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Cambodia |
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Last reviewed: 2 May 2008 |
Country information
CAMBODIA TODAY
Country Facts
Area: 181,035 sq km (69,898 sq miles)
Population: 13,995,000 (2007 US/CIA records)
Capital City: Phnom Penh
People: Khmer (90 to 95%), with the remainder being Chinese, Vietnamese, Cham or about one dozen other smaller ethnic groups.
Languages: Khmer
Religion(s): The population is largely Buddhist, with a small Muslim minority (around 5%). There is a small but growing Christian community.
Currency: Riel (the economy remains highly dollarized and the US dollar is the working currency in Cambodia)
Major political parties: Cambodian People's Party (CPP), National United Front for an Independent, Neutral, Peaceful and Cooperative Cambodia (FUNCINPEC) (acronym from French initials), Sam Rainsy Party (SRP), Norodom Ranariddh Party (NRP), Human Rights Party (HRP)
Government: Constitutional Monarchy
Head of State: King Norodom Sihamoni
Prime Minister: Hun Sen
Foreign Minister: Hor Namhong
Membership of international groupings/organisations: United Nations (UN), Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), Group of 77 at the United Nations (G77), Non Aligned Movement (NAM), Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM), ASEF (Asia-Europe Foundation).
HEALTH
Cambodian health is among the poorest in SE Asia. Life expectancy is 57.4 years and the number of women dying in childbirth is still unacceptably high (1 dies for every 200 births). Malaria and dengue fever are widespread. Progress is being made however. Rapid expansion of HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment, care and support programmes has contributed to turning the tide of the HIV epidemic in Cambodia. The high prevalence of 2.6% found among adults in 1996 has reduced to 0.9% in 2006. As of June 2007, 71% of people in need of anti-retroviral treatment were receiving the required treatment.
Cambodia has made great progress in the reduction of malnutrition. 45% of children under 5 years were underweight in 2000 but by 2005 the figure had declined to 36%. However, 62% of young children and 47% of women are anaemic. Child survival has improved with 30% declines in the mortality of infants and children under 5.
ECONOMY
Basic Economic Facts
GDP: US$ 8.3bn (2007)
GDP per head: US$585 (2007)
GDP (PPP) per head: US$3,806 (2007)
Annual Growth: 10.1% per annum (2007)
Inflation: 5.9% (2007)
Major Industries: Agriculture, fishing and forestry, mining, construction, garment manufacture
Major trading partners: United States, Germany, United Kingdom, Singapore, Japan, Thailand, China, Hong Kong, Vietnam, Canada and Taiwan
Exchange Rate: £1=7,849.80 Riel (April 2008)
The government has made good progress in stabilising the economy and reducing poverty levels. In 2005 the government developed a comprehensive reform agenda set out in the National Strategic Development Plan, which has solid support from foreign donors. Cambodia remains largely agrarian with 1 in 3 Cambodians living below the poverty line. Inequality has grown over the last decade, particularly during the years 1994-1997. Less than 54% of Cambodians are economically productive. The infrastructure is rudimentary and the country remains dependent on external donor funding for over a third of its expenditure. Cambodia has seen impressive growth rates at almost 10% since 2000. However, growth has been narrowly based (primarily in Phnom Penh, Siem Reap and Sihanoukville, and in the garment, construction and tourism sectors) with modest linkages to the rest of the economy and this pattern has resulted in limited benefits to the 84% of the population who live in rural areas. To produce more sustainable, faster and broader growth Cambodia must tackle core governance issues and improve the climate for investment, especially in agriculture.
Following the recent 2007 Article IV consultations with the government, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) commended the Cambodian administration on its policy performance. The first Cambodian Development Co-operation Forum meeting was held in June 2007. Foreign donors have promised to provide US$689m in aid for 2007. This reported figure is higher than the US$601m pledged for 2006, reflecting a larger number of donors formally pledging, rather than a significant increase in aid. Whilst there has been very good progress in the social sectors, and in improving public financial management, international donors remain concerned about the lack of demonstrable progress against important governance reforms. Failure to tackle corruption, improve the independence of the judiciary and to secure land rights for poor people, will impede further progress. The 10 years in draft anti-corruption legislation remains under review and it is not yet known when this legislature will be debated or implemented in full. The problems of revenue collection, systemic corruption and smuggling remain. The government has made some progress on pushing through new and amended legislation to fulfil its World Trade Organisation (WTO) membership commitments (Cambodia was the first LDC to become a member of WTO). Oil and gas deposits have been identified in the Cambodian territorial waters but quantities have not yet made public. Limited progress has been made with Thailand over the territorial rights to the disputed oil and gas fields in the Gulf of Thailand. International donors are encouraging the Government to endorse the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) and are providing support for this process through the public financial management reform programme. This will be important to ensure that the country enjoys the full benefits from the potential resources boom.
