Published by the Cabinet of Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo —————— MP of Kandal Prime Minister

Issue 195 | July 2015 | http://www.cnv.org.kh National Fish Day in Kompong Chhnang (01 July 2014 — Unofficial Selection and Translation) Increase in Fish reservoir of Kdol, village of and Prawn Farming Kraing Kantrol, Peam com- mune in the district of Samaki I am so glad to be here once Meanjei of Kompong again on the National Fish Day Chhnang province. It is indeed - 1 July that we celebrate every a great pleasure for me to be year. Last year, I missed the able to pay a visit to our people celebration because it fell on and Buddhist monks in the the election campaign period province of Kompong as I made a solemn promise Chhnang. that within the specified period of one month of the campaign, I am so happy that we have 31 July 2014 – Prime Minister Samdech Techo Hun Sen and I would not make any state- celebrated so far this important Madame with people during the celebration of the inauguration ment. It is in this respect that event 12 years already, starting ceremony of the Stoeng Meanjei Flyovers, . last year we celebrated the day with the first event in the com- in Kompong Thom and HE mune of Krang Yov, Kandal Stoeng Meanjei Overpasses Inaugurated Yim Chhay Ly had to repre- province. Minister of Agricul- (31 July 2014 — Unofficial Selection and Translation) sent me there. This year, noth- ture, Forestry and Fisheries, Local Financial HE Pa Socheatvong, mayor of ing prevents me from joining HE Ouk Rabun, in his report all of you in celebrating the and Human Resource Phnom Penh, just made his (Continued on page 4) report on progress of the con- National Fish Day here in the My wife and I are so happy to struction, investment capital be able to join all of you in this and some technical aspects of inauguration ceremony of the 2014/8 National Disability Strategic Plan the project. I would like to take Stoeng Meanjei overpasses, (03 July 2014 — Prepared Text and Unofficial Selection and Translation of Comments) this opportune moment to ex- the third site in the city where press my sincere thanks and ... I am delighted to attend the the strong political will and we build overpasses to im- appreciation to efforts made by launch of the “National Dis- commitment of the Royal prove traffic. I am so pleased the Phnom Penh Municipality, ability Strategic Plan 2014- Government of to to have been here in a space of the three Khans and Sangkats 2018 and the celebration of protect and promote the rights one year in between - on 26 th (districts and communes) – the 5 Anniversary of the of the persons with disabilities, November 2013 to review the Khan Meanjei, Khan Chamkar Law on Protection and Pro- especially the right to life, the construction and today for the Mon and Khan Tuol Kork as motion of the Rights of Per- right to special protection, the inauguration. far as this overpasses project is sons with Disabilities”. This right to work and the right to I was here that time to put into concerned. I wish to express event offers us an opportunity full participation in socio- official use parts of the over- my sincere thank to people to understand latest disability- economic development. Over- passes for the demand of traffic living in this area for their en- related developments and re- all, Cambodia has always paid and that were not hindering the durances on difficulties caused view the progress to date to special attention to the disabil- remaining construction. At the by the construction over the identify work to be done and ity sector, therefore, great time, there was news that I past more than two years. shortages for the cause of en- achievement in this sector. already ran out of the country. However, after this ceremony suring the basic rights of per- There has been improvement Many of the press people here is coming to closing the nor- sons with disabilities, creating to the share of persons with could have remembered that mal and better traffic life will more opportunities for them, disabilities in both public and Hun Sen was standing right resume. facilitating their participation in private sector; allocation of here. Today, with all of the socio-economic development social land concession to per- I wish to relay same message Buddhist monks, followers, without barriers and discrimi- (Continued on page 7) to people in places where are Excellencies, Ladies and our nation, and enabling them to constructions going on. They compatriots, we put into offi- live on equal footing and equal In This Issue have concern and put up with rights in the society. cial use this major achieve-  Stoeng Meanjei Flyovers , P‐1 disturbance caused in relation ment. This event indeed highlights National Fish Day, P‐1 (Continued on page 2)  National Disability Plan, P‐1

Mailing Box: Cambodia New Vision (CNV), P.O. Box 158, Phnom Penh, Cambodia; e-mail: [email protected]; Tel: 855-23 219898; Fax: 855-23 360666/219869 Cambodia New Vision | Issue 195 | July 2014

(Continued from page 1) eventual improvement of traf- was not the same and fearful. news presenter then said only to construction of roads or fic flow in Phnom Penh. When after hitting the concrete di- As I returned to Phnom Penh bridges. Especially in dry sea- I put into official use the first vider of the street that the city, about ten years in be- son, detour of traffics from the overpass at Kbal Thnal, and driver seemed to have recol- tween when I was in 1970 and construction site send dusts also later at the inauguration of lected himself from drunken- 1979 that I came back, it was into their homes. Please be the overpass 7 January, I said ness. unrecognizable. My wife and I patient as the area will be a that while we have one built, met again on 24 February 1979 Aside from lacking roads and better place to live after the there will be two, three and on. after the separation on 20 June spaces and issue of growing construction is over. That we are putting the third 1977 when I took to the resis- number of transport means, overpass complex into official I thank those people, especially tant movement for national there is this incident of drivers use, it is true that we will have in this construction place, for liberation. With the elder son respect no traffic rules and the fourth one as is proposed keeping up with ongoing dis- in her arms, we sat in front of drunk driving. The issue does by Phnom Penh Mayor. turbance day and night and the house and there were noth- not seem to go away despite being patient with problems As we have now put into use ing in the street. Then I have how much we have said. The arising from the project imple- this overpass complex at the only one son. Now, I have efficiency seems