Cambodia: World Heritage Committee must ensure UNESCO decision addresses Angkor forced evictions
Member states at next week’s UNESCO World Heritage Committee must address human rights violations carried out by Cambodian authorities affecting thousands of families at the Angkor historical site, Amnesty International said.
UNESCO Concerns and Draft Decision
- UNESCO draft decision expresses concern about possible forced population displacements.
- Requests Cambodia to invite a Reactive Monitoring Mission to assess the situation.
- Calls on Cambodia to ensure relocating population conditions comply with human rights.
Whitewashing by the Cambodian Government
Following Amnesty’s report, Cambodia’s State of Conservation report failed to engage substantively with forced evictions.
- Report lacked verifiable information on relocation processes.
- Scapegoated residents and marked by derogatory views.
- UNESCO’s draft decision merely acknowledged the report without addressing key issues.
Debt and Despair at Resettlement Site
Amnesty International’s report highlighted failures in informing and consulting people before evictions.
- Many relocated families struggled to earn a living.
- Debts incurred due to lack of housing and work opportunities.
- People forced to sell houses and skip meals to repay loans.
Conclusion
UNESCO and the World Heritage Committee must condemn the human rights violations at Angkor and ensure the rights of the affected communities are upheld.
Source: www.amnesty.org