Facts & Stats – The Voices of Indigenous Peoples in Cambodia

Cambodia’s Pioneering Report on Indigenous Peoples

In a groundbreaking move, Cambodia has become the first country in Southeast Asia to produce a comprehensive National Report on the Demographic and Socio-Economic Situation of Indigenous Peoples in Cambodia. This pioneering document marks a significant step forward in understanding and addressing the unique challenges faced by Indigenous Peoples in the Kingdom.

During the official launch of the report on December 12, Chea Chantum, Deputy Secretary of State of the Ministry of Planning, emphasized its significance. “This national report on Indigenous peoples is part of Cambodia’s history,” he stated, underscoring the report’s importance as a milestone in the nation’s development.

The 69-year-old elder representative of Indigenous women, Dam Chanthy, echoed this statement, regarding the report as a historic achievement for Cambodia. She mentioned that this is the first time an Asian country has produced such a comprehensive and detailed report on Indigenous Peoples, showing critical contexts of education, socio-economic conditions, and demographics.

This report aims to bridge existing data gaps and provide a foundation for evidence-based policy-making tailored to the needs of Indigenous communities, addressing challenges in accessing public services, protecting land and natural resources, and promoting culturally appropriate development initiatives.

The national report on the demographic and socio-economic status of IPs in Cambodia will be instrumental in guiding the implementation of the National Policy for the Development of Indigenous Peoples, raising awareness, and informing future research.

Yun Mane, Executive Director of the Cambodia Indigenous Peoples Organization, emphasized the report’s alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly the principle of “leaving no one behind.” She noted that the 2030 Agenda aims to address global social, economic, and political disparities faced by Indigenous Peoples. This report, she said, is a testament to Cambodia’s commitment to these goals and represents a historic achievement for the nation.

She continues, “I am very proud of this achievement and have always considered this report a historic achievement for our nation. It is one of many achievements of the government and partner organizations that have strengthened support for a clearer and better understanding of Indigenous peoples in Cambodia.”

This report not only provides critical data on the status of Indigenous Peoples but also highlights the government’s commitment and struggle to promote the cultures and livelihoods of the Indigenous communities in Cambodia.

Among its key findings, the report reveals disproportionately high poverty rates, limited access to healthcare, and lower educational attainment among Indigenous communities. These findings underscore the urgent need for more equitable and inclusive development policies that address the specific needs of these marginalized groups.

The groundbreaking National Report on the Demographic and Socio-Economic Situation of Indigenous Peoples in Cambodia represents a significant step forward in understanding and addressing the challenges faced by Indigenous communities. However, there are several areas for improvement to ensure the report’s accuracy, accessibility, and relevance to both Indigenous communities and the broader public.

Firstly, while the report provides valuable insights into the education, socio-economic conditions, and demographics of Indigenous Peoples, it lacks detailed information on the challenges they face in protecting their land and natural resources. Conducting on-the-ground research is crucial to ensure that the data accurately reflects the realities of Indigenous communities. If the report includes these challenges, it would provide a more comprehensive understanding of the barriers Indigenous peoples face. This would not only improve the report’s credibility but also inform more targeted and effective policy interventions.

Secondly, this report is useful for the public and stakeholders to better understand the situation of Indigenous Peoples in Cambodia, and it is helpful to design their development initiatives for the needs of these communities. However, as highlighted by the Swiss Representative, more work is needed to ensure that policies are inclusive and responsive to the unique dynamics of Indigenous communities.

Thirdly, conducting the research requires more effort, time, and funds to support the research process. Recently, some development partners have paid less attention to support for producing the data on Indigenous peoples. “We must ensure that Indigenous peoples are not left behind and not pushed behind,” Sanda UNFPA Representative emphasized during the launching of the report on 12 December 2024.

Lastly, the report paper still looks like an academic paper, so local communities and Indigenous communities with low literacy would find it difficult to understand and unable to read the report. To address this, the Ministry of Planning and relevant stakeholders could design a simplified version of the report to share with the Indigenous communities in the coming months. By doing so, the report can become a tool for empowerment, enabling Indigenous Peoples to actively participate in discussions and decisions that affect their lives.