HISTORY
The Khmer people have lived in the Indochina area for at least 2,000 years. The Khmer Kingdom, with its capital at Angkor from around 900 AD, was the most powerful mainland Southeast Asian state for most of the period from 802 to 1432. The Kingdom enjoyed its heyday around 1200, when it included much of present-day Laos, Thailand and Vietnam. From 1432 the Kingdom declined, losing much territory to increasingly powerful neighbours.
Cambodia was governed from Hanoi as part of French Indo-China from 1864 until 1953 when King Norodom Sihanouk, who had been placed on the throne by the French in 1941, achieved full independence. He ruled Cambodia until 1970, when Marshal Lon Nol ousted him in a coup. Prince Sihanouk, as he was known from 1955 to 1993, then linked up with the Khmer Rouge, an extreme left-wing party, led by Saloth Sar (later known as Pol Pot), which ruled Cambodia from 1975 to 1979 when it is estimated around 1.7m Cambodians (over 20% of the population) died from starvation, disease or execution. In early 1979 Vietnam invaded Cambodia, ousted the Khmer Rouge and established the People’s Republic of Kampuchea (1979-1989), later renamed the State of Cambodia (SOC) (1989-91).
The Khmer Rouge regrouped their forces along the Thai border and waged a war against the Phnom Penh government. The Vietnamese eventually withdrew their forces from Cambodia in 1989, paving the way for the Paris Peace Agreements of 1991 and the establishment of UNTAC (the United Nations Transitional Authority in Cambodia – the largest ever UN peacekeeping operation) from 1991-1993. The country adopted its current name of the Kingdom of Cambodia in 1993. FUNCINPEC (Royalists) won a narrow victory in the UNTAC organised democratic elections in 1993 and formed a coalition government with the Cambodian People's Party (CPP). Heavy fighting broke out between the 2 coalition partners in 1997 in advance of the 1998 elections, which established CPP as the dominant party. The subsequent 1998 elections were won by the CCP. A new coalition government between CPP and FUNCINPEC was formed in November 1998 with Hun Sen as Prime Minister. A Senate was established in 1998.
INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
Relations with Neighbours
Cambodia enjoys cordial bilateral relations with all its regional neighbours. Relations with Thailand, however, deteriorated sharply in January 2003 when anti-Thai riots erupted in Phnom Penh, leading to the burning down of the Thai Embassy and the premises of a number of Thai businesses. There continue to be occasional problems with Thailand over the question of the Preah Vehear temple site, which is on the common border. However, bilateral relations between Cambodia and Thailand have returned to normal. Cambodia will continue to co-operate closely with neighbouring Vietnam and Thailand, particularly on plans to define its land borders with these countries. Since Cambodia joined the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) in 1999, its foreign policy has been largely regionally-focused.
Relations with the International Community
Cambodia benefited enormously from the involvement of the UN, in particular the UK and the other members of the Security Council, in reaching a settlement of its civil war in the early 1990s. Thereafter the international community particularly China, Japan, the US and the EU have invested heavily in the reconstruction of the country, which was severely damaged by 20 years of civil war.
Though the UN’s contribution to Cambodia helped stabilise the country, the government continues to have sometimes-difficult relations with the UN on human rights issues. Cambodia’s human rights record is often criticised. China is also significant donor. In 2007 the international donors represented at the CDCF contributed assistance amounting to approximately 50% of the national budget.
Relations with the UK
The first resident British Ambassador arrived shortly after independence in 1953. The Embassy closed in March 1975 a month before the Khmer Rouge take-over. In May 1975 the UK recognised the government of Democratic Kampuchea and diplomatic relations were established in 1976. However, the Embassy was not reopened and no British diplomats visited Cambodia during the Khmer Rouge period. Britain was the first country to publicly condemn the violation of human rights in Cambodia by raising the issue at the UN Human Rights Commission in Geneva in March 1978. After clearer evidence of the atrocities committed by the Khmer Rouge emerged, the British Government formally withdrew recognition of Democratic Kampuchea in December 1979.
