Chea Mony and Rong Chhun participates in AFEC Rights March

13 March 2007
By Sophorn
Radio Free Asia
Translated from Khmer by Socheata

The president of the Free Trade Union (FTUWKC), and the president of the Cambodia Independent Teachers’ Association (CITA) denied that their participation in the AFEC Rights March was aimed at participating in the formation of Kem Sokha’s yet to be announced political party. The two said that their participation is nothing more than for supporting the freedom right.

Chea Mony said that the reason of his participation in the Rights March today is to express the opinion of the civil society.

Chea Mony said: “There are rumors that I am participating with Kem Sokha to form a political party. This is not true, I don’t want to be involved in politics, we are only part of the civil society, we are only working to defend the workers. This is not a participation to form a political party in the future with H.E. Kem Sokha, CCHR president, who is planning to form his party next month.”

Rong Chhun also indicated that his participation in the Rights March today is to demand that the Cambodian community stops using violence, and also to demand for freedom: “This is not because we are participating in the formation of a political party, this means that [we are participating] as independent [individuals].”

Kem Sokha indicated that the Rights March has completed 300 kilometers on Tuesday.

At 5:00 PM, the crowd of marchers is resting in Roluos commune, Prasat Bakong district, Siem Reap province. A discussion program is planned on the “My country, my destiny” theme. The discussion will talk about the happiness on the recent finding of oil by the cooperation of the government and a number of foreign experts.

Kem Sokha said: “The main goal is to find out that we will reap benefit from the oil, but how will the oil be used to bring benefits for the construction of the country, and to raise the standard of living of people.”

The Rights March is planned for 16 days, starting on 28 Feb and ending on 16 March 2007. The march started in Phnom Penh and its final destination is Siem Reap, a total distance of 370 kilometers.

AFEC Rights March arrives in Siem Reap province

Buddhist monks, part of a human rights march, pour water to bless villagers as they arrive in Siem Reap, about 186 miles (300 km) northwest of Phnom Penh, March 14, 2007. Hundreds of people, including Buddhist monks, led by human rights groups arrived in Siem Reap province after a 16-day march which started from Phnom Penh. The march was held to promote freedom of expression, non-violence and political tolerance in Cambodia. REUTERS/Chor Sokunthea

Buddhist monks, part of a human rights march, pour water to bless villagers as they arrive in Siem Reap, about 186 miles (300 km) northwest of Phnom Penh, March 14, 2007. Hundreds of people, including Buddhist monks, led by human rights groups arrived in Siem Reap province after a 16-day march which started from Phnom Penh. The march was held to promote freedom of expression, non-violence and political tolerance in Cambodia. REUTERS/Chor Sokunthea

Buddhist monks, part of a human rights march, sprinkle water to bless villagers as they arrive in Siem Reap, about 186 miles (300 km) northwest of Phnom Penh, March 14, 2007. Hundreds of people, including Buddhist monks, led by human rights groups arrived in Siem Reap province after a 16-day march which started from Phnom Penh. The march was held to promote freedom of expression, non-violence and political tolerance in Cambodia. REUTERS/Chor Sokunthea

Human Rights Groups March For Free Expression [About to enter Siem Reap]

Participants in the AFEC Rights March (Photo: AFEC)

IFEX

The Alliance for Freedom of Expression in Cambodia (AFEC) is leading a 314-kilometre march for freedom of expression, non-violence and political tolerance in Cambodia ahead of commune council elections that start next week, reports the Southeast Asia Press Alliance (SEAPA).

The 16-day march, from Phnom Penh to Angkor Wat in Siem Reap, is being held so that citizens can express their demands before the council elections start on 16 March, historically a time of heightened political violence. These elections precede next year's national general election.

"The march is one of the things that people can use to express their opinions? We want to show how freedom of expression is needed for other rights," AFEC general secretary Ou Virak told SEAPA, adding that opinions from people en route will be collected and conveyed to the government.

