Cambodia eyes on “one province, one university”
Samdech Prime Minister Hun Sen on July 19 expressed his ambition to build one university for one province in a move to expand the education system and promote human resources in development of the country.
“To realize the target of “one province, one university”, we must promote the education and training of professional skills that are highly suitable for local and rural development such as agriculture, rural development, agro-industry, health, enterprise management and others. so that the graduates can further take part in local development, that is “development human resource in the province for provincial development” Samdech Prime Minister said in his address at conferment of degrees and diplomas of Svay Rieng university, which was built in 2006. We are trying to push schools nearby people to be easy for them to learn and help develop the society and communities,” he stresses. He stated one of four Cambodians is a student currently.
“We must ensure that provincial graduates acquire the right knowledge, skills and techniques, more importantly national conscious and will. Particularly, we must encourage them to learn and work with government institutions, private sector and civil society that could be in the form of internship, thesis writing, or workshop participation,” Samdech added. Samdech also expressed his sincere thanks for charitable activities of national conscience that will be remembered and recorded in the history. This exemplary inspire the present and future generations to contribute in socio-economic development and ensure sustainable and equitable education for everyone in the society and give them hope in life.
He added: I take great pride in the achievements of the education sector, both in terms of quantity and quality. Along with this, we have implemented the Law on Education adopted on December 8, 2007 and other supporting policies and strategies such as the Education Strategic Plan and the Education Sector Support Program 2009-2010. Moreover, I strongly support the Development Plan for Higher Education Teachers and Administrative Officers, Single Framework for Curriculum Development and Accreditation, Action Plan for Promoting the Use of Information System in the Management of Higher Education, and the Plan for transforming all Public Higher Education Institutions into Independent Public Entity.
“Through this, I strongly believe that higher education institutions will be able to make a significant progress, both in terms of quantity and quality, and gain international recognition to welcome foreign students,” he noted. This progress indeed cannot be achieved without the Royal Government’s clear vision and action plans, joint efforts among all stakeholders including support from development partners, national and international organizations, the private sector and especially the public.
“I observe the present trend of building universities in municipalities and provinces to provide education services on-site such as the University of Battambang, Meanchey University, Chea Sim Kamchay Mea University, the Svay Rieng University and so forth, he said, adding that I think we should encourage and provide our full support for the establishment of new universities within other municipalities and provinces to provide on-site education to reduce spending of sending their children to distant higher education institutions and to realize the vision of “one province, one university”.
He also request the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport, the Ministry of Labor and Vocational Training, the municipal and provincial authorities and relevant institutions to work on quality improvement in those higher education institutions to produce skilled, qualified and ethical workers. “I would like to request municipal/provincial authorities, district authorities and commune/sangkat authorities to provide employment opportunities to local youths so that they can take part in the development effort, Samdech said.
He also said that Youths are comparable to bamboo shoots, as they will become the country’s future leaders and officials. This requires them to study hard on technical skill and respect ethical rules. Youths must remember there is no an end to education because of constant technological change. In this connection, they must work hard and be active for all kinds of work, understand management philosophy as well as politics, economics and social issues. “I think they will be an important component of development as most educated youths are now assuming important positions, with full of potential and energy,” he added.
He also encouraged students to learn. “You must adhere to the concept of “Endless Learning” by all means to become wise, rational and ethical resource in the society. I strongly believe you will apply and adapt your knowledge and know-how into real work and adhere to ethical codes in the pursuit of self and social development,” he said.
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Sunday, August 1, 2010
Long Heng: Tuberclosis in 2010 in Cambodia
Health Ministry launched second national Tuberculosis prevalence survey in Cambodia
.Cambodia’ Health ministry and development partners on July 30 launched the second National Tuberculosis prevalence survey in the country in purpose of seeking urgent ways to combat TB infection and prevent its spread for local people, and implementing the millennium development goals in 2015.
“Fighting against TB is contributing to poverty reduction and reach to implement the MDGs,” H.E Dr. Mao Tan Eang, director of national center of tuberculosis and leprosy control said that now good drug is effective for treatment of TB. “Infection number of TB decreased from 928 cases per 100,000 people in 1990 to 665 cases 100,000 people in 2007. We got the success remarkably, and currently we are trying to do it,” he said, adding that TB services have provided about 1000 health referral centers and hospitals. We thanked to patients and doctors who cooperated to treat TB, he states. Our goal we want to reduce the infection rate to 464 cases per 100,000 people in 2015, he added. We found over 40,000 people in 2010 and 20,000 people found TB infection for the six months of this year.
“Our survey is a key of program to join to fight against TB spread, and reach to our goal, he maintained.
He announced at the event that the national tuberculosis (TB) prevalence survey funded by Japan international cooperation agency (JICA) the united states agency for international development (USAID) and global fund to fight AIDS, TB and Malaria (GFATM) is now being prepared by the National center for tuberculosis and leprosy control (CENAT), ministry of health. The survey will start in October, 2010 and be carried out in 62 areas randomly selected from the whole country around 40,000 participants aged 15 years old or older by CENAT with the technical support of JICA and WHO. The preliminary results of survey will be assessed in November 2011.
He stressed infectious disease control particularly TB control is one of the priority areas in millennium development goals, and CENAT has been tackling this issue in collaboration with many national and international partners. The first survey in 2002 revealed that 269 per 100,000 populations were suffered from TB disease with TB bacilli in their sputum.
“Cambodia is still one of the highest burden countries in the world in the rank with China, Vietnam, and Philippines. The second survey will be able to contribute to not only providing scientific, reliable information on TB burden in Cambodia but also bringing rich fruits for the national TB control program (NTP) by showing its downward trend in serious infectious TB cases,” Dr Eang said, adding we get about one -two millions US dollars for conducting this pilot program.
