Jamie Gibbs
Forced Eviction
At dawn, on Friday, July 17th 2009, Cambodian police, military officers and trucks carrying demolition workers entered the Phnom Penh community known as Group 78. By mid-afternoon, the community, which began residency 25 years ago and once consisted of more than 80 families had been forcibly removed, leaving only scattered remnants.
Attempts by residents to claim the land by law, an entitlement to people who have been living in the same location for more than five years, have been repeatedly rejected.
Police presence and verbal threats from the government to residents on the conditions of compensation, kept proceedings on this occasion non-violent. However, the money given to families is said to fall well short of the actual land value and the Government's proposed sites for relocation at Trapaing Anchanh, 20km outside the city, offers residents nothing in the form of basic amenities or employment.
Although some residents are beginning to build here, many have abandoned the site and attempt to rent in Phnom Penh where they can at least make a living.
Despite criticism from international organisations and NGO's, forced evictions and ‘land grabbing’ continue to be one of the most widespread human rights violations affecting Cambodians in both rural and urban areas.
Forced Eviction
At dawn, on Friday, July 17th 2009, Cambodian police, military officers and trucks carrying demolition workers entered the Phnom Penh community known as Group 78. By mid-afternoon, the community, which began residency 25 years ago and once consisted of more than 80 families had been forcibly removed, leaving only scattered remnants.
Attempts by residents to claim the land by law, an entitlement to people who have been living in the same location for more than five years, have been repeatedly rejected.
Police presence and verbal threats from the government to residents on the conditions of compensation, kept proceedings on this occasion non-violent. However, the money given to families is said to fall well short of the actual land value and the Government's proposed sites for relocation at Trapaing Anchanh, 20km outside the city, offers residents nothing in the form of basic amenities or employment.
Although some residents are beginning to build here, many have abandoned the site and attempt to rent in Phnom Penh where they can at least make a living.
Despite criticism from international organisations and NGO's, forced evictions and ‘land grabbing’ continue to be one of the most widespread human rights violations affecting Cambodians in both rural and urban areas.