Two hundred people nominated by AFEC, a coalition of 28 NGOs and labour unions, started the march, while members of the public have joined along the way. Ox-carts carried banners bearing the march's message and participants wore yellow ribbons to symbolise their demand for free expression. Each day features a specific topic around the march theme, such as the protection of women on International Women's Day.

Last year, at the time of a similar march led by AFEC, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen promised to decriminalise defamation laws. Although prison terms are not given in defamation cases, defamation is still considered a criminal offence. The government is also turning to other means, such as criminal disinformation and incitement laws, to silence critics of corruption, land grabbing and illegal evictions, reported AFEC.

SEAPA says freedom of expression in Cambodia remains limited despite constitutional guarantees. Most local media, with the exception of a few radio stations, are controlled and restricted by the government. The low literacy rate also restricts access to traditional and new media.

Visit these sites:
- IFEX: http://www.ifex.org/es/content/view/full/81442
- AFEC: http://cchr-cambodia.org/afec/
- SEAPA: http://www.seapabkk.org/

AFEC Rights March Progress

Marchers procession on 03 March 2007 (Photo: AFEC)

Collecting donations along the way (Photo: AFEC)

Villagers cheering the marchers along the road and contributing their donations (Photo: AFEC)

Under the sweltering sun, monks, women, men, young and old march on. (Photo: AFEC)

Villagers prepared water bottles for the marchers, some are waiting with buckets of water to have the monks bless them as they passed by the villages along the marching route. (Photo: AFEC)

A well-earned rest after a long day of march! (Photo: AFEC)

Click here to view additional photos

Rigths March moves on

Tuesday, March 6, 2007

By Duong Sokha
Cambodge Soir
Translated from French by Luc Sâr

The marching procession to Siem Reap organized by 28 NGOs and unions, with the goal of demanding a society without violence and the freedom of expression, arrived yesterday at the Baray district, Kompong Thom province. Altogether, the marchers have traveled 120 kilometers since their departure from Phnom Penh last week.

The Alliance for Freedom of Expression in Cambodia (AFEC), the main organizer of the march, yesterday called on the government to insure a decent living condition for the people, by acting as the guardians of natural resources, and protecting land rights of each citizen.

AFEC also raised the issue of bad management of public and private lands and the increasing number of land-grabbings. In spite of the 2001 land law, and the laws on the management of the environment and forests, nothing has changed and the violations are perpetrated to the detriment of the people, AFEC stressed.

“In spite of the government promise to assist poor communities in the city, the municipal authorities continue to use force to evict people and they have evicted a total of 4,500 families during 2006,” AFEC deplored.

A day earlier, in a forum under the theme of “my country, my future,” the hundreds of marchers invited 24 monks along their road – the 24 monks representing the 24 cities and provinces of Cambodia – to chant prayers before releasing 1,621 white balloons symbolizing the 1,621 communes in the country.

The message presented during this gathering was: may the country’s development occur under the respect of the citizen’s rights and interests, and that it may offer the younger generation an opportunity to build a dignified living condition.

“If development is allowed to move on as it is right now, it will be the younger generation who will have to pay the price for the debts incurred by the government. The government must change its course urgently,” AFEC insists.

The marchers are expected to arrive in Angkor Wat on March 15.

150 Cambodians start march to demand more freedom of expression

March 01, 2007

About 150 people led by activists and Buddhist monks on Wednesday started a two-week march to demand more freedom of expression.

More people were expected to join the 230-kilometer march from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap province, home of the Angkor Wat temple complex, which is an ancient symbol of the Cambodian nation, said a statement from the organizers, who call themselves the Alliance for Freedom of Expression in Cambodia.

The door for exercising freedom is just narrowly open due to government restrictions, and it is necessary to have it open wider for all the people, said Kem Sokha, leader of the march.

The marchers plan to stop at villages along the way and hold forums to discuss human rights issues with residents, the statement said, adding that they are expected to arrive at Angkor Wat on March 15.

Source: Xinhua

Rights Marchers Begin Walk to Angkor Wat

Cambodian Human Rights activists hold a banner at Wat Phnom, at center of capital Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Feb. 28, 2007

Mony
VOA Khmer
Washington
28/02/2007

Rights activists on Wednesday took the first steps of a long walk from Phnom Penh to Angkor Wat, about 280 kilometers away, beginning a march to promote free expression and to censure violence in the upcoming commune elections.