Dr. Poeu Satha, project coordinator of National TB prevalence in Cambodia said that with high quality prevalence survey may show the impact of the national and international investments in TB control in Cambodia. The second survey is expected to show stronger evidence of a downward trend in TB prevalence in Cambodia due to dots expand since 2001.
“The primary objectives is to determine the prevalence of pulmonary TB among the population aged 15 years or older as measured by smear positive pulmonary TB and culture positive pulmonary,” Dr Poeu said, adding that second objective is to identify the prevalence of TB suspects, health seeking behaviors through defined health seeking behaviors of TB patients and individuals reporting chest symptoms, use of the private sector for TB care as reflected in the proportion of TB patients under treatment in the private sector,” ###
.Cambodia’ Health ministry and development partners on July 30 launched the second National Tuberculosis prevalence survey in the country in purpose of seeking urgent ways to combat TB infection and prevent its spread for local people, and implementing the millennium development goals in 2015.
“Fighting against TB is contributing to poverty reduction and reach to implement the MDGs,” H.E Dr. Mao Tan Eang, director of national center of tuberculosis and leprosy control said that now good drug is effective for treatment of TB. “Infection number of TB decreased from 928 cases per 100,000 people in 1990 to 665 cases 100,000 people in 2007. We got the success remarkably, and currently we are trying to do it,” he said, adding that TB services have provided about 1000 health referral centers and hospitals. We thanked to patients and doctors who cooperated to treat TB, he states. Our goal we want to reduce the infection rate to 464 cases per 100,000 people in 2015, he added. We found over 40,000 people in 2010 and 20,000 people found TB infection for the six months of this year.
“Our survey is a key of program to join to fight against TB spread, and reach to our goal, he maintained.
He announced at the event that the national tuberculosis (TB) prevalence survey funded by Japan international cooperation agency (JICA) the united states agency for international development (USAID) and global fund to fight AIDS, TB and Malaria (GFATM) is now being prepared by the National center for tuberculosis and leprosy control (CENAT), ministry of health. The survey will start in October, 2010 and be carried out in 62 areas randomly selected from the whole country around 40,000 participants aged 15 years old or older by CENAT with the technical support of JICA and WHO. The preliminary results of survey will be assessed in November 2011.
He stressed infectious disease control particularly TB control is one of the priority areas in millennium development goals, and CENAT has been tackling this issue in collaboration with many national and international partners. The first survey in 2002 revealed that 269 per 100,000 populations were suffered from TB disease with TB bacilli in their sputum.
“Cambodia is still one of the highest burden countries in the world in the rank with China, Vietnam, and Philippines. The second survey will be able to contribute to not only providing scientific, reliable information on TB burden in Cambodia but also bringing rich fruits for the national TB control program (NTP) by showing its downward trend in serious infectious TB cases,” Dr Eang said, adding we get about one -two millions US dollars for conducting this pilot program.
Dr. Poeu Satha, project coordinator of National TB prevalence in Cambodia said that with high quality prevalence survey may show the impact of the national and international investments in TB control in Cambodia. The second survey is expected to show stronger evidence of a downward trend in TB prevalence in Cambodia due to dots expand since 2001.
“The primary objectives is to determine the prevalence of pulmonary TB among the population aged 15 years or older as measured by smear positive pulmonary TB and culture positive pulmonary,” Dr Poeu said, adding that second objective is to identify the prevalence of TB suspects, health seeking behaviors through defined health seeking behaviors of TB patients and individuals reporting chest symptoms, use of the private sector for TB care as reflected in the proportion of TB patients under treatment in the private sector,” ###
Long Heng: Cambodia's garment sector signs optimistic recovery
Cambodia ’s garment sector signs optimistic recovery
Cambodia ’s garment sector has showed signs of recovery so far this year with increasing number of garment factories and number of workers after the global economic crisis affected to this industry last year, officials told the Southeast Asia weekly on July 1.
Bun Ying, a communication officer of ILO in Phnom Penh office said that so far this year we have data of 267 factories which are running business in country. “We have signed recovery of garment sector according to our report which issued on late this month,” he said, adding that The International Labor Organization’s (ILO) Better Factories Cambodia released 24th Synthesis Report on Working Conditions in Cambodia ’s Garment Sector, which assesses compliance with Cambodian labor law and international labor standards in exporting garment factories.
“In April 2010, number of worker in garment increased to more than 280,443 workers. And in November 2009, there were 243 active exporting factories with 278,398 workers in country,” he added.
He continued that the 24th Synthesis Report is the first report to show an increase in employment levels when compared with the preceding report since the 21st Synthesis Report of 31 October 2008. The level of employment increased slightly since November 1, 2009, despite additional factory closures. Although employment is still down from one year ago, job losses resulting from the crisis have leveled off, as reflected by the smaller percentage drop during the past year (6%) than that seen during the year before (12.5%).
He noted the garment sector is showing signs of recovery from the economic crisis; employment levels are up slightly when compared with the previous report. And more than 2/3 of workers currently are working in factories with 1000 or more employees, despite a 9% drop in the percentage of factories with 1000 - 2000 workers over the past year. 79% of the factories monitored have at least one union, up 3% from the 23rd Synthesis Report. He said however, most workers still report that they do not have enough to spend on basic needs including food, housing and healtH.E.Om Mean, secretary of state of ministry of labor and vocational training said that the government has always cared with attention of workers across and not only in country but also at foreign countries we always cared situation of workers. Garment is a good sector for contributing economic growth,” he said, adding that the recovery is demanding for purchasing order and number of worker also increased. Ministry of Commerce data also points toward the recovery in the garment sector, with export levels for the first five months of 2010 exceeding those for the same months last year. The figures from the Ministry of Commerce showed the country exported garment products worth US $1.062 billion during January to May 2010, with reporting around 11 percent increase against $953 million export during the same period in the year 2009. Cambodia earned about $2.658 billion through apparel exports in 2009, while $3.158 billion in 2008, according to the Ministry of Commerce.###
Cambodia ’s garment sector has showed signs of recovery so far this year with increasing number of garment factories and number of workers after the global economic crisis affected to this industry last year, officials told the Southeast Asia weekly on July 1.