In 1991 a British Mission was opened in Phnom Penh which became the British Embassy following the 1993 elections.
We have 4 UK-based FCO staff at the Embassy in Phnom Penh and 20 locally employed staff, in addition to a DFID country programme, with 7 UK-based DFID staff and 9 locally employed support staff co-located with the Embassy. A Cambodian Embassy opened in London in 2004.
UK Development Assistance
UK Department for International Development (DFID) support for Cambodia is set out in DFID’s Country Assistance Plan (2005-2008). In 2007/8 DFID contributed £12.7 million to support the implementation of Cambodia's National Strategic Development Plan. The budget will increase to £16 million in 2008/9, rising to £22 million by 2011. The National Strategic Development Plan includes ambitious plans for accelerating and diversifying growth, reducing rural poverty, and providing vital basic services.
DFID support focuses on 4 objectives:
- increasing the impact of development resources in Cambodia by supporting improved public financial management and better donor coordination
- more responsive, accountable and effective local government
- improved livelihoods for poor rural people
- better health services and information.
In 2007 the Secretary of State for International Development agreed a £7.5 million, 3-year general budget support programme to Cambodia. This is in support of a multi-donor programme led by the World Bank and also including the EC and Japan. In total budget support resources are expected to reach around $30 million pa, or 5-10% of total assistance to Cambodia. The budget support programme complements the UK’s sector programmes with high-level cross-cutting incentives, monitoring and policy dialogue.
In 2006 DFID approved a 5-year £13.6 million contribution to a rural livelihoods programme managed by the Danish Development agency, Danida, which aims to strengthen the planning and sustainable use of natural resources (particularly land, fisheries and forests) and improve the livelihoods of some of the poorest people in over 40% communes. We also approved £6m additional funding to support local governance reforms and launched a new £2.3 million programme to reduce the number of women dying from unsafe abortions and help women access family planning services.
For more information on DFID programmes in Cambodia please visit http://www.dfid.gov.uk/countries/asia/cambodia.asp
The UK is well represented through the NGO community, including VSO (around 90 volunteeers), OXFAM, The Cambodia Trust and the 2 major de-mining charities: The Hazardous Area Life Support Organisation (HALO) Trust and the Mines Advisory Group (MAG).
Adoptions
Following a statement to Parliament on 22 June 2004 by the Minister of State for Children, Young People and Families, the UK imposed a temporary suspension of adoptions of Cambodian children by UK residents. The Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF) recently conducted a review of the temporary suspension of adoptions of Cambodian children by UK residents in 2007/08, the findings of which were published on 2 April 2008. The review has resulted in the continued suspension of adoptions of Cambodian children by UK residents.
DCSF has lead responsibility for inter-country adoption. Further information can be obtained from their website: http://www.dfes.gov.uk/intercountryadoption/
Cultural Relations with the UK
The UK resident community is estimated to number around 1,500, with many spread across the country involved in aid programmes/projects. The number of tourists visiting Cambodia is growing each year (84,103 in 2007).
Recent Visits
Inward
- January 1998 - Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Co-Minister of the Interior, Sar Kheng.
- September 2001 - Under-Secretary of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation, Long Visalo.
- February 2002 - Cambodian Environment Minister, Dr Mok Mareth.
- August/September 2002 - Director General of the Cambodian National Institute of Statistics at the Ministry of Planning, San Sy Than.
- January 2003 - Secretary of State at the Ministry of the Interior, Mr Em Sam An to attend the Lancaster House Conference on Small Arms and Light Weapons.
- January 2003 - Director of Anti-human Trafficking and Minors Protection Department, Ministry of Interior, Brigadier-General Mrs Un Sokunthea to attend the Wilton Park Conference on Combating Child Abuse on the Internet.
- April/May 2003 - Om Yientieng, President of the Cambodian Human Rights Committee and senior adviser to the Cambodian Prime Minister, Hun Sen.
- Sept/Oct 2003 - SOK Siphana, Secretary of State, Ministry of Commerce attended Wilton Park Conference on Japan and East Asia in a globalising world.