Scores of participants left Wat Phnom, a landmark in the capital, by foot, including rights proponents like Kem Sokha, the director of the Cambodian Center for Human Rights, and Mam Sonando, the owner of Beehive Radio, both of whom were arrested in 2005 under an anti-defamation clause in Cambodian law.

The Alliance for Freedom of Expression in Cambodia organized the march, modeling it after a similar walk last year that traveled from Phnom Penh to nearby Udong Mountain.

Last year's march, also organized by the alliance, helped spur Prime Minister Hun Sen to repeal the clause from the law, organizers said. Kem Sokha and Mam Sonando were released early in 2006.

Participants said they hoped the march would promote peace in the country, "unify the Khmer soul" and allow Cambodians to talk to each other face to face.

Opposition party leader Sam Rainsy said he hoped the march would help stop violence in April's elections.

Cambodians start 2-week march demanding more freedom of expression

Wednesday, February 28, 2007
The Associated Press

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia: Activists and Buddhist monks led about 150 people in Cambodia as they began a two-week march on Wednesday to demand more freedom of expression.

A statement from organizers said more people were expected to join the 230-kilometer (145-mile) march from the capital, Phnom Penh, to Siem Reap province, home of the famed Angkor Wat temple complex — an ancient symbol of the Cambodian nation.

The organizers call themselves the Alliance for Freedom of Expression in Cambodia, which includes the nongovernment group Cambodian Center for Human Rights.

"The door for exercising freedom is just narrowly open due to government restrictions, and we need to have it open wider for all the people," said the march's leader Kem Sokha, a well-known critic of the government.

He was among three human rights activists jailed for several weeks last year on criminal defamation charges filed by Prime Minister Hun Sen's government.

The marchers planned to stop at villages along the way and hold forums to discuss human rights issues with residents.

They are expected to arrive at Angkor Wat on March 15, the statement said.

On the eve of the march, police prevented 40 Buddhist monks from holding a peaceful protest near the Vietnamese embassy in Phnom Penh.

The would-be demonstrators had wanted to air demands that Vietnam's government stop alleged repression of ethnic Cambodian monks living in southern Vietnam.

Start of Righs March

An ox-cart leads a march at Wat Phnom, at the center of capital Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2007. Led by human rights activists, some 150 people and Buddhist monks began a two-week march to a northwestern Cambodian province Wednesday to demand that the government allow greater freedom to its citizens. (AP Photo/Heng Sinith)

President of the Cambodian Center for Human Rights, Kem Sokha (2nd L), Community Legal Education Center director Yeng Virak (L) and journalist Mam Sonando (2nd R) hold a banner as they walk during a day one of a human rights march in Phnom Penh February 28, 2007. The 16-day march, which starts from Phnom Penh and ends in Siem Reap province, calls for freedom of expression, non-violence and political tolerance in Cambodia. REUTERS/Chor Sokunthea

Cambodian Buddhist monks hold symbols for freedom of expression during day one of a human rights march in Phnom Penh February 28, 2007. The 16-day march, which starts from Phnom Penh and ends in Siem Reap province, calls for freedom of expression, non-violence and political tolerance in Cambodia. REUTERS/Chor Sokunthea

Cambodians hold symbols for freedom of expression during day one of a human rights march in Phnom Penh February 28, 2007. The 16-day march, which starts from Phnom Penh and ends in Siem Reap province, calls for freedom of expression, non-violence and political tolerance in Cambodia. REUTERS/Chor Sokunthea

A Cambodian woman smiles as she holds a yellow ribbon at Wat Phnom, at the center of capital Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2007. Led by human rights activists, some 150 people and Buddhist monks began a two-week march to a northwestern Cambodian province Wednesday to demand that the government allow greater freedom to its citizens. (AP Photo/Heng Sinith)