Bun Ying, a communication officer of ILO in Phnom Penh office said that so far this year we have data of 267 factories which are running business in country. “We have signed recovery of garment sector according to our report which issued on late this month,” he said, adding that The International Labor Organization’s (ILO) Better Factories Cambodia released 24th Synthesis Report on Working Conditions in Cambodia ’s Garment Sector, which assesses compliance with Cambodian labor law and international labor standards in exporting garment factories.
“In April 2010, number of worker in garment increased to more than 280,443 workers. And in November 2009, there were 243 active exporting factories with 278,398 workers in country,” he added.
He continued that the 24th Synthesis Report is the first report to show an increase in employment levels when compared with the preceding report since the 21st Synthesis Report of 31 October 2008. The level of employment increased slightly since November 1, 2009, despite additional factory closures. Although employment is still down from one year ago, job losses resulting from the crisis have leveled off, as reflected by the smaller percentage drop during the past year (6%) than that seen during the year before (12.5%).
He noted the garment sector is showing signs of recovery from the economic crisis; employment levels are up slightly when compared with the previous report. And more than 2/3 of workers currently are working in factories with 1000 or more employees, despite a 9% drop in the percentage of factories with 1000 - 2000 workers over the past year. 79% of the factories monitored have at least one union, up 3% from the 23rd Synthesis Report. He said however, most workers still report that they do not have enough to spend on basic needs including food, housing and healtH.E.Om Mean, secretary of state of ministry of labor and vocational training said that the government has always cared with attention of workers across and not only in country but also at foreign countries we always cared situation of workers. Garment is a good sector for contributing economic growth,” he said, adding that the recovery is demanding for purchasing order and number of worker also increased. Ministry of Commerce data also points toward the recovery in the garment sector, with export levels for the first five months of 2010 exceeding those for the same months last year. The figures from the Ministry of Commerce showed the country exported garment products worth US $1.062 billion during January to May 2010, with reporting around 11 percent increase against $953 million export during the same period in the year 2009. Cambodia earned about $2.658 billion through apparel exports in 2009, while $3.158 billion in 2008, according to the Ministry of Commerce.###
Long Heng: Culture Ministry organizes marriage ceremony expohibition
Culture Ministry organizes marriage expo
By Chhorng Long Heng
Ministry of culture and fine arts in cooperation with IEM group Co., Ltd on July 29 conducted a three- day marriage exhibition in a move to promote valued Khmer Culture and kinds of clothes wearing during the marriage ceremonies and other steps of processing in marriage ceremonies.
“This expo is creating a cultural event of Khmer marriage that has been recognized as a country that is full of ancient temples, art performing, music, priceless tradition,” H.E Pov Soeung, undersecretary of state for ministry of culture, and fine arts.
“I am very proud of this kind of event that is showing some forms of traditional dresses, jewelry, and other valued decorative objects for bride and bridegroom that and are always used during wedding ceremony,” he said, adding that it also will attract all kinds of Khmer citizens and foreigners to see this event and it will make them seek understandings about the Khmer tradition in the past times in ways to match their children for living in peace and happiness.
He added the marriage ceremony, has followed the traditional ways that Cambodian people has adopted since ancient times, is one of the Khmer identity and the ceremony is in the minds of all local people even wealthy or poor but in a life, they need to marry. The marriage shows the love relationship between man and woman that occurred with natural ways and it conducted publicly with recognizing both materials and spirit support. It also expressed the gratitude of the parents, and love relationship has protected by law of the country, and forms of remembrance between love partners that could not forget.
“The marriage is the value for human beings in society and it usually occurred through honesty and it could not be forced from someone and it is the duty of families, communities and relatives that enjoyed the ceremony,” he said, adding that the marriage is setting up a new family and always support from society and it also get the blessing from relatives and society also provided dignity, but for those who had children, it seems that society does not provide the value and even the children. Now Cambodia has monogamy law and adultery that forced individual to implement it and it provided the value for love.
He continued that Cambodians in the past times took three or seven days for marriage ceremony but the development and society and situation of country, the marriage period also reduce to one day and it also depends on the resources of t he family. Currently, it has evolution and trend of globalization. Cambodian people has affected from foreign culture that could not fit with minds of local people. It also forced some people to abandon our valued ancient and traditional forms and integrate with western forms in marriage like cake- cutting ceremony in current marriage ceremony and force bride and groom to keep each other in front of publics.
“In reality, Cambodians have never expressed their love in publics like that and that kind of forms is funny one and love nature keeps in heart for Cambodians, he said. Some Archar “priest” organized the funny events in marriage ceremony in a modern style but it is against Cambodian tradition. We have to join to conserve and develop our culture and help prevent inactive cultural forms from outside that are affecting on our society and if not so, we will lose our culture and identity,”. We also need private sector joining with us to develop and conserve our culture, “he added.
Loun Hok, director general of IEM group Co,.Ltd said that the event today participated 138 companies with displaying their materials, food, drinks, and jewelry, traditional dresses, beauty salons of making up for wedding ceremony. It will last for three days from 29-31 July.
“We want to promote our culture through marriage ceremony and develop it with sustainability. We want our next generation to understand about valued tradition of wedding and wedding ceremonies,” Loun said.
