traditionally, the date of Khmer New Year varies from year to year but it is generally set to coincide with the time when Cambodian people have almost completed harvesting of the dry season rice crop in April.
Cambodia, Motherland of the Khmer people, celebrates Khmer New Year with great religious fervor and spirit and is deeply influenced by Buddhist piety. The celebrations last for three days, giving Cambodians working in the city ample time to return to their hometowns to celebrate the Khmer New Year with family.
For this year, the Year of Mouse, Cambodian fortune tellers predict that this year will be a good year for all Cambodians and the nation as a whole. This bodes well for the smooth running of the national elections in July this year.
A 60-year-old Astrologer Phu Kimseng said that the Year of the Mouse is a happy year for the entire Kingdom of Cambodia, including those living below the poverty line.
Sitting on a small plastic chair in front of his fortune-telling paraphernalia, including magic books, incenses and candles, the toothless Kimseng, grins a big, gummy grin and speaks softly. “People should set their houses in order and prepare themselves to welcome the new Theravada [Angel]. We will all be happy if we pay our proper respects to the guiding spirit of this New Year”.
Kim Seng offered further advice. “Offer food to your parents and monks, clean yourself, and then you will be blessed.”
Khmer people have celebrated Khmer New Year for centuries, while the West chose to take January 1st to mark its new year.
Khmer New Year takes three days to complete, said Im Borin, scholar and member of the Research Committee on Khmer Astrology and Culture.
Borin added that on the first day of the ceremony, Sangkran (Sunday, April 13), people have to clean their homes in order to welcome the new Theravada named Thongsakdevi. When their homes are ready to accept such auspicious Heavenly guests, celebrants next go to the pagoda to offer food to the monks. In the evening they enjoy traditional Cambodian entertainments such as party games, singing, dancing, and so forth.
This year, in order to meet the Deity, the faithful are advised to acquire a sheet of white cloth one meter wide and two meters long. In addition, there should be a pair of 9, 7, 5 and 3 layer Stupa made of banana leaves etc. There should also be two bottles of perfume, five incense sticks, five candles, five cups of rice flakes and five flowers arranged on a large silver tray. Add to the mix two different species of banana, 11 additional species of fruit arranged in pairs, branches from a fig tree and a generous supply of sundry sweetmeats and the Deity will have an environment in which she can feel appreciated.
He added that the second day of the Khmer New Year is the Vanapata Day—the day between the former year and the New Year (April 14). The third is Loeung Sak Day.
For Loeung Sak Day, traditionally Khmer people bathe their parents to show their gratitude, and some people also return to the pagoda to bathe the statues of Buddha and pray for good fortune in the coming year.
He added that the activities on Loeung Sak Day are known as Srang Preah or “Bathing the God”. It is also customary for some celebrants to invite monks into their homes to recite the Dharma to dismiss bad fortune, bless the house and bring happiness to its inhabitants.
According to the traditional Khmer Moha Sang Kran Book, an equivalent of the Western Almanac, written by Im Borin, rice farmers can look forward to a generally good year. Rain for the upcoming year’s harvesting should be good at the beginning and at the end while in the middle only average precipitation is to be expected. Overall, paddy production is forecast to be good for the lowland farmer, but less than spectacular for his highland colleagues. Production will be down on last year’s figures but prices will be higher.
Somewhat unnervingly, the Moha Sang Kran also predicts production of other crops will be reduced by as much as 50 percent. There are also predicted to be bloody confrontations among the people, whilst intellectuals and charitable organizations look set to experience a very tough time during the year of the mouse.
Predictions relating to Vanapata Day, which this year falls on Monday include a rise in the price of salt and an increased prevalence of sickness amongst the people. Predictions for Loeung Sak Day state that all officers will live in peace, happiness and prosperity. Even though they face many obstacles, they are predicted to enjoy much success in the New Year.
This year, Khmer New Year shall arrive on Sunday April 13, at 18:24. Traditionally, the date of Khmer New Year varies from year to year but it is generally set to coincide with the time when Cambodian people have almost completed harvesting of the dry season rice crop in April.
Cambodia, Motherland of the Khmer people, celebrates Khmer New Year with great religious fervor and spirit and is deeply influenced by Buddhist piety. The celebrations last for three days, giving Cambodians working in the city ample time to return to their hometowns to celebrate the Khmer New Year with family.
For this year, the Year of Mouse, Cambodian fortune tellers predict that this year will be a good year for all Cambodians and the nation as a whole. This bodes well for the smooth running of the national elections in July this year.
A 60-year-old Astrologer Phu Kimseng said that the Year of the Mouse is a happy year for the entire Kingdom of Cambodia, including those living below the poverty line.