A Cambodian woman holds a symbol for freedom of expression during day one of a human rights march in Phnom Penh February 28, 2007. The 16-day march, which starts from Phnom Penh and ends in Siem Reap province, calls for freedom of expression, non-violence and political tolerance in Cambodia. REUTERS/Chor Sokunthea

VOA Tuesday's News Briefs from Cambodia

Heng Reaksmey
VOA Khmer
Washington
27/02/2007

The National Election Committee issued voting guidelines Tuesday in an effort to clarify voter information. Misspelled names, incorrect data, aliases and different spellings of the same name could all pollute the April elections. Without proper gender, age or address listings, voters will not be allowed to participate. Opposition party Secretary-General Mu Sochua said she welcomed the clarification.

***

The Alliance for Freedom of Expression in Cambodia will hold a "Rights March" that will begin on Feb. 28 at Wat Phnom in Phnom Penh travel to Angkor Wat, about 280 km to the north. The march is to promote free expression, political tolerance and non-violence and will end March 15, the group said in a statement Tuesday. Secretary-General Ou Vireak said the group wants the government to give more freedom of speech to its citizens and to prevent violence in the upcoming elections.

***

Sam Rainsy Party legislator Yim Sovan has written a letter to National Assembly President Heng Samrin, asking that he and Deputy Prime Minister Sar Kheng investigate the murder of a labor union leader and others. Hy Vuthy, a union leader at the San Tek garment factory, was shot dead last week. A closer investigation into his death would show that the legislative and executive branches are responsible to voters, Yim Sovan said.

From Phnom Penh to Angkor Wat - long march for free expression

27 February 2007
Southeast Asian Press Alliance (SEAPA)

A "March for Freedom of Expression, Non-violence, and Political Tolerance in Cambodia" will be held from 28 February to 15 March 2007, with the starting point at Wat Phnom in Phnom Penh and the final destination at Angkor Wat in Siem Reap.

Organised by the Alliance for Freedom of Expression in Cambodia (AFEC), the 16-day march covering 314 kilometres is being held for the people to express their demands ahead of the council election campaign on 16 March 2007.

Freedom of expression in Cambodia is limited despite the guarantee provided by the Constitution under article 41. Most of the local media, with the exception of a few radio stations, are controlled and restricted by the authoritarian government. The poor literacy rate adds another layer of restriction on access to both traditional and new media.

"The march is one of the things that people can use to express their opinions . . . we want to show how freedom of expression is needed for other rights," said AFEC General Secretary Ou Virak, adding that opinions from people enroute will be collected and conveyed to the higher authorities.

A similar march took place from 11 to 13 February 2006, over 45 kilometres, from Phnom Penh to Oudong, to demand for the decriminalisation of defamation. About 500 people including 100 monks joined the whole march.

This time, the organisers have added "political tolerance" to the theme as political violence has been shown to increase before and during elections. "It is necessary that we all demand political tolerance amongst political parties and grassroots members as well as the general public," said AFEC in a 27 February release.

Six hundred people nominated by AFEC will form the core of the march, while the public may join in at any point or all the way. Ox-carts will carry banners bearing the message and participants will don yellow ribbons to symbolise their demand for free expression.

In the evenings, roundtable discussions will be held at designated rest spots for villagers to express their opinions. The talks will be aired live on four radio stations - Beehive Radio FM105Mhz, 90FM, Radio Klaing Moeung FM90.25Mhz in Battambang province and Angkor Ratha Radio FM95.5Mhz in Seam Reap province.

For more information please contact: Mr. Ou Virak, General Secretary of AFEC, tel: 012 404 051, e-mail: virak_ou@yahoo.com

AFEC announces Rights March

The Alliance for Freedom of Expression in Cambodia (AFEC) is a network of 28 would like to announce that we are preparing a RIGHTS MARCH for Freedom of Expression, Political Tolerance and Non-violence society in Cambodia. The March will depart from Wat Phnom, Phnom Penh on February 28, 2007 toward Angkor Wat, Siem Reap by March 15, 2007.

