Monitoring Office
investigations, protection and advocacy

Human rights abuses in Cambodia are widespread, creating sizeable challenges for human rights groups. Without a prevailing rule of law, the rich and powerful prey upon the poor and the weak and face no repercussions. Powerful and wealthy people are often able to commit acts of violence, seize property, and infringe on the rights of others, with little or no consequences.


 Go to Photo AlbumWhile certain civil and political rights are enshrined in Cambodia's Constitution, in reality most people are unable to fully exercise their political rights. Freedom of speech and assembly are regularly curtailed on grounds of national security, while killings of political opponents, activists and members of the press persist. Far more common, but which cumulatively has a similar impact, is a pattern of threats and interference in the political activity of people at the village level, where over 80% of Cambodia's population live.

In addition to politically-motivated rights abuses are a host of crimes - rape, human trafficking, physical assaults and arbitrary arrests - regularly committed with impunity. Cambodia's law enforcement system is weak and people of wealth and influence often pay their way out of police custody and courts. This favorable treatment by law enforcers towards the rich contrasts with the difficulties faced by typical Cambodian citizens trying to find justice through the courts.

Land conflicts are also becoming increasingly common, usually pitting desperately poor families against powerful and wealthy people who use their influence to acquire ownership documents. Residents face eviction by armed agents of the state and receive little protection from a legal system that often favors the person with the most money over the rule of law. As landlessness is usually synonymous with dire poverty, many of these families are desperate to keep their land.

LICADHO's Response

LICADHO Monitor interviews a victim's relative

Investigating human rights violations by state actors

LICADHO learns about rights violations directly from victims and witnesses who make complaints to the organization, as well as from other NGOs and the press. After gathering initial information, LICADHO Monitors conduct an investigation at the scene of the violation and interview witnesses. If the victim wants to pursue legal action, Monitors prepare an intervention letter to the authorities - the police or prosecutor - asking them to take action and investigate the case. In some cases the Monitoring Office refers the victim to NGOs that provide free legal representation. LICADHO handles more than 100 human rights cases each month.

First aid to victims

In addition, LICADHO addresses the immediate needs of the victims. Those who require medical treatment are referred to LICADHO's Medical Office. In some cases victims require temporary shelter to provide refuge from perpetrators, so assistance is given by the Monitoring Office or other offices such as the Women's Rights or Children's Rights Offices. When appropriate, food and transportation assistance is also provided.

Supporting victims seeking redress by legal means

After Monitors have investigated the case, and if the victim has decided to make a legal complaint, Monitors follow up the case to ensure the authorities make proper efforts to investigate and prosecute the perpetrator. If not, the Monitoring Office appeals to the President of the Court (who is responsible for all prosecutors and judges) to take action. If there is still no action, LICADHO refers the case to higher levels such as the Ministry of Justice or the Supreme Council of Magistracy.

Advocating for reforms

Finally, the Monitoring Office is involved in advocacy, cooperating with other NGOs and coalitions, as well as working with government authorities, and raising the human rights agenda in the media. Examples of these activities include accompanying victims on radio shows to discuss their experiences, providing recommendations to the government on legislation and producing reports.

All assistance is provided free of charge to the victim.