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By Chhorng Long Heng
Ministry of culture and fine arts in cooperation with IEM group Co., Ltd on July 29 conducted a three- day marriage exhibition in a move to promote valued Khmer Culture and kinds of clothes wearing during the marriage ceremonies and other steps of processing in marriage ceremonies.
“This expo is creating a cultural event of Khmer marriage that has been recognized as a country that is full of ancient temples, art performing, music, priceless tradition,” H.E Pov Soeung, undersecretary of state for ministry of culture, and fine arts.
“I am very proud of this kind of event that is showing some forms of traditional dresses, jewelry, and other valued decorative objects for bride and bridegroom that and are always used during wedding ceremony,” he said, adding that it also will attract all kinds of Khmer citizens and foreigners to see this event and it will make them seek understandings about the Khmer tradition in the past times in ways to match their children for living in peace and happiness.
He added the marriage ceremony, has followed the traditional ways that Cambodian people has adopted since ancient times, is one of the Khmer identity and the ceremony is in the minds of all local people even wealthy or poor but in a life, they need to marry. The marriage shows the love relationship between man and woman that occurred with natural ways and it conducted publicly with recognizing both materials and spirit support. It also expressed the gratitude of the parents, and love relationship has protected by law of the country, and forms of remembrance between love partners that could not forget.
“The marriage is the value for human beings in society and it usually occurred through honesty and it could not be forced from someone and it is the duty of families, communities and relatives that enjoyed the ceremony,” he said, adding that the marriage is setting up a new family and always support from society and it also get the blessing from relatives and society also provided dignity, but for those who had children, it seems that society does not provide the value and even the children. Now Cambodia has monogamy law and adultery that forced individual to implement it and it provided the value for love.
He continued that Cambodians in the past times took three or seven days for marriage ceremony but the development and society and situation of country, the marriage period also reduce to one day and it also depends on the resources of t he family. Currently, it has evolution and trend of globalization. Cambodian people has affected from foreign culture that could not fit with minds of local people. It also forced some people to abandon our valued ancient and traditional forms and integrate with western forms in marriage like cake- cutting ceremony in current marriage ceremony and force bride and groom to keep each other in front of publics.
“In reality, Cambodians have never expressed their love in publics like that and that kind of forms is funny one and love nature keeps in heart for Cambodians, he said. Some Archar “priest” organized the funny events in marriage ceremony in a modern style but it is against Cambodian tradition. We have to join to conserve and develop our culture and help prevent inactive cultural forms from outside that are affecting on our society and if not so, we will lose our culture and identity,”. We also need private sector joining with us to develop and conserve our culture, “he added.
Loun Hok, director general of IEM group Co,.Ltd said that the event today participated 138 companies with displaying their materials, food, drinks, and jewelry, traditional dresses, beauty salons of making up for wedding ceremony. It will last for three days from 29-31 July.
“We want to promote our culture through marriage ceremony and develop it with sustainability. We want our next generation to understand about valued tradition of wedding and wedding ceremonies,” Loun said.
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Long Heng: Cambodia-Singapore strengthen economic and investment ties
Cambodia-Singapore strengthen economic and investment ties
Cambodia’s Samdech Prime Minister Hun Sen on July 25 departed here to pay a three day (July 25-27) visit to Singapore to strengthen the economic and investment bilateral cooperation between the two countries according the invitation from his Singaporean counterpart, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong.
Samdech Prime Minister Hun Sen’s visit to foreign countries always brought back with the benefit for people and the country and also this time is very crucial for expanding and strengthening further bilateral cooperation for the two countries as members of ASEAN,” Deputy Prime Minister Hun Sen told reporters in a press conference at the Phnom Penh International Airport on July 26 upon the arrival of Cambodian delegation from Singapore.
Foreign minister Hor Nam Hong added that the bilateral trade increased to over one billion in for the sixth months of this year and it increased about 62 per cent if comparing with last year and it will continue to growth further after this visit.
Addressing Singapore businessmen at the luncheon, Samdech Prime Minister Hun Sen was eager to welcome investors from Singapore and Cambodian government has always encouraged foreign investment,” Hor Nam Hong said, adding that Samdech encouraged Singaporean investors to invest on fields of agro-industry, building rice mills for drying rice products for exporting to foreign markets, as you all knew that this year we remained about three tons surplus of un-milled rice products that could export to foreign markets. Currently, our rice product sold about 70 per cent to Vietnam, and 30 per cent to Thailand.
Samdech also urged Singaporean investors to make business on tourism sector that is very important one for economic growth’s pillar of the country but agriculture is potential one for economic growth for us, the minister added.
In Singapore, Samdech Prime Minster also exchanged views with Prime Minister Lee on developments in the regional and global issues and security as the members of ASEAN,” the minister noted, adding that the leaders also reaffirmed the closer cooperation and other international forums.
Singapore’s investment in Cambodia last year was worth 278 million US dollars, and eight fold increase from the year before. Trade and industry minister Lim Hng Kiang was quoted as saying by the Singaporean media that bilateral trade is pushing to 1.3 billion US dollars for the first six months of this year and Cambodian side highlighted the banking sector has been strengthened with the Cambodian stock exchange due to being operation in the middle of next year.
Singapore has invested in Cambodia about 507 million US dollars from 1994-2010, H.E. Sry Thamarong, minister attached to prime Minister Hun Sen told reporters before departure of Cambodian delegation to Singapore. Singapore has known that it has invested different fields from education training to technology system in Cambodia. H.E Sry added for five months of this year, 16, 144 Singaporean tourists arrived Cambodia and last year about 41,273 Singaporean tourists visited here.
