"CAMBODIA: ‘We face repression because we disrupt projects that benefit powerful people and corporations", 11 August 2024

CIVICUS speaks with Lisa Saad of Mother Nature Cambodia about the criminalisation of environmental activism in Cambodia…

In Cambodia, civil society faces significant restrictions due to both historical and ongoing pressure from the government…

The situation has worsened over the past decade as the government has stepped up its repression. It has since increased its arrests of activists and shut down CSOs deemed too outspoken or to be working on sensitive issues, forcing the rest to tread more carefully..

We face repression because our efforts to protect natural resources and defend community rights disrupt practices and projects that benefit large corporations and powerful people. We challenge powerful economic interests and expose systemic corruption…

For example, … we successfully halted a major hydropower project by a Chinese company that had strong backing from the Cambodian government. We mobilised communities, gathered critical information and built solidarity against the project…

Similarly, …, we stopped a large-scale sandmining operation that was exporting sand to Singapore, Taiwan and other countries. The project involved the extraction of over US$700 million worth of sand, which would have severely impacted on local ecosystems and communities…

…, in retaliation for their environmental activism, the court convicted 10 of our friends, falsely accusing them of plotting against the government and insulting the king…

We receive significant solidarity from our international allies, who amplify our voices by highlighting our struggles and advocating for human rights, fundamental freedoms and democracy…

We need even stronger international pressure on the Cambodian government, including diplomatic efforts, sanctions and public condemnation…