Sok Khemara

Ieng Sary’s Death Worries Khmer Rouge Victims

The court, which stood up in 2006, has so far only convicted on Khmer Rouge prison chief, Duch, for his role in supervising the infamous torture center of Tuol Sleng.

At White House, Demonstrators Call for Cambodian Election Reform

More than 100 Cambodians from across the Eastern seaboard gathered in Washington, calling for election reforms and a cut to military spending to the Cambodian government.

Photo Exhibit in Washington Highlights Plight of Cambodia’s Newly Landless

“Cambodia: Losing Ground,” works by photographer Emma Hardy, a regular contributor to New York Times Magazine, shows forced evictions and its effects.

Opposition Commune Chief Meeting With US Communities Ahead of Polls

Buth Saruth is one of 18 opposition commune chiefs elected in local polls in 2012.

Princess Says Royalist Party Will Focus on Women

Princess Norodom Arunrasmey, who is the daughter of late king Norodom Sihanouk, told VOA Khmer that women can lead as well as men, “if they have the will.”

Asia ‘Pivot’ Should Not Overlook Rights Abuses, US Republicans Say

In a discussion last week at the Heritage Foundation, a Washington-based think tank, Republican staffers said many Asian countries continue to commit rights abuses.

Given Difficulties, Tribunal Observers Worry Over Exit Strategy

Continued funding woes, the advanced age of the last two leaders on trial and other complexities mean the court might not finish its work as originally intended.

Land Concessions a Growing Threat for Cambodia’s Indigenous, Activist Says

Yun Mane told VOA Khmer that the companies being granted large land concessions have become a major threat for traditional ways of life.

World Bank Urged To Review Policies in Places Like Cambodia

In a discussion at George Washington University this week, panelists said the World Bank is needed for international challenges of land tenure and food security.

Korean Tensions Have Cambodian Workers in a Dilemma

Thousands of Cambodians work in South Korea, where they earn high wages compared to working back home.

In Illinois, a Day of Remembrance

The Day of Remembrance is recognized by the state of Illinois and receives some funding and support from the state.

Housing Activist Accepts Award at Kennedy Center Gala

Tep Vanny has emerged as a prominent leader for former residents of the Boeung Kak lake neighborhood, which was leveled for a massive development project that also filled in the lake.

Rights Award Puts Cambodian Issues Up Front

Cambodian rights issues are in the spotlight this week, with a delegation of activists arriving in Washington for a leadership awards ceremony.

Activist Says Cambodian Government Has Failed Victims of Land Grabs

Tep Vanny is in Washington to receive a leadership award this week from Vital Voices, an organization started by Hillary Clinton in 1997.

International Parliamentarians Want Return of Sam Rainsy for Election

Monitors say they worry the elections will not be considered free and fair without a viable opposition.

Workers in South Korea Want More Opportunity Back Home

In Washington, ‘Mekong Days’ Puts River in Focus

“Mekong Days,” a series of talks, films and other forums that ended Tuesday, highlighted issues in the region, where some 60 million people live.

Nuon Chea Cleared for Trial as Doubt Hangs Over Tribunal

The Trial Chamber of the court will decide on Nuon Chea’s health and ability to continue a trial on Friday.

Climate Change, Dams Threaten Mekong Region, Experts Warn

Cambodia, Laos, Thailand and Vietnam rely heavily on the Mekong River, and these countries spend millions of dollars annually to protect areas of the river.

Sam Rainsy Lobbying European Lawmakers for Help in Election Return

Outside observers say Sam Rainsy should be allowed to return to Cambodia to help the opposition contest the election if it is to be considered free and fair.