In Singapore, Samdehc Prime Minister Hun called on Singaporean president SR Nathan and Mrs Nathan and visited the Marina Barrage and attended a dinner hosted in his honor by PM Lee and His wife Ho Ching. Samdech also hosted to a golf game and lunch by Singapore senior minister Goh Chok Tong.
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Cambodia’s Samdech Prime Minister Hun Sen on July 25 departed here to pay a three day (July 25-27) visit to Singapore to strengthen the economic and investment bilateral cooperation between the two countries according the invitation from his Singaporean counterpart, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong.
Samdech Prime Minister Hun Sen’s visit to foreign countries always brought back with the benefit for people and the country and also this time is very crucial for expanding and strengthening further bilateral cooperation for the two countries as members of ASEAN,” Deputy Prime Minister Hun Sen told reporters in a press conference at the Phnom Penh International Airport on July 26 upon the arrival of Cambodian delegation from Singapore.
Foreign minister Hor Nam Hong added that the bilateral trade increased to over one billion in for the sixth months of this year and it increased about 62 per cent if comparing with last year and it will continue to growth further after this visit.
Addressing Singapore businessmen at the luncheon, Samdech Prime Minister Hun Sen was eager to welcome investors from Singapore and Cambodian government has always encouraged foreign investment,” Hor Nam Hong said, adding that Samdech encouraged Singaporean investors to invest on fields of agro-industry, building rice mills for drying rice products for exporting to foreign markets, as you all knew that this year we remained about three tons surplus of un-milled rice products that could export to foreign markets. Currently, our rice product sold about 70 per cent to Vietnam, and 30 per cent to Thailand.
Samdech also urged Singaporean investors to make business on tourism sector that is very important one for economic growth’s pillar of the country but agriculture is potential one for economic growth for us, the minister added.
In Singapore, Samdech Prime Minster also exchanged views with Prime Minister Lee on developments in the regional and global issues and security as the members of ASEAN,” the minister noted, adding that the leaders also reaffirmed the closer cooperation and other international forums.
Singapore’s investment in Cambodia last year was worth 278 million US dollars, and eight fold increase from the year before. Trade and industry minister Lim Hng Kiang was quoted as saying by the Singaporean media that bilateral trade is pushing to 1.3 billion US dollars for the first six months of this year and Cambodian side highlighted the banking sector has been strengthened with the Cambodian stock exchange due to being operation in the middle of next year.
Singapore has invested in Cambodia about 507 million US dollars from 1994-2010, H.E. Sry Thamarong, minister attached to prime Minister Hun Sen told reporters before departure of Cambodian delegation to Singapore. Singapore has known that it has invested different fields from education training to technology system in Cambodia. H.E Sry added for five months of this year, 16, 144 Singaporean tourists arrived Cambodia and last year about 41,273 Singaporean tourists visited here.
In Singapore, Samdehc Prime Minister Hun called on Singaporean president SR Nathan and Mrs Nathan and visited the Marina Barrage and attended a dinner hosted in his honor by PM Lee and His wife Ho Ching. Samdech also hosted to a golf game and lunch by Singapore senior minister Goh Chok Tong.
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Long Heng: Duch, former head of S-21 prison convicted of crimes against humanity
Duch, former head of S-21 prison convicted of crimes against humanity
The Trial Chamber of the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia (ECCC) July 26 found Duch, original name of Kaing Guek Eav, former head of 21- prison in Pol Pot regime guilty of crimes against humanity and grave breaches of the Geneva Conventions of 1949 and sentenced him to 35 years of imprisonment. But his jail term reduced to 19 years.
Kaing Guek Eav, the first person to stand trial before the ECCC, served as Deputy and then Chairman of S-21, a security centre tasked with interrogating and executing persons perceived as enemies of Democratic Kampuchea by the Communist Party of Kampuchea. S-21 was operational between 1975 and 1979. Ka Savuth, co-lawyer for Duch said that he will file the appeal complaint. In court hearing, Ka Savuth asked the court to release his client because in Cambodia at that time it had hundreds of prison. But the court sentenced one person, (Duch), Ka Savuth said previously.
On July 27, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of foreign affair and international cooperation H.E. Hor Nam Hong told reporters at the Phnom Penh International Airport that Duch’s verdict is “unfair and not appropriate” and he said personally, it is not government stance” because the regime killed millions of people at that time.
“I want the court to sentence Duch for a life imprisonment,” Bou Meng, a survivor of S-21 prison told SEAW by phone interview. “It is injustice for me because I was tortured cruelly and nearly to death,” he said. The reaction from survivors and victims of Khmer Rouge regime expressed different feelings about verdicts for them but the verdict of the court is law and judgment from the court.
The verdict from ECCC said the Chamber found that every individual detained within S-21 was destined for execution in accordance with the Communist Party of Kampuchea policy to “smash” all enemies. In addition to mass executions, many detainees died as a result of torture and their conditions of detention. Although finding a minimum of 12,272 individuals to have been detained and executed at S-21 on the basis of prisoner lists, the Chamber indicated that the actual number of detainees is likely to have been considerably greater.
It continued that KAING Guek Eav was convicted of crimes against humanity (persecution on political grounds) (incorporating various other crimes against humanity, including extermination, imprisonment and torture), as well as numerous grave breaches of the Geneva Conventions of 1949, for which, by a majority, the Chamber imposed a single, consolidated sentence of 35 (thirty-five) years of imprisonment.
In deciding on an appropriate sentence, the Chamber noted a number of aggravating features, in particular the gravity of the offences, which were perpetrated against at least 12,272 victims over a prolonged period. The Chamber decided that there are significant mitigating factors that mandated the imposition of a finite term of imprisonment rather than one of life imprisonment,” Nil Non, Judge of ECCC read the verdict, noting these factors include cooperation with the Chamber, admission of responsibility, limited expressions of remorse, the coercive environment in Democratic Kampuchea, and the potential for rehabilitation.
