Cambodia

Cambodia 

Having gone through civil wars and social unrest for almost three decades since 1970s, Cambodia is now a place in Southeast Asia. Genocidal regime under the Khmer Rouge has significantly destroyed almost all aspects of Cambodian society and its infrastructures. Although war has ended and complete peace has arrived more than 10 years ago, violence in society still remains, leaving large sections of population suffered. Weaknesses of social structure, politically affiliated and corrupt judicial systems, poor law enforcement, culture of impunity, forced eviction, land grabbing, and inefficiency of government agencies result in a variety of serious social issues in Cambodia. In addition, child exploitation, human rights violations, climate change, environmental and biodiversity destruction, migration, human trafficking, gender-based violence and poverty are some of the most pressing issues faced by a large proportion of Cambodian people especially the poor and marginalized groups.

Since early 1990s, terre des hommes Germany began supporting local non-governmental organisations addressing some of these problems and their root causes. Cambodian partner organisations of terre des hommes are involved in the following work:

  • Promotion of child rights, education and vocational training among rural poor families
  • Child labour reduction and food security among needy populations
  • Psychological support and rehabilitation among traumatized populations
  • Child protection and reduction of primary school dropout rate
  • Education and rehabilitation for street children
  • Environmental and biodiversity protection, climate change adaptation, reforestation and ecological child rights promotion based on Buddhist teaching
  • Youth initiatives on climate change
  • Prevention of domestic violence through anger management for men and women empowerment
  • Livelihood improvement and community development in former war zones
  • Water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH)

 

In the interest of protecting biodiversity of the Mekong River and Tonle Sap Basin, and child protection, the projects were taken up at national and regional level as “Our Rivers, Our Life (OROL)” and “Children On the Move (COM)” campaign among terre des hommes Germany partners in Southeast Asia.

Partners in Cambodia

  1. Cambodia Family Support (CFS)
  2. Cambodian Women’s Crisis Centre (CWCC)
  3. Cambodian Organization for Children and Development (COCD)
  4. Krousar Thmey
  5. SANTI SENA 
  6. Vulnerable Children Assistance Organisation (VCAO)
  7. Khemara, Cambodia
  8. Cambodian Women’s Development Agency (CWDA)
  9. Khmer Youth Association (KYA)
  10. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Association, Cambodia