Sitting on a small plastic chair in front of his fortune-telling paraphernalia, including magic books, incenses and candles, the toothless Kimseng, grins a big, gummy grin and speaks softly. “People should set their houses in order and prepare themselves to welcome the new Theravada [Angel]. We will all be happy if we pay our proper respects to the guiding spirit of this New Year”.
Kim Seng offered further advice. “Offer food to your parents and monks, clean yourself, and then you will be blessed.”
Khmer people have celebrated Khmer New Year for centuries, while the West chose to take January 1st to mark its new year.
Khmer New Year takes three days to complete, said Im Borin, scholar and member of the Research Committee on Khmer Astrology and Culture.
Borin added that on the first day of the ceremony, Sangkran (Sunday, April 13), people have to clean their homes in order to welcome the new Theravada named Thongsakdevi. When their homes are ready to accept such auspicious Heavenly guests, celebrants next go to the pagoda to offer food to the monks. In the evening they enjoy traditional Cambodian entertainments such as party games, singing, dancing, and so forth.
This year, in order to meet the Deity, the faithful are advised to acquire a sheet of white cloth one meter wide and two meters long. In addition, there should be a pair of 9, 7, 5 and 3 layer Stupa made of banana leaves etc. There should also be two bottles of perfume, five incense sticks, five candles, five cups of rice flakes and five flowers arranged on a large silver tray. Add to the mix two different species of banana, 11 additional species of fruit arranged in pairs, branches from a fig tree and a generous supply of sundry sweetmeats and the Deity will have an environment in which she can feel appreciated.
He added that the second day of the Khmer New Year is the Vanapata Day—the day between the former year and the New Year (April 14). The third is Loeung Sak Day.
For Loeung Sak Day, traditionally Khmer people bathe their parents to show their gratitude, and some people also return to the pagoda to bathe the statues of Buddha and pray for good fortune in the coming year.
He added that the activities on Loeung Sak Day are known as Srang Preah or “Bathing the God”. It is also customary for some celebrants to invite monks into their homes to recite the Dharma to dismiss bad fortune, bless the house and bring happiness to its inhabitants.
According to the traditional Khmer Moha Sang Kran Book, an equivalent of the Western Almanac, written by Im Borin, rice farmers can look forward to a generally good year. Rain for the upcoming year’s harvesting should be good at the beginning and at the end while in the middle only average precipitation is to be expected. Overall, paddy production is forecast to be good for the lowland farmer, but less than spectacular for his highland colleagues. Production will be down on last year’s figures but prices will be higher.
Somewhat unnervingly, the Moha Sang Kran also predicts production of other crops will be reduced by as much as 50 percent. There are also predicted to be bloody confrontations among the people, whilst intellectuals and charitable organizations look set to experience a very tough time during the year of the mouse.
Predictions relating to Vanapata Day, which this year falls on Monday include a rise in the price of salt and an increased prevalence of sickness amongst the people. Predictions for Loeung Sak Day state that all officers will live in peace, happiness and prosperity. Even though they face many obstacles, they are predicted to enjoy much success in the New Year.
Cambodia Signs Multi-Donor Agreement for $11 Million in Grants to Back National Bird Flu Plan
By Soy Sophea
The Cambodian government on May 8 signed an agreement with donors for three grants totaling US $11 million. This money will help Cambodia strengthen its response to any outbreak of avian and human influenza in the future. Ouk Rabun, Secretary of State at the Ministry of Economy and Finance, said, “Strong leadership and cooperation between all members is crucial for the successful implementation of the Project.”
According to a press release issued May 9 by the World Bank, the money will go to support the Avian and Human Influenza Control and Preparedness Emergency Project.
This 3-year project will complement Cambodia’s Comprehensive Avian and Human Influenza (AHI) National Plan, aimed at minimizing the threat from avian and human influenza and preparing the country’s health system to deal with any possible outbreak. Of the $11 million, $6 million was provided by the World Bank, Japan contributed $3 million and the European Commission and eight other donors, contributed $2 million.
The Cambodian government on May 8 signed an agreement with donors for three grants totaling US $11 million. This money will help Cambodia strengthen its response to any outbreak of avian and human influenza in the future. Ouk Rabun, Secretary of State at the Ministry of Economy and Finance, said, “Strong leadership and cooperation between all members is crucial for the successful implementation of the Project.”
According to a press release issued May 9 by the World Bank, the money will go to support the Avian and Human Influenza Control and Preparedness Emergency Project.
This 3-year project will complement Cambodia’s Comprehensive Avian and Human Influenza (AHI) National Plan, aimed at minimizing the threat from avian and human influenza and preparing the country’s health system to deal with any possible outbreak. Of the $11 million, $6 million was provided by the World Bank, Japan contributed $3 million and the European Commission and eight other donors, contributed $2 million.
