Democracy, rights NGOs face tough conditions, report finds

NGOs working in democracy, human rights and transparency all say they face a lack of cooperation from Cambodian authorities, especially in the provinces, a new report finds. The Cooperation Committee for Cambodia conducted research on Cambodia’s overall climate for civil society organizations, finding that those dealing in agriculture or education faced considerably fewer obstacles in their work. Pressure on other organizations has only increased since the 2013 elections, the report found. Local authorities can make it difficult for NGOs to hold forums and public meetings, or they can bind organizations up in red tape, causing the cancelation of projects. And while local officials may “not even know the laws or working procedures,” the report quoted one source saying: “they just do not allow us to work.” … Government spokesman Phay Siphan disagreed with the report’s findings. “The government is formed by the people, unlike some NGOs, which are formed by money from foreigners,” he said. “Some NGOs tend to work on one side. We always have the door open for discussions and accept recommendations, because we want to create development in the country.” The CCC report did find that many NGOs do not perform their functions properly. Many fail to accurately file annual reports with the government, and some are simply not active. Of an estimated 3,500 NGOs in the country, only about 1,350 are active, the report found.

 Suy Heimkhemra
http://www.voacambodia.com/content/democracy-rights-ngo-face-tough-conditions-report-finds/1865609.html