Following an earlier decision of the Chamber of 15 June 2009, the Chamber considered that a reduction in the above sentence of 5 (five) years was appropriate given the violation of KAING Guek Eav’s rights occasioned by his illegal detention by the Cambodian Military Court between 10 May 1999 and 30 July 2007.
KAING Guek Eav is further entitled to credit for time already spent in detention, under the authority both of the Cambodian Military Court and the ECCC. The substantive part of the trial against KAING Guek Eav commenced on 30 March 2009, closing arguments ended on 27 November 2009 after a total of 72 trial days, during which 24 witnesses, 22 Civil Parties and nine experts were heard. More than 28,000 people followed the proceedings from the public gallery.
On July 26, French embassy issued this decision ends the long wait by families of the victims. France, which has always stood by the Cambodian people, has relentlessly supported those who refused to see Khmer Rouge crimes go unpunished and is pleased that justice was served. France welcomes the efforts of the Tribunal and its Cambodian and international staff. France supported the Tribunal both when it was established and in the course of its work, notably by allocating 4 million euros in aid between 2005 and 2010.
“France will also continue to support the plaintiffs and their attorneys, as it has done in the past.
France is aware of the importance of this process for the Cambodian people and for international justice. No crime should go un-punished,” the statement said.
On July 26, The Co-Chairs of the Friends of the Court make this statement on behalf of the donors to the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia (ECCC). “The donors welcome the completion of the trial in the Trial Chamber for case 001, Monday 26th of July, against Kaing Guek Eav, known as Duch, former director of the detention center S21 in Phnom Penh for crimes against humanity, grave breaches of the Geneva Conventions, homicide and torture, the signed letter by French ambassador Jean-François DESMAZIÈRES and Japanese Masafumi KUROKI.
“The donors recognize the commitment of the national and international judges as well as all those working for the ECCC and their independent and comprehensive work, in order to uphold high standards of law and due process, they said in the letter. It added that more than 30 years after the atrocities committed under the Khmer Rouge regime, this judgment gives hope that the ECCC will ultimately fulfill its promise as a vehicle for justice and national reconciliation for all Cambodians.
“The donors reaffirm their confidence in and support for the ECCC in delivering justice to the Cambodian people and in helping Cambodia strengthen further its efforts for the rule of law,” the letter said. ##
The Trial Chamber of the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia (ECCC) July 26 found Duch, original name of Kaing Guek Eav, former head of 21- prison in Pol Pot regime guilty of crimes against humanity and grave breaches of the Geneva Conventions of 1949 and sentenced him to 35 years of imprisonment. But his jail term reduced to 19 years.
Kaing Guek Eav, the first person to stand trial before the ECCC, served as Deputy and then Chairman of S-21, a security centre tasked with interrogating and executing persons perceived as enemies of Democratic Kampuchea by the Communist Party of Kampuchea. S-21 was operational between 1975 and 1979. Ka Savuth, co-lawyer for Duch said that he will file the appeal complaint. In court hearing, Ka Savuth asked the court to release his client because in Cambodia at that time it had hundreds of prison. But the court sentenced one person, (Duch), Ka Savuth said previously.
On July 27, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of foreign affair and international cooperation H.E. Hor Nam Hong told reporters at the Phnom Penh International Airport that Duch’s verdict is “unfair and not appropriate” and he said personally, it is not government stance” because the regime killed millions of people at that time.
“I want the court to sentence Duch for a life imprisonment,” Bou Meng, a survivor of S-21 prison told SEAW by phone interview. “It is injustice for me because I was tortured cruelly and nearly to death,” he said. The reaction from survivors and victims of Khmer Rouge regime expressed different feelings about verdicts for them but the verdict of the court is law and judgment from the court.
The verdict from ECCC said the Chamber found that every individual detained within S-21 was destined for execution in accordance with the Communist Party of Kampuchea policy to “smash” all enemies. In addition to mass executions, many detainees died as a result of torture and their conditions of detention. Although finding a minimum of 12,272 individuals to have been detained and executed at S-21 on the basis of prisoner lists, the Chamber indicated that the actual number of detainees is likely to have been considerably greater.
It continued that KAING Guek Eav was convicted of crimes against humanity (persecution on political grounds) (incorporating various other crimes against humanity, including extermination, imprisonment and torture), as well as numerous grave breaches of the Geneva Conventions of 1949, for which, by a majority, the Chamber imposed a single, consolidated sentence of 35 (thirty-five) years of imprisonment.
In deciding on an appropriate sentence, the Chamber noted a number of aggravating features, in particular the gravity of the offences, which were perpetrated against at least 12,272 victims over a prolonged period. The Chamber decided that there are significant mitigating factors that mandated the imposition of a finite term of imprisonment rather than one of life imprisonment,” Nil Non, Judge of ECCC read the verdict, noting these factors include cooperation with the Chamber, admission of responsibility, limited expressions of remorse, the coercive environment in Democratic Kampuchea, and the potential for rehabilitation.
Following an earlier decision of the Chamber of 15 June 2009, the Chamber considered that a reduction in the above sentence of 5 (five) years was appropriate given the violation of KAING Guek Eav’s rights occasioned by his illegal detention by the Cambodian Military Court between 10 May 1999 and 30 July 2007.
KAING Guek Eav is further entitled to credit for time already spent in detention, under the authority both of the Cambodian Military Court and the ECCC. The substantive part of the trial against KAING Guek Eav commenced on 30 March 2009, closing arguments ended on 27 November 2009 after a total of 72 trial days, during which 24 witnesses, 22 Civil Parties and nine experts were heard. More than 28,000 people followed the proceedings from the public gallery.
