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Tell Congress: Victims of War Trauma Still Haunted by the Genocide

Overview Letter Targeting: The President of the United States, The U.S. Senate, and The U.S. House of Representatives

Started by: Talaya Sin

"The soldiers dragged out a pregnant woman and slit open her belly. A witness who was personally tortured for his political activism in Congo is more haunted by that image than his own pain." It's not just a Cambodian issue, it's all victim of war trauma.

http://newhavenindependent.org/index.php/health/entry/refugees_face_trauma_treatment_gap/

The 300,000 survivors of the Cambodian holocaust and their families living in the United States bear the physical and psychological scars of war, torture, and genocide. They also sustain the economic burdens of a community that has lost at least one-third of its people; inlcuding over 90% of its doctors, lawyers, teachers, civil servants and clergy. There is no prehistoric precedent for a community rebuilding after such a massive loss of its citizenry and resources.

The National Cambodian American Health Initiative (NCAHI) is a membership organization of Cambodian leaders founded in October, 2003. NCAHI's mission is to improve and preserve the health of survivors of the Cambodian holocaust and their families through research, health education, model programs and advocacy. Members come from 16 states and service area, representing more than 75% of Cambodians living in the United States.

Voter Beware: To do ... Not ? [-A response to Cham Prasidh's call]

Tue, 24 Jul 2007
Opinion by Kok Sap
Posted online

In my opinion, I like to see that Cambodia becoming a prosperous and dignified nation as equal as to others around the globe. But after my recent witnesses of the living conditions and treatments set forth by Phnom Penh current government, I can't let Mr. Cham Prasidh exploiting and misleading US conscience. Obviously, Mr. Cham Prasidh seems convinced and taken Khmer-US voter as his hostage of no intelligence. So I surely hope with this little note, the US Representatives will call Mr. Cham Prasidh to the carpet.

-----
July 24,2007
Honorable……………….
District
US House of Representatives

Dear Sir/Madam:

Per Radio Free Asia, I understand Mr. Cham Prasidh, Minister of Commerce from current Cambodia regime, seeks support and approval from US government to grant exemption in tariff and quotas in import and exports trade from his country.

As a voter of Khmer origin, I am concerned and wishing US shall never allow exemption in tariffs or tax in trade with Cambodia current regime unless all cited concerns and problems in the following are given corrective actions without delay.

1. Professor Yash Ghai, envoy to UN Human Rights Council, last and this year reports needed remedial measures and prompt correction from current government,

2. World Bank `s Good Governance and Transparency Initiative, Poverty Reduction and Anti Corruption Laws, Land Grabbing and Deforestation /Illegal Logging must be seriously addressed by Cambodia National Assembly and Government promptly,

3. No more game on Khmer Rouge Trial that it needed to be in proceed as soon with broader investigation and all suspects in order to render proper justice to people and victims,

4. Freedom in expression and press must be observed and uphold at all times,

5. Account all revenue from trade under US tariffs and tax exemption, if considered, and Cambodia Commerce Ministry must make available all accounts for US Congress scrutiny before annually renewal or further status consideration,

6. Protect and Enforce worker rights to fair labor and compensation, and

7. WTO, WB and US Commerce must have rights and access to monitor closely on trade and labor union rights and practice under Cambodia current regime.

For so long that Cambodia, my surviving family members, friends, and colleagues remain behind are in state of intractable anguish and pain under current government regime negligence and suppression, which I am appealing to your consideration and assistance to ensure that proper law abiding measures and compliance be placed upon Cambodia Commerce Ministry before such exemption is allowed.

I sincerely trust that you will understand my concerns and as well my fellows who are living in US with broken hearts and agony as we have continuously received disturbing words from our kin in regards to how bad Cambodia government treats poor and under privilege folks. Therefore, I ask you to help bring civility and humanity to millions of unfortunate folk by demanding Cambodia current government to promptly and properly heed actions in above mentioned concerns accordingly.

Sincerely,

Kok Sap
Khmer-US voter