VOA Khmer

Cambodian-Americans Say Midterms Will Not Change Passage of Cambodia Democracy Bill

An activist said the retirement of Ed Royce, a prominent Republican critic of Prime Minister Hun Sen’s government and chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee, would be a loss to the Cambodian-American community.

EU Prepares to Withdraw Cambodia From Trade Scheme

The World Bank has warned that Cambodia’s economy will face increased risks if the EU presses ahead with Cambodia’s expulsion from the scheme.

Mixed Views on Khmer Rouge Tribunal Impact, Legacy Ahead of Genocide Verdict

Peter Maguire, author of “Facing Death in Cambodia”, said the court’s legacy was “part good, part bad, and part ugly,” having spent some $300 million to try just three Khmer Rouge officials.

Documentary Filmmaker Focuses on Cambodia’s Martial Art

Canadian filmmakers Mark Bochsler and Sandra Leuba talk with VOA Khmer’s Chetra Chap about the making of “Surviving Bokator” and the place of bokator in Cambodian culture and today’s Cambodia.

Fear, Paranoia Stalks Former Opposition Officials a Year After Party Outlawed

The CNRP was the country’s largest political party and the only party to win seats in parliament in the 2013 election.

Verdict Due Against Khmer Rouge Leaders for Genocide and Crimes Against Humanity

The verdict this Friday focuses on charges of crimes against humanity and genocide committed at worksites, cooperatives, security centers and execution sites, including the infamous S-21 prison in Phnom Penh.

Asean MPs Discuss Cambodia Human Rights Record at Singapore Summit

A group of liberal lawmakers from Asean nations meeting in Singapore this week will focus on Cambodia and Myanmar’s human rights record.

On Cambodian Independence Day, King Calls on for National Unity and Reconciliation

Some 25,000 government officials, civil servants and members of the security forces took part in the annual event in Phnom Penh.

UN Rights Envoy Calls for More Participation, Accountability From Cambodia

Rhona Smith said the government’s development strategy was dependent on a free press and vibrant civil society, as well as fair access to justice and accountability for officials.

In Fresno, Conservative Cambodian-American Fails to Unseat Longtime Democratic Incumbent

Incumbent Jim Costa, a seasoned politician, beat Elizabeth Heng 54.4 percent to 45.6 percent, according to the State’s primary results.

Documentary Film on Cambodian Martial Art ‘Bokator’ to Screen in Philadelphia

Cambodian-Americans Call on Paris Accord Signatories to ‘Restore Multi-Party Democracy’

The appeal was made at a meeting of the Overseas Khmer Summit (OKS) in Washington, DC, attended by Cambodian-Americans from several US states.

Cambodian-Americans Focus on Checks to Trump’s Power in US Midterms

President Trump’s Republican Party had held the balance of power in all three branches of government prior to the vote, which saw the Democrats win control of the House of Representatives.

PM Hun Sen Creates Task Force to Address Civil Society Concerns

Am Sam Ath, a senior investigator with Licadho, a local rights group, said the plan would only be effective if proposals from civil society were taken seriously and acted on.

Cambodia’s Baha’i Temple Aims to Reach, Serve More

There are an estimated 6 million Baha’is worldwide, including several thousand in Cambodia, where the faith first carved out a foothold in the 1920s, said Hou Sopheap, the Baha’i House of Worship’s director.

NGOs Call on Gov’t to End Impunity Against Journalists

The 42 NGOs made the statement on the International Day last week to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists.

In Whispers, Rural Cambodians Anxiously Contemplate Life in a One-Party State

The CPP won around 3,000 of 3,500 valid votes in Champey, according to results from the CPP-dominated National Election Committee.

Australia’s Cambodia Refugee Deal is Dead

Controversial Agreement Expires and Observers Don’t Think It’s Coming Back

UN Envoy Banned From Meeting With Former Cambodian Opposition Leader

Sokha was jailed on treason charges in September 2017 for allegedly conspiring to overthrow the government through a U.S.-backed “color revolution” before his party was dissolved on the same grounds in November.

Cambodian Man Found Dead in Custody Amid Thailand Immigration Sweep

The Cambodian man, identified only as Sakhi, 55, was found dead with another Vietnamese detainee, known as Robat, 77, according to Thailand Foreign Ministry spokeswoman, Busadee Santipitak.