Cambodia

Cambodia has suffered immense political, economic and social strife – including the genocide of a quarter of the population and the displacement of millions more at the hands of communist Khmer Rouge forces between 1975-1979.

Since 1993, there has been relative peace in the country, yet poverty and hunger are rife. Since the 1980s many people have lost access to forests, wetlands and agricultural fields, which are being exploited by local and foreign corporations.

ActionAid in Cambodia
ActionAid began operating in Cambodia in 1999 and launched a full country programme in 2004.

An important part of our work is helping poor people to discover their rights and entitlements after years of oppression and poverty. We work with local NGOs to help strengthen rural grassroots organisations working on food security and land rights, women and health, rural and urban poverty, HIV & AIDS, and advocacy training.

Rural women generally suffer very poor health and nutrition. ActionAid Cambodia is helping to train local women health volunteers so they can identify and treat reproductive problems. We also work with local organisations to assist women who are rescued after being trafficked into the sex trade with education and vocational training.

In Cambodia, Buddhist monks are respected by all for their work teaching Buddhist principles. Many monks are now educating communities about HIV & AIDS and building support networks for infected and affected people.

"How can I be content with food given to me by poor and starving people if I cannot reach out to work with them?" said a monk in Tamaule village, where ActionAid Cambodia works.

photo : ©Jack Picone/ ActionAid