Many Cambodians have had their homes and land affected by economic land concessions granted to investors. These people continue to call for a resolution from Prime Minister Hun Sen because they think that only the Prime Minister can help them, but it seems that many Cambodians remain unhappy with resolution attempts.
On May 7th, 2012, the government issued an order to temporarily stop granting economic land concessions and to resolve the land issue for people. However, it was later reportedthat the Prime Minister Hun Sen granted over 20,000 hectares of land to 3 private companies to invest on a rubber plant, only 11 days after he issued the order to temporarily stop granting economic land concessions.
Investigative Officer of Licadho, Mr. Oum Sam Art, said that the government’s action could make the people and the international community think that the government didn’t carry out its own order.
Doctor of political science and social analyst, Mr. Sok Touch, saidthat somecompanies are taking advantage of economic land concessions. He continued that : “They produce raw material and import to other countries. They don’t establish a factory here for a long term to benefit to Cambodian labor. Why do we say they’re baking without powder? Some investors cut all our forest and they do nothing with this.”
Mr. Yim Chhayly, head of the Council for Agricultural and Rural Development said on Monday from Mondoulkiri thatsome of thecompanieswhich were granted the economic land concessions from the government acted over limitations and regulations. He continued that some investing companies are seriously affecting the forest in developing areas and are also affecting the people as they become involved in land conflicts.
Sok Touch said that the government should clearly review land concessions. “The government should review the conditions on those companies. Some cannot continue because if they keep continuing it means devastation. The parliament or the government has to inform the company about the conditions between the company and the government.”
Mr. Oum Sam Art said that the government is right in pulling the land back whenever any companies are doing wrong against the government’s order. He added : “In June, ADHOC issued a report that until 2011 the government was granting economical land concession around 2 million 30 thousand hectares to 225 private companies. Those companies are entitled to control those lands in between 70 to 99 years. Land crises and the cutting of forests are continuing.”
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To promote Economic Land Concession in Cambodia!
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Please forgive!