to be low. As mentation. I thank the Cambo- Stoeng Meanjei intersection, I seventeen grandchildren. We far as road accidents that hap- dian expatriate company am sure that traffic will be then had to fetch water from pened at night, there is a high (OCIC) for such devoted in- better. People will have better the river for our consumption. percentage that drunk driving vestment. I have here the engi- days and goods transportation There were just a few cars. is the cause. I do not mean the neering team whom I met jammed because of traffic will victim is a drunkard. I am ap- We had Volga, Lada and some of them last year. For this be things in the past. Let me pealing to our people to at least Moskvich model vehicles. We project, we do not have foreign ask our people living in the respect their own lives and treated like a Roll Royce, Mer- engineers or technical assis- area to extend their under- those of others and refrain cedes or BMW. Car model tants. We have built three over- standing a little more that, for from drunk driving. Some does not concern me as long as passes already. the inauguration ceremony, the have even suggested that those it brings me to my office and authority has had to close shops or restaurants should be We use the financial resource takes me home safely. down traffic for the time being. fined for allowing drunkards to jointly provided by the Mu- In-depth Development take t the traffic. Doing that nicipality of Phnom Penh and Everything Starts of Phnom Penh City would have many shops in a local company together with from Empty City trouble. local technical assistance. The As of now, there are more than Our situation has changed Phnom Penh Municipality one million people living in Phnom Penh City Bus completely. We have different provides the technical inspec- Phnom Penh. Coupled with sorts of hardship and facilities. The other day HE Pa Socheat- tion. This has showed that those coming in for short-term When we started building the vong came to see me to seek Cambodia has a capacity to or long-term stay and those country after the liberation on my advice on city bus issue. I handle a rather high-level ex- who pass by through the city in 7 January 1979, the city of brought up this issue with him pertise building. We have one day, the figure rises to Phnom Penh was one with that there had been news that taken challenges in accordance about two millions. We have homes without dwellers and so and so company started bus to our ability. Some has asked now about 74 new satellite roads with no traffics. We did service on a trial basis. People me about the Peace Building at cities the Phnom Penh city has not hear then traffic accident. were happily welcome the the Council of Ministers if we stretched from formerly 300 In some place, one can settle news and service. Then the had used any foreign architects square kilometers to almost down in the road for a week company ceased their trial and or experts. I told them it is 700 square Kilometers. The without fear of traffic accident stopped. I have advised to es- purely Cambodian from archi- development goes not only because there was no car. Peo- tablish the internal revenue tectural design to financial horizontally but also vertically. ple could claim a few houses. I office of public transports resources. No foreign expertise came and took over the former With the said number of popu- (IROPT). Now that IROPT is involved in the building of this Ministry of Foreign Affairs lation, we also have over functional, it has imported one. (currently Ministry of Reli- 300,000 vehicles and over one some 43 buses. We cannot Our ancestors built Angkor gious Affairs and Cult). I over- million motorcycles constantly afford to let so and so com- Wat and thousands of temples saw the area along the Mekong trafficking in Phnom Penh. pany to just try and then leave in the past, why are we not River starting from the area They have created a difficult us without a viable bus service. able to build such a building. It before the Royal Palace. situation as far as traffic is con- Now that HE Pa Socheatvong is true that we do not have the cerned. We have more prob- is 57 years old, he has three We gave home to every family ability yet to build some so- lems to deal with. Aside from more years before his retire- in the Ministry of Foreign Af- phisticated buildings. It was all insufficient roads and spaces, ment. As this use has started fairs. They were scared to oc- because we went through the there is also this problem of from the former mayor HE cupy those homes alone. regime of Pol Pot that brought abiding by no traffic law and Kep Chuktema, I think he Please note that we did not to deaths many of our knowl- drunk driving. While in the could try to make this a suc- have running water, electricity, edgeable people. We are re- bathroom, I heard the news on cess in his career. school or hospital. Phnom building them. We will go on TV “there was a car that ran Penh was a ghost city. The From its side, the Royal Gov- with construction projects for into the street divider.” The TV Phnom Penh city that I knew (Continued on page 3)

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(Continued from page 2) economy principles. We have couple of hundred meters on note that the construction engi- ernment provides support for followed their advice allowing either side. I would like to see neer companies seem to be in the Phnom Penh Municipality private company to take the green grass. As it is going to be good business. There are high to import free tax passenger lead. However, it proves to be a place where people come to demands for construction. We buses. However, let me make ineffective and unsuccessful exercise, I am sure HE Pung even lack labor in this field. it clear here that the tax exemp- here. The bus service came and Khieu Se understands, they We have now some 74 satellite tion provided is for passenger went, the city got worse with would seek for the smell of cities – three in Khan Chamkar buses and not for anyone to do traffic jam. Well, now that we flowers not sewage. As we Mon, 12 in Khan Meanjei, 20 so for Mercedes, Lexus, etc. are willing to choose some have many foreign ambassa- in Khan Po Senjei, 15 in Khan There is a reserved capital state’s income loss, we will dors here I may remind that Russei Keo, two in Khan now. We have, if we need, to allow people to benefit from there had been incident in Dangkao and two in Khan apply this method of using their use of public service in Cambodia that people occupies Tuol Kork. Among them, income from other sources as commuting. As we will have public place in two days and some 386 buildings are be- subsidy for the loss of the op- the Takhmao bridge ready claimed they