On July 26, French embassy issued this decision ends the long wait by families of the victims. France, which has always stood by the Cambodian people, has relentlessly supported those who refused to see Khmer Rouge crimes go unpunished and is pleased that justice was served. France welcomes the efforts of the Tribunal and its Cambodian and international staff. France supported the Tribunal both when it was established and in the course of its work, notably by allocating 4 million euros in aid between 2005 and 2010.
“France will also continue to support the plaintiffs and their attorneys, as it has done in the past.
France is aware of the importance of this process for the Cambodian people and for international justice. No crime should go un-punished,” the statement said.
On July 26, The Co-Chairs of the Friends of the Court make this statement on behalf of the donors to the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia (ECCC). “The donors welcome the completion of the trial in the Trial Chamber for case 001, Monday 26th of July, against Kaing Guek Eav, known as Duch, former director of the detention center S21 in Phnom Penh for crimes against humanity, grave breaches of the Geneva Conventions, homicide and torture, the signed letter by French ambassador Jean-François DESMAZIÈRES and Japanese Masafumi KUROKI.
“The donors recognize the commitment of the national and international judges as well as all those working for the ECCC and their independent and comprehensive work, in order to uphold high standards of law and due process, they said in the letter. It added that more than 30 years after the atrocities committed under the Khmer Rouge regime, this judgment gives hope that the ECCC will ultimately fulfill its promise as a vehicle for justice and national reconciliation for all Cambodians.
“The donors reaffirm their confidence in and support for the ECCC in delivering justice to the Cambodian people and in helping Cambodia strengthen further its efforts for the rule of law,” the letter said. ##
Cambodian farmers will get high benefits from sub-degree on contract farmings
Cambodian farmers will get high benefits from sub-degree on contract farmings
Ministry of agriculture, forestry and fisheries on July 29 started debating a sub-decree on contract farming and productions that will protect and provide the huge benefits for local farmer, standing about 85 per cent of total population and most living at rural.
“The main purpose of the sub-decree is to define the implementing framework for contract farming in order to enhance and expand the responsibilities as well as building trust and confidence in purchasing and supplies and other services, in particular focusing on contribution to risk reduction in agricultural business and productions, promoting farmers to from agricultural cooperatives, where mobilized all existing means and production forces to take role as investment partners with private sectors, cable in technique and capital resources, enhancing mutual trust among contract farming parties, ensuring agricultural production supply in turn of quantity, quality, safety, standard, market and domestic and foreign competiveness, contributing to the implementations of the Cambodia government’s strategies in promoting sustainable agriculture and agro-industry development,” Dr Chan Sarun told the consultation workshop at the ministry.
“The draft of sub-decree of contract farming aims to respect to the end of the farmers and producers whose techniques, capital funds and markets remain weak, especially targeting to ensure purchasing and supplying of agricultural products –quantity and quality, processing and exporting. Contract farming is a new form rationalized to promote understanding and has impact on agricultural and agro-industrial development trends,” Dr Sarun added.
“It is also a mean for organizing commercial based farming for small and large farms, where method has been extensively and gradually implemented in various countries in the world, potentially for agricultural sector and market liberalization,” Dr Sarun noted.
He added the increase in demands for fast food restaurants and supermarkets required expansion and promotions in vegetable and crop farming, cereal productions as well as animal raising and aquaculture to meet the domestic and global markets demands –raw and processed.
“The sub-decree on contract farming would build on mutual trust among farmers, producers and agri-business companies in implementing the process would also contribute to generating revenues by both parties, in addition to reducing risks and uncertainties in productions and agri-business,” the minister added.
“We already discussed with private sectors and now we need to consult with other stakeholders to finalize and sooner we will hand over it to the government to be approved for effective use,” he continued.
He highlighted that Cambodian government has always considered agricultural sector as a priority area in its platform, in which this sector plays a significant role in promoting national economic growth. Through the promotion of the productivity and agricultural diversification-a key strategic action in the rectangular strategy phase two of the royal government of Cambodia-has mobilized foreign and domestic investors to invest in agricultural sector through maximizing incentives and encourage for poverty reduction, development and economic growth, where private sectors would play a key role in this area.
He states It is remarkable that even in circumstances such as global financial crisis, drought, rained flood, Ketsana storm and insects’ destruction, with appropriate policies in addition to the government’s private sectors’ and development partners’ effort , in particular the extensive rice farming. Contract farming has contributed to the improvement of quality and production yields on top of better processing capacities for domestic consumptions and exports and promotion of other crops to response to regional and global markets.
“In overall, we overcome all the worst circumstances –global financial crisis and economic downturn and able to maintain that the GDP 2009 increased positively due that the agricultural sectors and services were able to maintain their growth –in this foundation, the food security has been increased and cable to export up to more than 2.2 million tons, the minister said, adding that this increase has confirmed that the agricultural sectors contribute to the reductions of the impact crisis, and in the long-run, agricultural sectors are still being the solid foundation for promoting economic growth.
“The real agricultural business’s situation and agricultural product markets, we see that there are still weakness, namely production are still unorganized, supplies are still limited-in turn of quality and quantity –due to lack of wholesale systems, making barriers to the flows of farmers products into the markets, and difficulties for the investment companies to collect buy at largest scales for processing or exports,” He noted
He said that in the supply chains, most farmers and produces do not sell their products directly to the major companies –but to different layers of middlemen-making them losing a lot of profits due to low price purchasing by those people.
“Furthermore, it was noted that there were also failed to respect their agreement due to that there were no legal support documents which created distrust and weak contract respect as well as negative impacts on foreign investments,” He maintained. He added having seen the challenges; the government has supported policy on contract farming and under the ideal guidance by Samdech Prime Minister Hun Sen has drafted the sub-decree on contract farming. The ministry has contributed to strengthening better business and investment environments particularly ensuring sustainability, enhancing legal frameworks and polices and continuous and gradual eliminations of administrative bureaucracies.
