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What?
In 2002, CCHR introduced the public forum model of dispute
resolution to Cambodia. CCHR public forums have received international media
attention, including in the New York Times and the Washington Post and the model has since been
replicated by many organizations throughout the Kingdom to resolve various
issues. The public forum has at its heart, the objective of opening society by
encouraging dialogue amongst individuals and between communities, their local
authorities and the individuals who they have elected to represent them.
Unlike most NGO Projects in Cambodia, the Public Forum
Project does not set the agenda for the people rather it provides communities
with the opportunity to set their own agenda by raising issues of concern that
affect their day-to-day lives. The issues are then discussed by invited guest
speakers, who generally include parliamentarians, members of local authorities,
and NGO representatives. The forums offer citizens an opportunity to engage
their elected officials and others with an official mandate and present a
rare opportunity for many to experience a democratic process.
Why?
Cambodian society is a hierarchical one; those in authority
expect the respect and reverence of others. The relationship between those in
authority and ordinary citizens is akin to that of a parent-child relationship,
with the ordinary citizens expected not to speak out of turn and to respect the
decisions, actions and omissions of those in authority. This rigid structure is
undemocratic and operates to mitigate the accountability of members of local,
provincial and national authorities. Where human rights are concerned, this
structure ensures that perpetrators of violations escape accountability if they
are in positions of authority or on friendly terms with others holding such
positions.
The Public Forums Project offers ordinary Cambodian citizens
with the rare opportunity to raise concerns about their day-to-day lives to
individuals in authority. The forums seek to open up Cambodian society by
encouraging a culture of openness and transparency. In addition to promoting
the right to freedom of expression, the forums seek to give the people an
understanding of the fact that it is the role of those in authority to work in the
interests of the public and not in the furtherance of their own interests.
How?
CCHR forums are held throughout the Kingdom on a monthly
basis. The forums are not case specific and CCHR does not seek to set any
agenda for the participants. Individuals and communities are encouraged to
raise any issue which affects their lives and to ask the invited guest speakers
to address these concerns. Issues raised often include land violations,
corruption within local authorities, the failure of authorities to deal with
complaints such as those relating to domestic violence, natural resource issues
and employment. Through the forums, CCHR is able to gain an insight into the
issues that affect the lives of the Cambodian people.
Who?
The Project target beneficiaries are all the people of
Cambodia but particularly those in marginalized rural and urban communities who
lack an understanding of governance and the fact that those in authority must
work in the interests of the people.
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