had occupied the tween five to forty floors. eration. We already do that for soon, with regard to the Phnom place since 1989 or 1990. It is We now have problem with electricity, when the price of Penh Municipality policy for not difficult to tell the differ- parking space too. Some may oil went high, so that people transport, we will be able to ence. If they had lived in one scold Hun Sen for the death of can pay a lower price for their improve traffic jam caused by place about five years, you their kids who die of traffic energy consumption. We have trucks entering the city at night would notice they could have accidents. Some in the com- applied this method to ensure as those heavy trucks will be planted lemongrass, parsley, mune of Kraing Yov, Kandal stable prices for energy and diverted to the southern aisle of bananas, mango, etc. I just province, came to me asking water consumption. As for Phnom Penh via the Takhmao wished those who come to for my compensation for the public bus service, if it operates bridge. It will relieve traffic Cambodia to work with us death of their pigs. I asked at loss, we could complement jams at night in Phnom Penh understand Khmer. them what happened. They with income from the manage- too. The Techno Flyover said the trucks ran over their ment of the Central market, for HE Pa Socheatvong has just and Underground Roads pigs. I asked them where the example. However, I warn requested to turn the space dead pigs were and they said IROPT, because of my ex- I am taking this opportune under the overpasses into place they already cooked them. I pressed support and possible moment today to declare that I for leisure. I would advice to asked whose trucks ran over subsidy, not to just report have approved the construction deal with the sewage system their pigs as I thought they losses for that favor. of the fourteen million USD first if the city would like to go may have problem with trucks overpass at the intersection I told him already when he on that path. Secondly, we from my bodyguards or hydro- where the Cambodian Institute came to my house the other transform the area into place logic department. They said it of Technology stands. The day that it has to be the city bus for exercise. I approve the re- was the truck of rice mer- Oversea Cambodia Investment service’s policy to provide free quest. People in the area of chants. They said it did not Company (OCIC) will take up service for disabled and Bud- Stoeng Meanjei do not have to matter anymore whose trucks the task of build this overpass. dhist monks. As far as students travel to the riverfront for exer- they were. It was because you The fourth overpass also com- are concerned, with their stu- cise. As the floor underneath built us good roads that those prises of underground pass. dent-IDs presented, and their the overpasses tiled, I warn trucks ran in high speed and The intersection has had traffic school is along the bus route, people from occupying it as over their pigs. congestion for a long time they also can use the service their permanent residences. now. People in the area of Tuol I just warn you not to blame free of charge. Doing that we The fact that we have here the Kork of Phnom Penh are hav- me for making you able to will be able to relieve traffic as presence of HE Jean-François ing a hard time with it. We afford cars, motorcycles, etc. parents would otherwise take Cautain, the Ambassador of have to get one overpass at a and good roads make them their children to school them- the European Union to the time. Some said when we just lethal accidents. I am sure our selves with own transport Kingdom of Cambodia I built the first overpass that we people are not that sort. As I mean. This also ensures safety would remind that the practice had talked too much about it. I said already, there were no cars in commuting too. This is call- of permanent occupation of responded because it was our or motorbikes in this area. In ing for a creation of policy public place based on this slo- first one that we had a pride Phnom Penh now, only 50% logbook. We must make it a gan “winning right to occupy, about it. If we were to have of the motorbikes and cars go successful story. We are now one gains land, losing it one more than a dozen or so, we into traffic at the same time, waiting for the arrival of the get cash” would not be al- would have no need to talk we have problem. imported buses. lowed. I would seek HE Jean- about it. It would have been François Cautain to be our Flood Time Warnings For Better Traffic part of our daily life already. witness. You may take photos Movement and Healthcare I would like to take this oppor- as archive. If anything happen I have notice the development tune moment to speak to our Having instructed these poli- otherwise later, we could use in Shanghai, when I was there people living along the rivers cies, I hope that the Interna- the material. for a meeting, travelling was of Mekong and Tonle Sap and tional Monetary Fund (IMF) mostly on flyovers. The young I would recommend the sew- other tributaries to prepare for would not overstate them to be generation of Cambodia would age cover not as long as the the coming seasonal flooding. contradictory to the market handle that in the future. I also bridge area. I am talking of a (Continued on page 6)

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(Continued from page 1) fishing activities are decreasing Now they are there no more. them. highlighted progress and chal- the number of fish in contrast They have become people’s Seven Suggestions lenges in relation to fisheries to the growing human popula- dry season rice fields. Take for sector in Cambodia. With tion. Fish consumption has instance this reservoir, if meas- I would like to take this oppor- pride, I appreciate every effort been a long-standing people’s ure are not taken for its protec- tune moment to seek your co- made by the Ministry of Agri- source for protein intake. They tion, the dry season rice area operation on certain points. culture, Forestry and Fisheries consume a big amount of fish on its rim would encroach. Along with efforts made by as well as the Fisheries Ad- – either fresh, fermented in any However, we must deal with local authorities, we should ministration in implementing forms or smoked, every year. subjective action regarding also collaborate for the sake of reform after the dismantling of land claiming in fishing lots this common cause. As I said Fish Day on Any Day and returning fishing lots to and illegal fishing, for instance. earlier on July 1, 2012 at the and Anywhere people. We have also made From the time of Minister commune of Rokar Khnor, stringent efforts to help people We have come to challenges in