By: Ryan Schlief, Posted: Jan 23 09

Regions: Cambodia

Issues: Housing, Impunity, Police brutality

Tags: Asia, development induced forced displacement, forced evictions, Licadho

Approximately 152 families in the Dey Krahorm village of Phnom Penh may be forced from their homes at any moment as a result of a 'final' eviction notice from the city's government on 27 December 2008. The remaining families of Dey Krahorm were given three days to remove their homes and themselves from the land. Although the eviction order has been suspended to allow for compensation discussions with the municipal government, the company wishing to develop the land and the Dey Krahorm residents,  harassment and intimidation to accept a compensation offer by the company has been reported. Residents contend that the compensation offer is much too low for such prime real estate (Amnesty International published a comprehensive report on forced evictions in Cambodia report here).

In 2005, the 7NG construction company, located immediately next door to Dey Krahorm, negotiated with village leaders what is effectively a swap for housing on a relocation site 20 km from Phnom Penh - too far for many residents to continue their lives and livelihoods in the capital city. Residents of Dey Krahorm report not being consulted about the deal. Resistance to this agreement by many residents has brought harassment and intimidation by police and by security agents apparently working on behalf of the company.

I visited Dey Krahorm in October and met with several residents. I walked through the village and surprising found myself right on the grounds of the 7NG office - that's how tightly both are crowding each other. Persons apparently employed by 7NG, who have thrown barrels and rocks at the resisting residents, were very present in the village. One, seen throwing a barrel in this video, even rode seemingly arrogant through the village center. More present, however, were the signs of resistance, including a blue and white checkered scarf, worn in solidarity with others facing forced evictions in the country.

Housing Rights Task Force (HRTF), a coalition of organizations in Cambodia, are requesting action to ensure fair negotiations.

WITNESS partner LICADHO and its sister organization LICADHO Canada have been working with the residents of Dey Krahorm. They drafted a briefing paper outling the case. Check out this video, 'The True Face of Dey Krahorm'.

A representative from LICADHO Canada reports:

Villagers are focused and diligent in preparations. Signs and banners have been pulled out again, washed and new ones created. STOP EVICTIONS flags are everywhere as are sign that say '$20,000 is not enough compensation to buy a new home' and 'we want a win-win situation'. As usual, there are also pictures of the prime minister everywhere, though no one has hope in the man. The spirit house has never seen so much praying and the villagers gather often for comfort and support. There are 8 foreigners from 6 nations sleeping in various houses in the village. Plus there are two teams sleeping on the outside with visuals of the roads that lead to Dey Krahorm. There are about 40 people on stand by to respond in an emergency. As well, Christians are monitoring at Dey Krahorm during the day so that we can rest. Solidarity has reached new heights in and for Dey Krahorm. We cannot see soldiers or hired breakers but man, this is the biggest stand-off we've ever witness; a silent stand-off between greed and human rights.

You can follow updates on Jinja's blog in Cambodia.

A Government official, quoted in Phnom Penh Post today, Friday, called for law to be introduced to address involuntary resettlement from development projects.  NGOs, as quoted in the Phnom Penh Post, are pushing government officials to guarantee fair negotiations:

"Taking time to reach a peaceful agreement will clearly demonstrate the municipality's kindness and commitment to respect for human rights and the rule of law," David Pred, director of Bridges Across Borders
Southeast Asia.

This is where YOU come in:  Please send an appeal letter by email or fax requesting that the Municipality of Phnom Penh:

* Immediately halt the planned forced eviction of the Dey Krahorm community;

* In consultation with the Dey Krahorm community establish without delay, an independent Mediation Panel to facilitate negotiations between the 7NG company and the Dey Krahorm community for fair and just compensation for their land. Ensure that the Terms of Reference of the Mediation Panel are made public and all negotiations are carried out in a fair, peaceful and transparent manner;

* Respect the right to assembly and the right to freedom of expression of all Cambodian citizens, and ensure that police, public order officials, other Government agencies and company employees refrain from acts or threats of violence or intimidation against the residents.

 Send your appeals to:

H.E. Kep Chuktema
Governor
Municipality of Phnom Penh
No 69 Preah Monivong Blvd,
Sangkat StrahChak, Khan Daun Penh
CAMBODIA
Fax:  +855-23 724156
Email: phnompenh@phnompenh.gov.kh

ALSO: Sign the Petition to End Land Grabbing in Cambodia