We, the NGOs and civil society groups inclusive of the associations and local communities listed below, express our concern about the land security of Samrong Tbong Community in Phnom Penh. Community members may be forcibly evicted as the Royal Government of Cambodia continues to excessively partition and parcel off Boeung Tamok lake. Community representatives continue to face charges and court complaints as a result of their efforts to protect community members’ lands, houses, and housing rights.

The Samrong Tbong Community has been settled since 1996, and is located in Samrong Tbong village, Sangkat Somraong, Khan Praek Pnov, Phnom Penh, which currently has 76 houses. Sub-Decree No. 20, dated 3 February 2016 shows that the Samrong Tbong Community is not accounted for in the sub-decree regarding the determination of the size of the lake or the widening of the road (see Map 3 of the Annex to this statement).

Samrong Tbong Community land is not within the official definition of Boeung Tamok lake, and does not appear to be affected by the widening of the road. Although the Community has been settled there since 1996, this situation is an example of why the Community ought to receive development assistance in this area, as has been provided in the past for other urban communities (such as those situated along the Stung Meanchey Canal). Samrong Tbong Community members should not be receiving threats from authorities to leave their homes, as is currently the case.

Contrary to the seemingly secure situation of Samrong Tbong Community, the Royal Government of Cambodia has continued to parcel off Boeung Tamok lake to private companies and individuals. This has been done 80 times to date, and constitutes a loss of 74.92% of the lake area – despite the fact that the recipients have never lived there.

Applying two different standards creates great social injustice that adversely affects Samrong Tbong Community. Community members suffer loss of business, a declining economy, increasing debts, migration and family separation, and criminal charges for defending their land rights. Between 2021 and 2023, 18 community members faced court charges of “intentional violence” and “obstructing a public official with aggravating circumstances.” In 2023, one member fled due to security concerns.

Since 2019, Samrong Tbong Community has sought interventions from national institutions such as the Samrong Tbong Sangkat government, Khan Praek Pnov government, Phnom Penh Municipality, Cabinet of the Prime Minister, Senate, and Ministry of Land Management. Yet, no solution has emerged, and time continues to pass.

Forced evictions are a violation of human rights, including the right to adequate housing. They increase existing inequalities, which further affect poor and vulnerable communities and push them deeper into poverty.

We call on state authorities to immediately stop all forms of persecution and threats against representatives and members of Samrong Tbong Community. In particular, we request that the courts drop the current charges against the 18 community representatives. We also request the Royal Government of Cambodian to provide legal land ownership and on-site development assistance to Samrong Tbuong Community members, and put an end to all improper forced evictions.

This joint statement is endorsed by:
1. Andoung Ta Eang Community
2. Boeung Chhouk Meanchey Tmey 2 Community
3. Boeung Trabek Phum 4 Community
4. Cambodia Center for Human Rights (CCHR)
5. Cambodian Human Rights and Development Association (ADHOC)
6. Cambodian League for the Promotion and Defense of human Rights (LICADHO).
7. Cambodian Youth Network (CYN)
8. Center for Alliance of labor and Human Rights (CENTRAL)
9. Chamreun Community
10. Chhma Aeot Community
11. Committee for Free and Fair Elections in Cambodia (COMFREL)
12. Independent Democratic Association of Informal Economy (IDEA)
13. Kao Pi Community
14. Lor Peang Community
15. Meanchey Community
16. Phlov Roth Phleung Community
17. Pong Ro Senchey Community
18. Pongrok Cheyleak Community
19. Prek Takong 3 Community
20. Prek Takong 60m Community
21. Prey Chher Phnom Tnaut Community
22. Prey Peay Community
23. Reaksmey Samaki Community
24. Russey Sros Community
25. Sahmakum Teang Tnaut (STT)
26. Samaki Chek Meas Community
27. Samaki Romeas Hek Community
28. Samaki Rong Roeung Community
29. Sen Reak Reay Community
30. Smor San Community
31. Stoeng Kambot Community
32. Strey Klahan Community
33. Strey Klang Sang Community
34. Tlan 100 Community
35. Trapang Rang Community
36. Tumnop Ta Thlang Community
37. Veal Entry Community
38. Veal Sbov Community

For more information, please contact:
▪ Mr.Van Sophath, Business and Human Project Coordinator, Cambodian Center for Human Rights (CCHR), phone number: 012 941 206
▪ Mr. Seang Muy Lai, Right to the City Program Manager, Sahmakum Teang Tnaut (STT), phone number: 016 899 465

PDF: Download full statement in English - Download full statement in Khmer
MP3: Listen to audio version in Khmer