Chhea Song to HE Chan Sarun Kroj Chmar district of Kom- with fish culture. HE Ouk both objective and subjective and now Minister Ouk Rabun, pong Cham province, I wish to Rabun already pointed out forms. Objectively, we need to agriculture, fisheries and for- recall seven suggestions I about increasing number of draw a comparison of the pre- estry has made a long march made then: fish culturing and breeding sent time to those of 30, 40 or and expanded gradually its Firstly, please do not use ille- ponds. We even have come to 50 years before, when our scope of action. (To replace gal fishing tools. This has al- the ability to release lobster natural water system were those lost in the natural system ways happened. I noticed ac- babies into the natural system deep allowing for greater fish through objective and subjec- tions taken by authorities to as well as in rice fields, in addi- population. It is beyond our tive factors) we must promote combat this sort of violation. tion to lobster farming in ability to manage and we can- further farming of fish, lob- Frankly, I do not wish to see ponds. not point finger at anyone sters, crab, frog, etc. anywhere the police, local authority, mili- when every year silt flown into possible. Water Getting Shallow, tary police and other compe- the system and drops of inun- Less Fish but More People Today, here, we release one tent forces to cause trouble to dated forest expedite shallow million baby fishes and people in their illegal fishing. Why do we celebrate the Na- level of water. As for the reser- 100,000 baby lobsters. I hope In order for such actions not to tional Fish Day every year? voir of Kdol here, anyone of us people in this area would not take place, I am calling our Why do we have to raise fish could imagine how deep it was catch them now. We should people to refrain themselves at the same time? We have no 30 years ago. Top soil and silt keep them together. We must from using illegal fishing tools. other choice but to carry the as well as leaves from trees wait for the one million baby I am begging you, not once but two at the same time. As far as and inundated forest all came fish to grow fully to give birth always, to use no such tools, fish day is concerned we will into one place. People need top to more. The same is true for such as to electrocute fish, as it not do it only on July 1 or in fertile soil for cultivation and baby lobsters. We need to would not only cause death to one place presided over by the doing that has led to more carry out this task together to fish but also to human. Prime Minister. We must do it washing into the system. increase fish and lobster popu- everywhere throughout the Secondly, please do not fish in Resting on top of one another, lation to couple with fish avail- country. Our situation now is fish spawning season. We are leaves from trees and inun- ability in the natural systems of starkly different from that of now in the spawning season, dated forest also create a situa- the Tonle Sap lake, the Me- 50 or 60 years ago. In those when fishing of all sorts is not tion of higher level of oxygen- kong River, etc. to meet our years, our natural water system allowed. This is not a new consumed materials in the people’s demand for protein. was deep. That was good for practice. It was here since the water that become residues. This has called for our celebra- more fish population and the French colonial time. Fishing This causes lakes to be shal- tion of the July 1 Fish Day. To number of people we had was one in the spawning season, lower too. Subjectively, when expand ability to feed we need small. As of the present time, we also killed thousands of some individuals claimed land to do this on any day and any- we have come to a state that their babies. If we leave them in the fishing lots, it creates where. our natural water systems are alive, we will catch more of challenging problems in both getting shallow leading to less I would take this opportunity them when the cool breeze the Tonle Sap area and inun- population of fish. Along with once again to express my sin- comes from the north. It would dated forest. This is calling for that, we have much more peo- cere appreciation and thanks not be late even we wait until people to be aware of their ple to feed. That is the differ- for the Ministry of Agriculture, next year because for one action and understand our ef- ence. Forestry and Fisheries as well mother fish we will get from fort to resolve this issue. Illegal as the Fisheries Administration four to five thousand of baby If we were to only depend on fishing and using illegal tools for their collaborative efforts in fishes. Well, according to ex- natural water systems – lakes to fish also contributes majorly managing and promoting fish pert, a mother fish of Chhpin or rivers, coupling with the fact for the loss of fish resource. farming of all sorts to serve the (hypsibarbus lagleri) that that there are also increasing The objective aspect of the need for protein intake of our weighs a Kilogram could presence of illegal fishing and problem would require a great people. I also thank the sub- spawn half-a-million baby use of illegal fishing tools, we resource to deal with restoring national authority where there fishes. The longer we leave could not anticipate sufficient rivers and lakes to its previous are lakes and water reservoirs them in the water the more fish provision of fish for our boom- levels. In my native village, of any sort for their commit- we could anticipate from them. ing population. These illegal there used to be many lakes. ment and effort to take care of (Continued on page 5)

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against those facts, to eliminate live. Fishermen wish to drain third majority. I told the For- (Continued from page 4) the fishing lots. However, we out water from the reservoir to eign Minister of Japan that Thirdly, please do not clear still keep some 97,500 hectares catch fish while those dry sea- going for a two-third majority inundated forest and replant or 10.23% of the whole fishing son rice farmers need to pre- paradigm is tantamount to them. I wish to appeal in this area as preserved fisheries lo- serve water for their rice. This ending democracy in Cambo- point to our people living along cation. happened in Kompong dia. A two-third majority for- the rivers of Tonle Sap, Me- Chhnang and in Kandal prov- merly specified in the Consti- kong, Bassac as well as along May I advise the Ministry of ince. They sought my help. tution had brought about stale- the sea coast that clearing inun- Agriculture, Forestry and Fish- mate in the formation of the dated forest, where fishes are eries and the Fisheries Admini- Seventhly, please