The National Report on the Demographic and Socio-Economic Situation of Indigenous Peoples in Cambodia is the result of a collaborative effort that began with a pivotal national reflection workshop held in Siem Reap Province in 2017. Organized by the Department of Ethnic Minority Development, the workshop aimed to address the lack of comprehensive data on Indigenous Peoples in Cambodia, which had long hindered the development of targeted national policies and plans.

H.E. Bin Troachhey presides over the Report Launching Cereymony in Phnom Penh, Photo by Tong Len

During the workshop, Secretary State Poch Bunnak, Ministry of Planning, highlighted clear data on Indigenous Peoples in Cambodia and emphasized the critical need for accurate and detailed data, as it is essential for designing inclusive and effective national development plans that address the unique challenges faced by Indigenous Peoples.

The first edition of the report was published and launched in 2021 by the General Secretariat for Population and Development (GSPD), the Ministry of Planning, in collaboration with the Cambodia Indigenous Peoples Alliance (CIPA) and the Inter-Institutions Working Group on Indigenous Data and Report. The groundbreaking report marked a significant milestone in Cambodia’s efforts to recognize and support its Indigenous communities. Building on this foundation, the second edition of the report was launched and updated in 2024, incorporating updated data from national censuses and surveys. The report updated in 2024 provides a more comprehensive and detailed overview of the demographic and socio-economic status of Indigenous Peoples, serving as a tool for targeted planning, policy-making, and initiatives for the protection, conservation, and development of Indigenous communities in Cambodia.

The National Report on the Demographic and Socio-Economic Situation of Indigenous Peoples in Cambodia represents a transformative step toward greater recognition, empowerment, and inclusion of Indigenous communities in the country’s development agenda. “Together, we can lift these communities, honor their heritage, and strengthen Cambodia’s socio-economic fabric,” Mr. Reto GRÜNINGER, Director of Cooperation, Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation SDC in Cambodia, aptly stated. This statement underscores the importance of collective action in ensuring that Indigenous Peoples are not left behind in Cambodia’s journey toward sustainable development.

Deputy Secretary of State Chea Chantum of the Ministry of Planning also stressed the ongoing need for support, noting, “Even if Cambodia leaves poverty by 2030, donors and development partners must not abandon Indigenous Peoples.” This call to action highlights the necessity of concerted commitment from all stakeholders to address the unique challenges, including poverty, limited access to healthcare and education, and the protection of land and natural resources.

The National Report on the Demographic and Socio-Economic Situation of Indigenous Peoples in Cambodia represents a transformative step towards greater recognition, empowerment, and inclusion of Indigenous communities in the country’s development agenda and sustainable development goals. By continuing to prioritize the inclusion and empowerment of Indigenous Peoples, Cambodia can set a powerful example for other nations in the region and beyond, fostering a more equitable and inclusive society for all.

Co-written by: Blen Romam & Rim Sarem, Indigenous Youth Writing Project (IYWP)

Unfinished Progress: The Reality of Indigenous Peoples in Cambodia

On 12 December 2024, Cambodia unveiled a new chapter in understanding its Indigenous peoples with the launch of the National Report on the Demographic and Socio-Economic Situation of Indigenous Peoples in Cambodia. This report doesn’t just offer statistics—it tells the story of communities rich in culture yet persistently marginalized.

The report lays bare the juxtaposition of progress and inequity. Literacy rates among Indigenous peoples have climbed, school enrollment has surged, and more households now enjoy access to electricity. But when the data is peeled back, it reveals a reality as complex as it is troubling.

The Youthful Face of Indigenous Cambodia

Indigenous communities are young. Their median age of 21 years is a stark contrast to Cambodia’s median of 26. This could be their strength, a reservoir of energy to drive change. Yet, early marriages for girls, limited educational attainment, and high fertility rates stifle their potential. In rural areas, over half of Indigenous women marry before age 19, locking them into cycles of early motherhood and economic dependence.

The young workforce holds promise, but opportunities are scarce. The labor force participation rate is high—an impressive 85.2%—yet most of these jobs are in agriculture, where livelihoods are precarious. For women, unpaid labor dominates, painting a grim picture of economic inequity.