Therefore, AFEC would like to appeal to all people to support this Rights March through participating and contributing (either money or materials) to the Alliance for Freedom of Expression in Cambodia (AFEC). Your contribution will help improving Freedom of Expression, Political Tolerance and Non-violence in Cambodia. Hence, if you would like to join and contribute to this Rights March, please come to register and donate with any of the following offices:

1. Sambok Khmum Radio

N° 44G, Street 360, 12303 Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Tel: 023 210 401
Mobile Phone: 012 994 939

2. CCHR Office

Head Office: # 19 , Street 287, Sangkat Boengkok 1, Khan Tuol Kork, Phnom Penh, Kingdom of Cambodia.
Tel : (855-23) 883 832
Fax : (855-23) 883 481

Provincial Offices:

Takeo: Phsar Takor Village, Rokar Knong Commune, Daun Keo District, Takeo Provice.
Tel/Fax: 855-33- 932 414
Phone: 012 655 408

Kampong Speu: Nº 11, Group1 Borei Kamakor Village, Rokar Thom Commune Chba Morn District Kampong Speu.
Tel/Fax: 855-25 987 395
Phone: 012 598 068

Prey Veng: No 41, Prek Ksay Village, Prek Ksay Cmmune, Peam Roh District Prey Veng Province.
Tel/Fax: +855-43 750 127
Phone: +855-012 598 072

Kampong Cham: No 41 vealvong Commune, kampong cham Kampong Cham Province.
Tel/Fax: 855- 42 941 943

Kratie: Nº 787 Watt Village, Kratie Commune Kratie District, Kratie Province.
Tel/Fax: 855-72 971 705
Phone: 011 618 650

Battambang: No386, Anchanh Village, Ouchar Commune, Battambang District. Battambang Province.
Tel/Fax: 855-53 953 218
Phone: 011 788 318

Siem Reap: Nº0277, Group 7 Chong Kausou Village Slakram Commune Siem Reap District Siem Reap Province.
Tel/Fax: 855-63 963 043
Phone: 011 627 891

3. LICADHO Office

Head Office: N° 16, Street 99
12305 Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Tel: 023 364 901
Tel: 023 217 626
Tel & Fax: 023 330 965

Provincial Offices:

Banteay Mean Chey: Village 3, Preah Punlea Commune, Serey Soporn district, Banteay Mean Chey Province.Tel: 054 958 861

Battambang: Nº 312, Group 21, Kampong Krabei Village, Svay Por Commune, Battambang District, Battambang province. Tel: 053 952 828

Kampong Cham: Group 4, Village 6, Veal Vong Commune, Kampong Cham District, Kampong Cham Province.
Tel: 042 941 464

Kampong Chhnang: Street Nº 2, Village 2, Khsam Commune, Kampong Chhnang District, Kampong Chhnang Province.
Tel: 026 988 637

Kampong Speu: Lot B4, National Road 4, Peanichakam Village, Roka Thom Commune, Chba Morn District, Kampong Speu Province.
Tel: 025 987 220

Kampong Thom: Nº 254, Group 44, Kampong Thom Village, Kampong Rotes Commune, Steung Sen District, Kampong Thom Province.
Tel: 062 961 292

Kampot: Nº 78, Muoy Ussphea Village, Kampong Kandal Commune, Kampong District, Kampot Province.
Tel: 033 932 663

Koh Kong: Village 2, Smach Mean Chey Commune, Smach Mean Chey District, Koh Kong province.
Tel: 035 936 116

Pursat: Morn Che Village, Prey Nhi Commune, Sampao Meas District, Pursat Province.
Tel: 052 951 496

Siem Reap:Nº 459, Dok Por Village, Slarkram Commune, Siem Reap District, Siem Reap Province.
Tel: 063 964 066

Sihanoukville: Road Ek Reach, Village 3, Commune 2, Mittapheap District, Sihanoukville.
Tel: 034 933 716

Svay Rieng: Rong Banle Village, Svay Rieng Commune, Svay Rieng District, Svay Rieng Province.
Tel: 044 945 833

Rights March committees will always welcome all of your contributions at any working hour.

If we may give you further information please do not hesitate to write us at:

afec@cchr-cambodia.org