join together Royal Government. spawning and taking shelter, stration, in cooperation with to promote July-1 National would be disastrous for our concerned ministries and sub- Fish Day. It is important that Now, to go for a two-third country. Please do not violate national level institutions, to we have to promote fish farm- majority decision in the estab- or destroy them. We remove advance on mounting bound- ing and culture, while taking lishment of the National Elec- them, fish would not have ary poles to define location of care of large fish species and tion Committee, as they pro- place for reproduction. Please preservation and build solid other endangered ones. We posed, any obstruction (to the also help replant inundated guarding tower. They must have done quite a great deal in elections) would halt the proc- forest in both fresh water and take effective actions to take this front as thousands upon ess of democracy in Cambo- in coastal area. care of preserved area of fish- thousands of baby fishes and dia. I am making it clear here eries by creating a regular lobsters, and other aquatic ani- that I will not accept your push Fourthly, please help protect mechanism to monitor the mals are bred and given to for two-third majority. There preserved fisheries areas. You area. As of now, people are not people for their household should just be conciliation may need to inform about peo- clear as to where the boundary farming and released into the among political parties with ple or officials that are abusing of the preserved location starts natural water system. seats in the National Assem- the law in relation to the pres- and stops. bly. There could be a consen- ervation of fisheries areas. The I seem to have spoken too sus already. However, we can- report of HE Ouk Rabun, Min- At the same time, I am asking much. By the way, as it is now not bring an agreement by ister of Agriculture, Forestry for consideration and attention time for our people to start political parties in the National and Fisheries already hit this paid to issue of siltation in the with cultivation, I am pleased Assembly’s permanent com- point. Our people are also fisheries preserved area. As the to notice that where there is mission for HM the King’s aware, am sure, of the final news goes, we have this prob- sufficient water, green rice attention. There must be a vote fishing lots reform on March 8, lem of sediment in one of the either from sowing or trans- by the National Assembly. It 2012, after the first phase re- preserved location in Battam- planting is in sight. In just has to be an absolute majority. form in 2000 that chopped out bang province. We also had weeks, we have grown rice on 56% of the fishing lots for incident that some 90 tons of over 800,000 hectares over They make it a condition that people. I have utilized what I fishes died in Kompong Thom planned 2.4 million hectares of they will not join the process if called my definite measures on province. We must find a solu- rainy season rice. While pro- they do not get the two-third March 8, 2012, to eliminate tion for sediment in the Tonle moting cultivation, I would majority formula. Nothing we fishing lots created by the Chhmar area, in particular, and urge your attention on the can do to that. Every time they Royal Decree of Preah Baat for the whole fisheries pre- weather condition as there has do not get what they wanted, Sisowath in 1908, from 104 served area too. a prediction that there would they threaten with demonstra- years ago, that divided the fish- be a short dry period in this tion. I have warned other par- Fifthly, please do not use riv- ing areas into private manage- rainy season. People should ties not to stage any counter ers/streams for worthless pur- ment lots for control by fishing take care of their rice field lev- protest. Now I cannot (because pose. There have been actions merchants. ees. other sides also demand for so far to make worthless use of their right to express their will). Chopping out, eliminating rivers/streams in contrary to Cambodian Politics - It is the people’s will to have boundary and returning the family-based activities. Filling Two Possible Developments us continuing to lead the coun- fishing areas to the community rivers/streams for growing Yesterday I brought it up try. They cried out it is the and people to conduct legal lotus or building light construc- straightforward with the For- people’s will they do not join fishing activities has brought tion of any sorts are uncon- eign Minister of Japan that the National Assembly. our people so much benefits. structive causes to our efforts Cambodia would have two There used to be conflicts be- too. Growing lotus could leave We also can say it is the peo- developments. Firstly, the tween fishing lots owners and/ sediment that leads to shal- ple’s will for us to continue CNRP will join the National or managers with individual lower lake too. leadership of the country. Why Assembly’s process through a fishermen. Those who earned only you have people’s man- Sixthly, there should not be rational negotiation. In that the right to manage and control date? We have more voters. conflict between fishermen and case, they should not act them- the lots would prevent people You should listen to our voice dry-season rice farmers and selves as those of the mafia to from crossing their area either too. They call themselves boundary disputes among press for outcome. That is the by rowing or machined boats. elected candidates for the Na- communes, districts and prov- best possible development and Some had gone extra length to tional Assembly. Does this not inces. Please note the fact that the door is still open for nego- arrest people who row or fish mean that they have recog- people from other place or tiation. However, they should in their areas. We decided, commune can fish too. Let us not bring up this issue of two- (Continued on page 6)