- January 2005 - HE ANG Vong Vathana, Minister of Justice
- September 2005 - Brig Gen Mrs U N Sokunthea, Director of the Anti Human Trafficking and Juvenile Protection Department, Ministry of Interior
- December 2005 - HE Kep Chuktema, Governor of the Municipality of Phnom Penh
- March 2006 - Gen SOK Phal, Deputy Commissioner General of Cambodian National Police, Ministry of Interior & Pol Maj Gen Meach Sophana, Director of Immigration Department
- March 2006 - Cambodian delegation to the London Asia 2015 conference:
HE Keat Chhon, Senior Minister, Ministry of Economy and Finance
HE Hang Chuon Naron, Secretary General, Ministry of Economy and Finance
HE Mr Chhieng Yanara, Deputy Secretary General, Council for the Development of Cambodia
Ms Chuth Leang Vanny, Deputy Director of Gender Equality and Economic Development, Ministry of Women's Affairs
Mr Van Sou leng, Chairman, Garment Manufacturers Association of Cambodia
Mr In Channy, president and CEO, Acleda Bank
Mr Sok Hach, Director, Economic Institute of Cambodia
Mr Heng Monychenda, Buddhism for Development
Ms Boua Chantou, Director, PADEK - September 2007 - HE Nuth Sokhom, Minister of Health - International Health Partnership
Outward
- May 1998 - Former Foreign Office Minister, the late Derek Fatchett.
- March 1999 - Home Office Minister, Lord Williams.
- September 2000 - Deputy Under Secretary of State at The Foreign & Commonwealth Office, Peter Westmacott.
- February 2001 - The House of Commons International Development Committee.
- May 2002 - HRH The Princess Royal.
- March 2003 - Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for International Development, Sally Keeble.
- July 2005 - Ian Pearson, FCO PUSS and Minister for Trade.
- November 2005 - Suma Chakrabati, Permanent Under Secretary, Department for International Development.
- October 2007 - Inter Parliamentary Union, British Group delegation led by Rt Hon Ann Clwyd MP.
- April 2008 - Mr Andrew Mitchell, Member of Parliament and Shadow Secretary of State for International Development and Lord Michael Ashcroft, Member of the House of Lords
GEOGRAPHY
Cambodia, with an area of 69,898 square miles, is bordered by Thailand, Laos and Vietnam and has a coastline on the Gulf of Thailand. Apart from the Cardamom Mountains in the south-west and uplands in the north-east, the country is predominantly flat. The scarp slope of the Dangrek Mountains marks much of the northern border with Thailand. In the centre of the country is the largest lake in South East Asia, the Tonle Sap. The capital, Phnom Penh, is located at the confluence of the Mekong, Tonle Sap and Bassac rivers. Beyond the river valleys the land is frequently infertile, because rainfall is scant and there is little irrigation. Most Cambodians live in rural areas, cultivating rice as their staple crop.
TRADE AND INVESTMENT
Trade and Investment with the UK
In recent years UK exports peaked at £4.4 million in 2004, but decreased the 2 following years to £3.5 million and £2.6 million in 2005 and 2006 respectively. This trend has remained in place with exports totalling £1.2 million in the first half of 2007 (18.2 decrease over the same period in 2006). Cambodian exports to UK (predominantly garments and footwear), however, have traditionally been much higher averaging £100 million per annum in 2003, 2004 and 2006. They decreased to £73 million in 2005 but are currently back on track with exports of £43.7 million having been recorded for the first 6 months of 2007.
POLITICS
Political system
Cambodia is a constitutional monarchy. The cabinet is constitutionally responsible to the National Assembly. The Head of State is King Norodom Sihamoni. The King is selected by the Throne Council. The National Assembly (Lower House) is made up of 123-seats and has a term of 5 years. The term of the 61-member Senate (Upper House) runs concurrently with the National Assembly.
Political history
Inaugural local elections were held in February 2002 as part of the Cambodian Government's drive towards decentralisation. The CPP won a landslide victory. The last National Assembly election was held on 27 July 2003 (the next is due to be held on 27 July 2008). The results of the 2003 general election were announced in August of that year. The CPP won 73 seats, FUNCINPEC won 26 seats and the SRP won 24 seats. A national government was formed in mid-July 2004, with the CPP and FUNCINPEC sharing control on a 60/40 basis. The governing administration comprises of 334 senior ministers and 186 cabinet positions.
During the past 5 years Cambodia has enjoyed greater political stability and territorial unity than for decades, with an increased sense of security amongst the general population. The government improved its image by successfully staging a number of high level international meetings. But then suffered a serious blow as a result of anti-Thai riots in January 2003 when the Thai Embassy and much Thai-owned property were destroyed by rioters.
Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia (ECCC)
The ECCC - better known as the Khmer Rouge Tribunal - is a “hybrid” international criminal tribunal established in 2003 to bring to justice those senior individuals most responsible for the deaths of around 1.7 million people during the Khmer Rouge era in Cambodia (1975-1979).