Cambodia Donates $ 160,000 to China’s Earthquake Victims
By Soy Sophea
Cambodia has donated a total of US $160,000 [US $50,000 from King’s Father Norodom Sihanouk, US $100,000 from the Cambodian government and US $10,000 from the Cambodian Red Cross] to help China meet challenges following on from last week’s earthquake.
The May 12 disaster occurred in Wenchuan County and authorities fear that upwards of 50 000 people may have been killed. Chinese Ambassador Zhang Jinfeng expressed deep gratitude to the Royal Family and the Royal Government of Cambodia for donating relief to the Chinese Government.
Speaking outside the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Jinfeng told reporters that on behalf of Chinese government, she thanked the Cambodian government and people.
“I have received letters from retired King Norodom Sihanouk, Prime Minister Hun Sen and the Cambodian Red Cross, confirming the donation of money,” she said. “I have received individual letters from King Norodom Sihamoni and the king's father Norodom Sihanouk. They are addressed to Chinese President Hu Jintao and Premier Wen Jiabao and express their sympathy for the victims and their families.
The letters also describe the Royal Family’s support for the Chinese government’s indefatigable efforts to locate survivors under the rubble.”
Cambodia has donated a total of US $160,000 [US $50,000 from King’s Father Norodom Sihanouk, US $100,000 from the Cambodian government and US $10,000 from the Cambodian Red Cross] to help China meet challenges following on from last week’s earthquake.
The May 12 disaster occurred in Wenchuan County and authorities fear that upwards of 50 000 people may have been killed. Chinese Ambassador Zhang Jinfeng expressed deep gratitude to the Royal Family and the Royal Government of Cambodia for donating relief to the Chinese Government.
Speaking outside the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Jinfeng told reporters that on behalf of Chinese government, she thanked the Cambodian government and people.
“I have received letters from retired King Norodom Sihanouk, Prime Minister Hun Sen and the Cambodian Red Cross, confirming the donation of money,” she said. “I have received individual letters from King Norodom Sihamoni and the king's father Norodom Sihanouk. They are addressed to Chinese President Hu Jintao and Premier Wen Jiabao and express their sympathy for the victims and their families.
The letters also describe the Royal Family’s support for the Chinese government’s indefatigable efforts to locate survivors under the rubble.”
Cambodia Celebrates World Day to Combat Desertification
By Soy Sophea
Cambodia’s Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries on May 17 celebrated the World Day to Combat Desertification, joining with the United Nations Development Program (UNDP). The World Day this year focuses on Combating Land Degradation for Sustainable Agriculture.
According to a press release issued on June 17 by UNDP, the theme of the World Day was in line with the Government’s efforts to increase agricultural productivity. Rice production makes up the majority of Cambodia’s agricultural sector. Its agricultural land has increased annually from 448,780 in 2002 to 2,585,905 hectares at present. In 2007, the average rice yield was 2.621 tons per hectare. However, the press release stated that land degradation was a serious issue in Cambodia where the majority of the population lives in rural areas and relies on natural resources for their livelihoods.
The World Day to Combat Desertification falls on June 17 and is part of an international campaign by the United Nations to tackle global environmental deterioration. The World Day aims at raising public awareness on land degradation. The event was attended by government officials, diplomats, UN representatives, representatives of non-governmental organizations and students.
“Land degradation is a global threat having a direct impact on the most vulnerable populations, in particular poor farmers…the challenge is in the protection of the environment as efficiently as possible through the sustainable exploitation of natural resources while paying attention to agricultural productivity at the same time,” the press release quoted Sophie Baranes, UNDP Deputy Country Director as saying.
Cambodia’s Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries on May 17 celebrated the World Day to Combat Desertification, joining with the United Nations Development Program (UNDP). The World Day this year focuses on Combating Land Degradation for Sustainable Agriculture.
According to a press release issued on June 17 by UNDP, the theme of the World Day was in line with the Government’s efforts to increase agricultural productivity. Rice production makes up the majority of Cambodia’s agricultural sector. Its agricultural land has increased annually from 448,780 in 2002 to 2,585,905 hectares at present. In 2007, the average rice yield was 2.621 tons per hectare. However, the press release stated that land degradation was a serious issue in Cambodia where the majority of the population lives in rural areas and relies on natural resources for their livelihoods.
The World Day to Combat Desertification falls on June 17 and is part of an international campaign by the United Nations to tackle global environmental deterioration. The World Day aims at raising public awareness on land degradation. The event was attended by government officials, diplomats, UN representatives, representatives of non-governmental organizations and students.
“Land degradation is a global threat having a direct impact on the most vulnerable populations, in particular poor farmers…the challenge is in the protection of the environment as efficiently as possible through the sustainable exploitation of natural resources while paying attention to agricultural productivity at the same time,” the press release quoted Sophie Baranes, UNDP Deputy Country Director as saying.
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