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(Continued from page 5) tion deadline. If you do not (Continued from page 3) precautionary measures with nized it? They recognized the join us, we will still go with the According to Minister of Wa- regard to the weather in addi- electoral results, as we can see reform. For example, accord- ter Resources and Meteorol- tion to the news people get it, but they do not join the Na- ing to the current law on elec- ogy, flash and seasonal flood- from radio and TV stations. tional Assembly. tions, the specified period re- ing is coming for there have Let us all do everything to served for sorting out electoral been so much rain in upper As for the establishment of a evade eventual dangers and complaint is short. We may Mekong area – Nam Mun, TV station, I asked them to accidents. With the media make it longer. The procedure Nam Chhit, Surin, Buriram, write a letter requesting for it. nowadays, we can provide of registration is also some- Sisaket, Mohanokor, etc. As of They said they would not do them with so much informa- thing we can change in the this morning, the level of water that. If ever they create a TV tion in a timely manner. As electoral law. When we do not in the Mekong at the Stoeng station, they will have to do it many have their Facebook have a new law, the current Treng station is 10 meters independently and not under and/or Twitter accounts, infor- law will continue to be in while the warning level is 10.7 the Press Law. It is up to you. mation can also reach them place. They do not join the meters. The forecast for tomor- You may go and set up a state and their family fast...◙ National Assembly to get row is it will reach 10.65 me- in the moon. Every TV works things done but pressure their ters, and the day after tomor- under the law set out by the will with threat. row, it would reach 10.85 me- have new laws to replace it. In Ministry of Information. We ters and 21.95 meters for the that case no need to talk much allow no secession in Cambo- Moving the date set for the day after. for the elections in 2018. It will dia. Samdech Heng Samrin general elections to a few happen on the fourth week of made it clear that the door is months earlier is what we can The local authorities along the July. open for negotiation based on do without having to alter the flood-affected areas must be what (the two sides have) Constitution. We just need to prepared to evacuate people in Taking Imperative Measures agreed upon. We would not amend the election law. The case of necessity. As we have to Protect Children accept your backtracking and change of the electoral date here HE Nhem Vanda, First I also wish to bring up this swapping negotiators, while from July to February or Vice President of the National issue here with MSAVYR new subjects brought in. March, for example, can be Committee for Disaster Man- concerning the punishments done. In 2018, it will be up to agement (NCDM), my instruc- I do not seem to have concern that occurred frequently lately them to join or not to join the tion is to remind the Ministry anymore now. As I said in on children. In Banteay Mean- election. There will be many of Water Resources and Mete- 2003 to Nhek Bunchhay that jei province, a Buddhist poured political parties. There is one orology to issue a warning for there is this soldiers-to-soldier boiled water over a nine-year now led by Samdech Krom people on flood level in a num- term “if it is too difficult, no old kid as a form of punish- Preah Norodom Ranaridh that ber of places such as the Sen need to talk to.” My concern ment. Some asked to possess is ready to contest. Today we river of Kompong Thom, and now focuses on people’s agri- children from the orphanages are here to release baby fishes various other tributaries. HM cultural cultivation, national to be part of their families. and lobsters, not for the above the King and Samdech the security, maintaining macro- Under their cares, they could concerns. Have the governors Queen Mother have paid great economy, making sure there is not go to school or worked as reviewed the status of the sal- attention to this issue. On be- money for monthly salary of coolies. There have been vari- ary for officials, armed forces half of the Royal Government the armed forces, renovation of ous issues concerned. I see this in the province? As of now, we of Cambodia, the first appeal is roads, water canals, etc. Guar- as a form of exploitation and it do not have a forty-day month for our people to take own antee that thing goes the nor- must be prevented from hap- anymore. I would urge all min- mal way it should. They want pening. isters to look after this issue. analysts, figure out that the to amend the Constitution, but We cannot afford to neglect it Cambodian economy will I am calling for immediate they do not join the National at all. weaken. Well, there is this action and care provided for Assembly. In 2011 or 2012, world cup soccer to watch. children in orphanages as we when the National Assembly It is my conviction that our There is nothing abnormal have almost all provincial gov- needed to adopt the budget main concern rests mainly on about it. Last night was the ernors present here. If our abil- law, their members resigned to whether we are going to have match between France and ity to provide care could not leave the National Assembly good crops, the production Nigeria. Well, there is no con- reach a broader side, I would short of quorum. lines go well, any fund for tradiction between they do not seek firm protection in the roads renovation, water canals, Secondly, everything goes the join the National Assembly orphanages. It was in such etc. Some even bloated that we normal way they should until and follow the world cup concern that we had formu- (the Royal Government) are the next elections in 2018. event. lated a law to prevent transna- running out of cash since There is nothing else. I told the tional adoption. Even though it April. I just wanted to brief Well it is their rights to say Japanese (Foreign Minister) is at national adoption level, them that Cambodia never whatever they want to but to- that whether there will or will We need to take preventive begs foreign assistance to pay day I also have something to not be foreign assistance, the measure. Some may have staff salary. We have never respond. It is my right too. If CPP-led Royal Government of adopted children for future done that in our existence. you join the National Assem- Cambodia will continue its crimes like sexual misconduct There would be no country to bly, I am also happy for you. If reform. We may have some or their organs access. It is a give such money. Some, call- you do not join the National reforms in relation to registra- wild and complicated world...◙ ing themselves independent Assembly, I set sail for