The ECCC is part of the Cambodian court system but, as with other “hybrid” tribunals (such as the Special Court for Sierra Leone), there is a considerable international component. For example, the law combines elements of domestic and international law. The staff comprises both Cambodian and international Judges and personnel. The UN Office of Legal Affairs (OLA) advises the UN Secretary-General on nomination of the international judicial and prosecutorial personnel.
The international elements (and the costs of the defence teams, witness protection etc) are funded through voluntary contributions by States. Japan is the major funder, contributing c. 50% of the international share. Contributors include France, Germany and Australia, among others. The UK has provided £1.5 million. The Government of Cambodia funds the domestic elements of the tribunal (eg Cambodian judges and staff), although development funding of Euro 1 million from the EC has also helped meet these costs.
In 2007 the Cambodian authorities arrested 5 former Khmer Rouge leaders: Kaing Khek Ieu (known as Duch), Nuon Chea (Brother No2), Ieng Sary and his wife, Ieng Thirith and Khieu Samphan (ex-Head of State). Trials are expected to begin in the second half of 2008.
Political developments
Political parties are now required under the constitution to secure only a simple majority (50% + 1) of members of the National Assembly (the Lower House of the legislature) in order to form a government. The threshold for a successful vote of confidence in a new government was previously a two-thirds majority, which resulted in lengthy delays in the formation of governments because of prolonged stalemates between the leading parties.
The National United Front for an Independent, Neutral, Peaceful and Co-operative Cambodia (FUNCINPEC) is currently the minor partner in the coalition government with the CPP. FUNCINPEC won only around 5% of the total vote in the April 2007 Commune Council elections. The Prime Minister, Hun Sen, who is also the CPP’s vice-chairman, has pledged that the CPP will maintain its coalition with FUNCINPEC as long as it won at least one parliamentary seat at the next general election.
Prince Norodom Ranariddh, who was ousted as the leader of FUNCINPEC in October 2006, remains abroad after having been found guilty in March 2007 of "breaching the trust of the party" and sentenced in absentia to 18 months in prison. An appeal against the sentence failed in October 2007 with the Court of Appeals upholding the March 2007 verdict of the Phnom Penh Municipal Court.
The Sam Rainsy Party (SRP) is the leading major opposition party led by Sam Rainsy. It won around 25% of the vote at the 2007 Commune Council election. Other current leading opposition parties are the Norodom Ranariddh Party led by Prince Ranariddh and the more recently established Human Rights Party led by Khem Sokha.
HUMAN RIGHTS
The human rights situation in Cambodia has progressed in some areas over the past decade especially with regard to freedom of association, press freedoms, education, health, medical treatment for HIV/AIDS, gender equity and deepening political participation with the elections of commune councils and village chiefs. However, fundamental freedoms of expression and assembly have shown indications of deterioration since 2004. Civil and political rights protection is also limited by failure to carry out or conclude proper investigations into the list of rights violation cases that has been building since 1993.
The government's capability, accountability and responsiveness for its human rights obligations could be stronger in many areas. The push for an NGO law is anticipated negatively by some civil groups as there are concerns such a law could be used to curb NGO activities, push civil society into greater self-censorship, and be used to shut down organisations that are critical of government policy. Social unrest in sporadic uncoordinated forms in the next 5 to 10 years is a strong possibility if current patterns of land alienation and conflict continue, unemployment levels remain high, and rural poverty among the very poor deepens.
Overall, Cambodia’s judicial system is weak by international standards. Public confidence in the court system and the police needs to improve. There is little separation of powers with the legislature and judiciary weak relative to the executive. Faster reform of the judiciary and strengthening of the rule of law are essential for a better human rights record, and to reduce corruption.
Donors increasingly recognise the interdependence between human rights protection and fulfilment and progress towards poverty reduction objectives. The international community will continue to press the Government of Cambodia to meet its human rights obligations, to produce regular reports on human rights conventions it has ratified, and to continue to further integrate a rights-based approach into development assistance.
There is concern that current patterns of private direct investment in economic land concessions combined with the expected oil and gas revenues will result in reduced government accountability to its citizens and perhaps less state commitment to reforms of the judiciary, public administration and public financial management reform. It will be important for future oil and gas revenues as well as all traditional and emerging donor investments to be fully integrated into the national budget and Priority Investment Plan, to ensure that there is a comprehensive and transparent budget process.