Indigenous women bring their home-grown vegetables to sell at a local market in Mondulkiri province. Post Staff Prime Minister Hun Manet reaffirmed the government's commitment to the rights and development of Indigenous people in a public statement on Aug 6. - Photo: The Phnom Penh Post/ANN
PHNOM PENH: Cambodia will celebrate the 30th International Day of the World’s Indigenous People and its 20th national observance on Friday (Aug 9), highlighting the indigenous communities that make up 1.4 per cent of the country’s 17 million population.
Under the theme “Protection of Living Rights and Voluntary Indigenous Communication”, Prime Minister Hun Manet reaffirmed the government's commitment to their rights and development in a public statement on Tuesday (Aug 6).
“Indigenous people in Cambodia ... reside predominantly in provinces such as Ratanakkiri, Mondulkiri, Kratie, Preah Vihear, Kampong Thom, Stung Treng, Oddar Meanchey, Tbong Khmum, Pursat, Kampong Speu, Koh Kong, Battambang, Preah Sihanouk, Banteay Meanchey and Siem Reap,” Manet’s statement read.
He noted these groups include the Kuoy, Tampuan, Kreung, Jarai, Pnong, Pov, Kavet, Sbeang, Kroul, Mil, Kachok, Por, Khonh, Porng, Suoy, Chhoun, Lun, Stouch, Rodel, Khhe, Ro-orng, Stong, La-en and Sam Re, among others.
“Indigenous people in Cambodia adopt diverse cultures, customs, traditions, beliefs and languages according to their respective groups,” the prime minister said.
He emphasised the government’s respect for and protection of indigenous rights, as enshrined in Article 31 of the Constitution, which guarantees equal rights for all Cambodians, regardless of race, colour, sex, language or religion.
Manet highlighted that the Ministry of Rural Development has made significant strides in supporting indigenous communities.
He noted it has issued certificates of identity to 194 and approved internal regulations for the collective use and land management of 101 communities to date.
He said these efforts underscore the government’s commitment to recognising and safeguarding the land rights of indigenous peoples.
The prime minister outlined several key directives for furthering the development and conservation of these populations.
He called on the ministry to enhance cooperation and coordination with relevant ministries, institutions, NGOs and development partners.
“This collaboration aims to secure additional resources and support for indigenous development projects,” the statement said.
Manet also urged the ministry to focus on transforming indigenous villages into model communities by leveraging their cultural heritage and potential for tourism, thereby improving the livelihoods of native peoples in alignment with the government’s Pentagonal Strategy.
He said education and dissemination of the importance of indigenous development and conservation are highlighted as essential tasks for all stakeholders.
The prime minister stressed the need for an inclusive development approach that fosters a harmonious and non-discriminatory society, ensuring that the rights and dignity of native peoples are upheld. - The Phnom Penh Post/ANN