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(Continued from page 1) lines vision to enhance life grams to date aimed to prevent the convention on the rights of sons with disabilities for hous- quality of persons with dis- disabilities such as vaccination, persons with disabilities on ing construction and family- abilities and their families and disability prevention treatment, December 20, 2012 which based farming; provision of enable them to participate on medical treatment, physical later came into force on Janu- public education, healthcare, equal footing in a society therapy, physical rehabilitation, ary 19, 2013. Besides, we are physical rehabilitation service which promotes rights and elimination of polio from birth, proud that the Kingdom of and vocational training; devel- dignity, justice services and mine clearance, implementa- Cambodia was the first mem- opment of Braille and sign independent living; is free tion and dissemination of the ber state of the United Nations language; construction of from torturing, mistreatment, Law on Land Traffic, suppres- Economic and Social Com- wheelchair ramps for build- exploitation and violence; pro- sion of violent acts and integra- mission for Asia and the Pa- ings, especially the establish- vides emergency relief assis- tion of persons with disabilities cific (UNESCAP) that adopted ment of national-level and tance when needed; and incor- into the society. These achieve- the Incheon Strategy to institutional-level mechanisms, porates disability into all sec- ments highlight our concerted “Make the Right Real” for such as the National Disability toral development. Overall, effort to prevent disabilities Persons with Disabilities in Action Council and the Dis- through this vision, we are and support and encourage Asia and the Pacific 2013- ability Fund, to coordinate and fully aware that persons with persons with disabilities aimed 2022 that provides the first set promote disability work. disabilities must receive spe- to restore their occupational of regionally agreed disability- cial attention and treatment capacity and incorporate dis- inclusive development goals The National Disability Stra- since their physical and mental abilities into all socio- and acts as a roadmap for en- tegic Plan 2014-2018 is the capacities are different from economic activities to ensure hancing the living standard and necessary foundation and normal people. Persons and their full contribution to the promoting the rights of around backbone for improving the children with disabilities must society. 650 million persons with dis- living standard and promoting be included in all development abilities in the Asia Pacific and the rights of the persons with In general, disability exists in activities. We must also put in into implementation on disabilities in Cambodia which all countries and is the global change social attitude toward May 29, 2013. Furthermore, is a major contribution to the concern that must be ad- and views on persons with Cambodia has also ratified enforcement of the law on dressed. Nowadays, there are disabilities by acknowledging several conventions including protection and promotion of around one billion persons their actions and take into ac- the Ottawa Convention on the the rights of the persons with with disabilities in the world, count their voice to promote Prohibition of the Use, Stock- disabilities, the implementation amongst them, 200 million are inclusive socio-economic de- piling, Production and Transfer of the convention on the Asia facing hardships. In particular, velopment. of Anti-Personnel Mines and and Pacific Decade of Person there are around 650 million their Destruction, the imple- with Disabilities 2013- I am strongly convinced that persons with disabilities in mentation of Biwako Decade 2022, the Incheon Strategy to this national disability strategic Asia and the Pacific, which is Framework for Action “Make the Right Real” and plan is a dynamic policy tool equivalent to 15% of the re- and Biwako Plus Five. In sum, the Rectangular Strategy – helping address disability is- gional population, requiring Cambodia has been actively Phase III of the Royal Gov- sues. In addition, this work immediate response. There is a contributed to the international ernment of Cambodia. In sum, requires regular monitoring, projection that disabilities will community’s effort to address the national disability strategic evaluation and improvement to become a grave concern in the challenges related to disability plan consists of ten goals viz. respond to the constantly coming years due to the global issues and persons with dis- poverty reduction for persons evolving circumstance. In this increase in disabilities caused abilities. of disabilities; provision of spirit, I strongly believe that we by chronic diseases such as equal and quality and equitable will implement this national diabetes, cancer, heart attack, As a result of this commit- healthcare, including occupa- disability strategic plan suc- stroke and so on. This requires ment, governmental ministries/ tional, physical and mental cessfully and effectively to our attention on seeking imme- institutions employed 2,460 rehabilitation; provision of move toward a barrier-free diate response including the persons with disabilities as of judicial service; elimination of society which provides oppor- enhancement of social welfare, 2013. In addition, persons with discrimination, mistreatment tunities to persons with dis- physical and mental rehabilita- disabilities have been given and exploitation; provision of abilities. tion, vaccination, increase in priority in the selection of education; their freedom to public awareness on the causes beneficiaries of social land Taking this opportunity, I expression and access to infor- of disabilities etc. In addition, concession by providing them would like to commend highly mation; their participation in we must keep in mind that lands for housing construction the Disability Action Council, politics and development; fa- Cambodians are vulnerable to and family-based farming at the Ministry of Social Affairs, cilitation of their use of public disabilities, due to landmines Taken Koh Sla Center, 317 Veterans and Youth Rehabili- transport and communication and UXOs, traffic accidents, Development Area for Persons tation, related ministries/ means; assurance of gender occupational accidents and with Disabilities in Kulen, institutions, land authorities, equity and empowerment of diseases. Siem Reap and Phnom Chhat, development partners, NGOs women and children; and Banteay Meanchey along the and persons with disabilities Indeed, we have continuously strengthening and expansion of provision of occupational reha- for contributing to the prepara- striven to enhance the welfare international cooperation. bilitation service at their com- tion of this historic strategy. I of Cambodians with disabili- munities, physical treatment Indeed, the National Disability also commend highly the ties. Moreover, in addressing Strategic Plan 2014-2018 out- achievement as well as pro- disabilities, Cambodia ratified (Continued on page 8)

