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This Statement was presented to Deputy Prime Minister Sar Kheng on October 4, 1999.

STATEMENT

of the

NGO FORUM ON CAMBODIA

on

VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN AND

IMPUNITY OF MURDERERS

Prepared by the Women Working Group and Civil Society Working Group

of the NGO Forum on Cambodia

To

Samdech HUN SEN, Prime Minister of the Royal Government of Cambodia

We, the member organisations of the NGO Forum on Cambodia,

·        Having considered the widespread concern for the present high level of violence and murder in Cambodian society;

·        Having considered the many and increasing number of violent acts against and murder of women in the provinces and in Phnom Penh (see attached list);

·        Having known that, in many circumstances, suspects have not been taken to court and offenders have not been punished for their crimes, contrary to the Cambodian people's expectation that true justice must be done in Cambodia;

·        Having known that all people, especially women, are very concerned about the security and safety of their families, spouses and children as well as their own safety;

·        Having understood that progress and a peaceful life depends on social security, non-violence and absence of abuses of personal rights to freedom;

·        Having known of specific cases where clearly identified suspects go free despite the presence of witnesses;

·        Having seen that the victims include both poor and rich, unknown and famous, proving that no one is safe from violence, thereby increasing the fear of all women and their families;

·        Having understood that these violent actions ruin the reputation and dignity of Cambodia and seriously damage the interests of the country, including especially the name of the Royal Government of Cambodia;

We, the member organisations of the NGO Forum on Cambodia, humbly request that Samdech use your authority to achieve speedy and effective action from the relevant ministries and institutions to achieve the following: 

1.      To effectively strengthen enforcement of the existing laws;

2.      To strengthen the capacity, public conscience and morality of authorities at different levels, in order to achieve safety and security, and to increase the confidence and peace of mind of the people;

3.      To increase activities to protect public security;

4.      To ensure that concerned ministries promptly investigate homicides, including all those mentioned on the attached list, in order to find and bring the offenders to trial in accordance with the law, so that people can see that justice is being done and not simply delayed until people forget. 

We trust in the ability of Samdech to solve these problems, so that we and all Cambodian people can feel safer and have no concerns about public security and personal safety, as well as to protect the honour of the Royal Government of Cambodia and development of the country as a whole. 

We would like to wish Samdech and Lok-Chum-Tiev longevity so as to lead Cambodia towards peace and development.

Prepared in Phnom Penh, on Wednesday, 1 September 1999

Approved by:

Russell Peterson

Representative

NGO Forum on Cambodia

cc.    H.R.H. Prince Norodom Ranariddh, President of the National Assembly

   Samdech Chea Sim, President of the Senate

   H.E. Sar Kheng, Deputy Prime Minister and Co-Minister of Interior

   H.E. Sok An, Senior Minister and Minister of the Council of Ministers

   H.R.H. Princess Norodom Bopha Devi, Minister of Culture

   H.E. Ouk Vithun, Minister of Justice

   H.E. Mu Sochua, Ministry of Women's and Veteran Affairs

Embassies

UNCOHCHR

NGOs

List of Some Cases of  Murder of Women and Children

1.      Ms. Chhuon Ma, of Chon Da Village, Trapaing Krapoeu Commune, Stung Sen District, Kompong Thom Province, was beaten to death by husband on 26 June, 1998.

2.      Ms. Sim Chrunh, of Chan Tuong Village, Sralob Commune, Tbong Khmom District, Kompong Cham Province, was shot dead by husband on 09 September, 1998.

3.      Ms. Yang Yeun, of Palilai Village, Poipet Commune, O' Chrouv District, Bantey Meanchey Province, was beaten to death by husband on 04 November, 1998.

4.      The 15 years old girl named Lot Srey Mao was raped and then killed by unknown man on 20 November, 1998.

5.      The Phnom Penh karaoke waitress, Cheng Srey Poa, was shot dead on 2 February, 1999 by Mr. Sin Kimsan identified as Police officer after she refused his advances.

6.      Ms. Leb, of Srey La'Or, Kok Romeat Commune, Thmar Puok District, Bantey Meanchey Province, was hacked to death on 05 April, 1999.

7.      Ms. Lim Huy Kheng, of Don Chee Village, Chrey Vean Commune, Prey Chhor District, Kompong Cham Provicne, was shot dead by son-in-law when she was trying to stop him from beating wife on 15 April, 1999.

8.      The son and daughter of Mr. Ngem Cheun, of Trapaing Nheat Village, Ta Ream Commune, Bati District, Takeo province, were killed by his drunk father on 19 April, 1999.

9.      Ms. Horm Chin, of Chrey Village, Chrey Commune, Battambang District, Battambang Province, was beaten to death by husband on 21 April, 1999.

10.  The 8-year old girl named Mam Sopheak, of Trapaing Damrey Village,  Kompong Ampil Commune, Ampil District, Svay Rieng Province, was raped and then killed by the boy named Yem Srah on 07 June, 1999.

11.  Ms. Chuob Mao, of Ta Prach Village, Tuol Chong Rok Commune, Boseth District, Kompong Speu Province, was beaten to death by husband on 15 June, 1999.

12.  The Commercial Sex Worker in Poipet, Nguyen Thi Phoeung was badly beaten by brothel owner in front of twelve witnesses on 17 June, 1999 and died four days later.

13. Piseth Peaklica, the nation's best known actress, was shot in broad daylight in a Phnom Penh market area on 6 July, 1999 and died of her wounds on 13 July, 1999.