Ethnic Minorities

(22). Ethnic Minorities

The NGO CG Statement does not specifically refer to the situation of ethnic minorities. However, given the fact that this area receives some attention in the NPRS and includes references to certain issues of concern to NGOs (e.g., community ownership of land), it is included in this summary.

NPRS 4.5.7. Ethnic Minorities under Section 4.5. Reducing Vulnerability and Strengthening Social Inclusion, also referred to in Section 3.1.5. Vulnerability. Social Exclusion 3.1.3.

The NPRS observes that “Historically the ethnic minorities are not included in any policy, decision-making and development process. They are … in many ways inferior in society in terms of status, position, and living standards.”

The NPRS states that that ethnic minority development is being highly considered by the RCG in the implementation of Poverty Reduction Policy,” but that “little is understood about the ethnic minorities in Cambodia by the majority, and national decision makers.” (4.5.7.)

NPRS Objective, Indicators, and Targets: The overall objective is to “promote development of ethnic minorities & understanding of their living conditions.” The RCG will :

Conduct research on ethnic minority communities and identify development needs (development plan to be formulated by 2005 (A3));
Revise and finalize an ethnic minority policy for adoption in 2003;
Promote ethnic minority development related to natural resources and basic services;
Sub-decree on community ownership of land is to be completed by the end of 2003;
Sub-decree on community forestry by early 2004;
Forests concessions management to be reviewed by effected communities;
Basic services refer to school enrolment and literacy rates, though the targets for these activities have not yet been established.

NGO Action:

Explore collaboration opportunities for research on minority communities and identifying development needs;
Monitor and collaborate the development of an ethnic minority policy in 2003;
Monitor development of sub-decree on community ownership land (end of 2003);
Monitor development of sub-decree on community forestry (early 2004;
Monitor community participation in reviewing social concessions;
Monitor progress in school enrolments and literacy rates in the context of the APRI;

The NPRS refers to ethnic minorities only in terms of the upland communities. For example, there is no reference to the Vietnamese or Cham in the NPRS, except in reference to the effect of language barriers on ethnic minorities who speak little or no Khmer, with the exception of Vietnamese and Cham. Therefore, advocate for more specific attention to issues concerning Vietnamese and Cham in the context of ther APRI.

Back