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(Continued from page 7) holders must submit annual vate sector to continue your realize it. In some schools, and rehabilitation, vocational progress report on disability attention on the disability is- disable people have been re- training and development of work to the disability action sues, the protection and pro- cruited to teach Braille of Braille and sign language that council for consolidation. motion of the rights of persons course. However, it was have been incorporated into with disabilities and incorpora- mainly for the blind and deaf. Fourth, promoting the prepa- academic curriculum and me- tion of disability into all levels We should think about this ration of regulations for imple- dia to keep persons with dis- of development work to build matter more seriously. Having menting the Law on the Pro- abilities updated with latest an inclusive society and make said that does not mean that tection and Promotion of the news. Furthermore, children the right real. Besides, looking every ministry could ask to be Rights of Persons with Dis- with disabilities also have ac- ahead, we have to keep in reprieved. We also do not want abilities, including Sub- cess to education without dis- mind that the implementation unrealistic figure. What I am decrees, inter-ministerial deci- crimination; wheelchair ramps of National Strategic Plan on talking today is more of a con- sion/Prakas and ministerial have been built in a number of Disability 2014-2018 requires cern that I have for them to Prakas to ensure timely and educational establishments; program-based approach, stra- work as teachers. MEYS also effective implementation of the and deaf and blind children tegic coordination and prioriti- has a small office staff. I would aforesaid law. In this regard, I living in designated centers zation of disability actions. ask specifically, how many believe the law and its related and schools will receive sup- Therefore, the Disability Ac- percent would MEYS go for regulations will contribute to port till they have finished tion Council must develop providing jobs for disables? transforming the nature of the higher education … I would programs and strategic coordi- service for persons with dis- Concerning the Release of like to provide some recom- nation mechanisms to ensure abilities from previously con- Thai Veera Somkwamkid mendations ... as follows: the successful implementation sidered humanitarian work to a of the National Strategic Plan I do not wish to talk about poli- First, all ministries/institutions systematic social insurance on Disability 2014-2018 ...◙ tics today. I talked a lot already and authorities at all levels scheme, which, in turn, can last week. However, there have must start developing detailed help strengthen their owner- Selected Extempore been comments by radios and an action-plan and prioritize ship spirit and promote the Comments TVs that the release of Veera is specific disability-related capabilities of persons with Issue of 2% Obligatory a trading move for so and so measures to be included in disabilities and their integration Recruitment of Disables number of Cambodian (illegal their respective work plans to into the society. in Public Work immigrants). There was no help strengthen and expand Fifth, I wish to remind minis- trading and the Thai side had it disability prevention measures As far as this matter of disables tries/institutions and the private correctly – it was not a trading and create more opportunities recruited for work in public sector to comply with the re- matter. From the Cambodian for persons with disabilities. institutions, I would urge the quirement of recruiting persons side, we released Veera and he Ministry of Social Affairs, Second, ministerial/ with disabilities at least 2% of was already in Bangkok. Some Veteran and Youth Rehabilita- institutional disability action the total recruitment for gov- comments in the media could tion (MSAVYR) to discuss working groups and capital/ ernmental ministries/ be annoying. The release is with the Ministry of Education, provincial disability action institutions and at least 1% for unconditional, I reaffirm. Youth and Sports (MEYS) on councils are obligated to coor- the private sector within three There would not be any condi- this. We have 190,000 govern- dinate information exchange years. In this regard, the Dis- tion for the release. ment employees and 110,000 and integrate ability Action Council must of them are teachers. (With No New Laws, the National Strategic Plan further promote the implemen- regard to recruiting 2% of their Existing Ones Are Good on Disability 2014-2018 into tation of the quota of persons staff from disables and 1% in policy programs of respective with disabilities in the private I have said this in Kompong private workplace) 2% of the ministries and institutions. In sector and regular update the Chhnang. I do not wish to reit- 110,000 number is worth re- parallel, there must be regular share of persons with disabili- erate. However, there have considering. I urge the progress report, mid-term and ties in both public and private been some comments about MSAVRY to bring this issue final review of the implemen- sector. Ministries/institutions legitimacy of Cambodia. up with MEYS. Imagine if tation of the National Strate- and legal entities must con- Where does it lie? It lies in the some disables have had to gic Plan on Disability 2014- tinue implementing and coor- fact that there is approval from stand teaching. For other job 2018 to ensure the enhanced dinating this work to ensure HM the King. The case of functions, they would find livelihoods of persons with persons with disabilities can Thailand has proved it. With something to fit them. They disabilities. fully participate in all minis- approval of HM the Ling of have their problems. One of tries/institutions and organiza- Thailand, General Prayuth Third, ministries/institutions my friends got amputated and tions. Chan O Cha can do the job of must benchmark their existing is standing teaching with one running the country. I just wish policies and strategies against With connection to the above leg. We do not want to see this. to stress that as long as there the national strategic plan on spirit, I would like to appeal to So far, we have already treated are no new laws to replace, disability to measure progress, Excellencies, Ladies and Gen- it as exceptional for the Minis- everything will go according to identify work to be done and tlemen, representatives from try of Royal Palace. Please the existing laws. Everything align with the national strategic ministries/institutions, develop- work out between the two min- will be as they are. With regard plan on disability. All minis- ment partners, civil society istries. We cannot afford to to the election law, if we do not tries/institutions and stake- organizations, NGOs, and pri- give a figure but we could not (Continued on page 6)

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