Khmer Krom Radio Under Way

Ratana Seng, VOA Khmer
Cambodia
05/06/2007

"Khmer Kampuchea Krom people suffer a lot" - Saroeun, a Khmer Kampuchea Krom woman

The Voice of Khmer Krom, a radio program solely for the Khmer Kampuchea Krom ethnic group, is up and running, creators of the program said Tuesday.

Ang Chanrith, director of the Khmer Kampuchea Krom Human Rights Organization, said a one-hour program, broadcast each day on FM90 mHz, focused on three issues: programs from local communities; equality forums and discussions; and practical living advice.

A radio program specifically for the group was necessary, he said, because they have specific problems.

Khmer Kampuchea Krom have difficulties finding jobs, often face discrimination and have no permanent domiciles, Ang Chanrith said. They also have difficulty obtaining identification cards, he said.

Authorities were supportive of the effort and sympathetic to the plight of the group, he said.

A Khmer Kampuchea Krom woman named Sareoun told VOA Khmer she had been listening to the station for nearly a month and hoped it would continue into the future.

"Khmer Kampuchea Krom people suffer a lot," she said.