The Housing Rights Task Force (HRTF), Cambodian Human Rights Action Committee (CHRAC) and The NGO Forum on Cambodia deeply regret the action taken by authorities of Khan Russey Keo to demolish houses and evict 132 families from Chong Chrouy village, Sangkath Chruoy Changva, Khan Russeykeo, Phnom Penh, on November 2, 2007

Investigation of this event by civil society organisations, is disclosed that at 5 am approximately 300 authorities, led by Mr. Khleang Huot, the Governor of Khan Russey Koe blocked access to the eviction site and prevented human rights defenders as well as reporters from monitoring and observing these actions. During this forced eviction, the authorities threatened and confiscated the camera of an observing member of parliament. In addition, authorities hired laborers to destroy people’s houses and in doing this they arbitrarily looted people’s properties.

Civil society organizations are concerned that this forced eviction by authorities is a serious abuse of human rights; in violation of the 1993 Constitution of the Kingdom of Cambodia and international human rights laws.

The Housing Rights Task Force (HRTF), Cambodian Human Rights Action Committee (CHRAC) and The NGO Forum on Cambodia call for the Royal Government of Cambodia, especially the authorities of Khan Russey Keo to urgently take action on the following:

1- Immediately end the use of excessive force and armed officials during evictions.

2- Urgently provide adequate provisions at the relocation site for the 132 households including food, clean water supply, shelter and sufficient land for each families needs.

3- The current policy employed by authorities of forced evictions with inadequate warning or preparation must end today. Any communities potentially facing eviction must be involved in full public consultations, relocation sites must be adequately prepared before the eviction occurs (including basic infrastructure provisions) and secure titles provided to each household.

For more information, please contact:
▪ Mr. Thun Saray, Chairperson of CHRAC, president of ADHOC Te: 016 880 509
▪ Mr. Chhith Sam Ath, Executive Director of NGO Forum on Cambodia, Tel: 012 928 585
▪ Mr. Phann Sithan, Coordinator of HRTF-Secretariat, Tel: 012 707 960

PDF: Download full statement in English - Download full statement in Khmer