“Experiences in developed countries proved that the implementation of contract farming has provided a lot of advantages to farmers, investors and governments. Indeed, farmers would receive agricultural materials supplies, credits, techniques and skill trainings, price confirmation, market stabilities and other services from partners through this contract. On the top of this, farmers are capable to transform from less productive farming to extensive ones to serve market demands. Also, investors would be able to gain trust and better make decisions in production cooperation with farmers,” He viewed.
Cambodia’s agricultural products supported domestic markets and remaining have exported to neighboring countries through middle dealers and through this way, local farmers earned less and forced local people to abandon the agricultural cultivations and then they started seeking job as migrant workers. And finally they have faced risk of human trafficking.
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Ministry of agriculture, forestry and fisheries on July 29 started debating a sub-decree on contract farming and productions that will protect and provide the huge benefits for local farmer, standing about 85 per cent of total population and most living at rural.
“The main purpose of the sub-decree is to define the implementing framework for contract farming in order to enhance and expand the responsibilities as well as building trust and confidence in purchasing and supplies and other services, in particular focusing on contribution to risk reduction in agricultural business and productions, promoting farmers to from agricultural cooperatives, where mobilized all existing means and production forces to take role as investment partners with private sectors, cable in technique and capital resources, enhancing mutual trust among contract farming parties, ensuring agricultural production supply in turn of quantity, quality, safety, standard, market and domestic and foreign competiveness, contributing to the implementations of the Cambodia government’s strategies in promoting sustainable agriculture and agro-industry development,” Dr Chan Sarun told the consultation workshop at the ministry.
“The draft of sub-decree of contract farming aims to respect to the end of the farmers and producers whose techniques, capital funds and markets remain weak, especially targeting to ensure purchasing and supplying of agricultural products –quantity and quality, processing and exporting. Contract farming is a new form rationalized to promote understanding and has impact on agricultural and agro-industrial development trends,” Dr Sarun added.
“It is also a mean for organizing commercial based farming for small and large farms, where method has been extensively and gradually implemented in various countries in the world, potentially for agricultural sector and market liberalization,” Dr Sarun noted.
He added the increase in demands for fast food restaurants and supermarkets required expansion and promotions in vegetable and crop farming, cereal productions as well as animal raising and aquaculture to meet the domestic and global markets demands –raw and processed.
“The sub-decree on contract farming would build on mutual trust among farmers, producers and agri-business companies in implementing the process would also contribute to generating revenues by both parties, in addition to reducing risks and uncertainties in productions and agri-business,” the minister added.
“We already discussed with private sectors and now we need to consult with other stakeholders to finalize and sooner we will hand over it to the government to be approved for effective use,” he continued.
He highlighted that Cambodian government has always considered agricultural sector as a priority area in its platform, in which this sector plays a significant role in promoting national economic growth. Through the promotion of the productivity and agricultural diversification-a key strategic action in the rectangular strategy phase two of the royal government of Cambodia-has mobilized foreign and domestic investors to invest in agricultural sector through maximizing incentives and encourage for poverty reduction, development and economic growth, where private sectors would play a key role in this area.
He states It is remarkable that even in circumstances such as global financial crisis, drought, rained flood, Ketsana storm and insects’ destruction, with appropriate policies in addition to the government’s private sectors’ and development partners’ effort , in particular the extensive rice farming. Contract farming has contributed to the improvement of quality and production yields on top of better processing capacities for domestic consumptions and exports and promotion of other crops to response to regional and global markets.
“In overall, we overcome all the worst circumstances –global financial crisis and economic downturn and able to maintain that the GDP 2009 increased positively due that the agricultural sectors and services were able to maintain their growth –in this foundation, the food security has been increased and cable to export up to more than 2.2 million tons, the minister said, adding that this increase has confirmed that the agricultural sectors contribute to the reductions of the impact crisis, and in the long-run, agricultural sectors are still being the solid foundation for promoting economic growth.
“The real agricultural business’s situation and agricultural product markets, we see that there are still weakness, namely production are still unorganized, supplies are still limited-in turn of quality and quantity –due to lack of wholesale systems, making barriers to the flows of farmers products into the markets, and difficulties for the investment companies to collect buy at largest scales for processing or exports,” He noted
He said that in the supply chains, most farmers and produces do not sell their products directly to the major companies –but to different layers of middlemen-making them losing a lot of profits due to low price purchasing by those people.
“Furthermore, it was noted that there were also failed to respect their agreement due to that there were no legal support documents which created distrust and weak contract respect as well as negative impacts on foreign investments,” He maintained. He added having seen the challenges; the government has supported policy on contract farming and under the ideal guidance by Samdech Prime Minister Hun Sen has drafted the sub-decree on contract farming. The ministry has contributed to strengthening better business and investment environments particularly ensuring sustainability, enhancing legal frameworks and polices and continuous and gradual eliminations of administrative bureaucracies.
“Experiences in developed countries proved that the implementation of contract farming has provided a lot of advantages to farmers, investors and governments. Indeed, farmers would receive agricultural materials supplies, credits, techniques and skill trainings, price confirmation, market stabilities and other services from partners through this contract. On the top of this, farmers are capable to transform from less productive farming to extensive ones to serve market demands. Also, investors would be able to gain trust and better make decisions in production cooperation with farmers,” He viewed.
Cambodia’s agricultural products supported domestic markets and remaining have exported to neighboring countries through middle dealers and through this way, local farmers earned less and forced local people to abandon the agricultural cultivations and then they started seeking job as migrant workers. And finally they have faced risk of human trafficking.
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