A Health and Hygiene Crisis

Health data further illuminate the struggles. Indigenous children and adults face higher rates of illness than their Cambodian counterparts, with poor access to healthcare exacerbating these conditions. Hygiene is a glaring issue—over half of Indigenous households lack toilets, a figure that dwarfs the national average. Water remains another frontier of inequality, with just 10% of Indigenous households accessing piped water.

These statistics aren’t just numbers; they are daily struggles. They are parents trekking miles for clean water, children falling ill from preventable diseases, and entire communities trapped in cycles of poor health.

The Land They Call Home

Land, central to the identity and survival of Indigenous peoples, tells its own story. Despite legal protections under Cambodia’s constitution and land laws, only 42 communities have achieved collective land registration. Many remain vulnerable to land grabs and exploitation; their ancestral lands are often viewed as commodities rather than heritage.

Without secure land rights, these communities are at the mercy of external forces. Forests are cleared, rivers polluted, and traditions uprooted. It’s a fight not just for land but for survival.

A Narrowing Gap in Education

Education offers a glimmer of hope. Literacy rates have nearly doubled since 2013, with school attendance among indigenous children reaching 75.4%. But while the numbers are better, they are still far from enough.

Dropout rates remain high, and Indigenous youth often attend grades below their age level. For many, education feels out of reach—rural schools are poorly equipped, and Indigenous languages are not integrated into the curriculum. Education, meant to be an equalizer, risks becoming another avenue for exclusion.

What Can Be Done?

The data is clear: Indigenous peoples are making progress, but they are doing so against the tide. Their lives are improving, but at a pace that leaves them far behind the national average. How can Cambodia close this gap?

Invest in Education
Education is the foundation. Schools in Indigenous areas need better resources, teachers trained in inclusive methods, and curricula that respect indigenous cultures. Vocational training and scholarships should target Indigenous youth, giving them tools to thrive in a modern economy.
Strengthen Land Rights
Land ownership isn’t just about property—it’s about dignity, identity, and survival. Cambodia must expedite the registration of collective land titles and enforce protections against illegal land grabs. Indigenous voices must be at the table, shaping policies that affect their ancestral homes.
Improve Healthcare and Hygiene
The healthcare system must expand its reach into Indigenous communities. Mobile clinics, public health campaigns, and investments in sanitation infrastructure can transform lives. Clean water and toilets aren’t luxuries—they are necessities.
Empower Indigenous Economies
Indigenous livelihoods need diversification. Beyond agriculture, initiatives in eco-tourism, sustainable crafts, and renewable energy could open new avenues for income. Microfinance tailored to Indigenous entrepreneurs, especially women, can drive economic resilience.

A Shared Responsibility

Indigenous peoples contribute immensely to Cambodia’s cultural and environmental wealth. They are guardians of forests, keepers of traditions, and stewards of biodiversity. Yet their future remains uncertain, and their voices are often unheard.

As the report launches, it’s a call not just to policymakers but to all Cambodians. Protecting indigenous rights isn’t charity—it’s justice. It’s about ensuring that every citizen, regardless of ethnicity or geography, has a seat at the table of progress.

Cambodia is at a pivotal juncture. Will it continue to marginalize its Indigenous communities, or will it embrace them as equals in the nation’s journey forward? The answer lies not just in reports or recommendations but in actions. Let the launch of this report be more than a ceremony—let it be the start of lasting change.

The Indigenous World 2024: Cambodia

The report provides an overview of the Indigenous Peoples in Cambodia, detailing their population, challenges, and ongoing issues with land rights and conservation.

The report provides an overview of the Indigenous Peoples in Cambodia, detailing their population, challenges, and ongoing issues with land rights and conservation. It highlights the struggles faced by Indigenous communities in securing their ancestral lands, facing land grabs, discrimination, forced displacement, and environmental exploitation. The lack of legal protections and increasing privatization of natural resources exacerbate the vulnerability of Indigenous Peoples, leading to growing debts and poverty within these communities. The report can be found at The Indigenous World 2024: Cambodia – IWGIA – International Work Group for Indigenous Affairs

The Report in A Nutshell

Indigenous Peoples in Cambodia face challenges such as land grabs, discrimination, forced displacement, and environmental exploitation. They struggle to secure their ancestral lands, and the lack of legal protections exacerbates their vulnerability. Additionally, the lengthy process of obtaining Collective Land Titles leaves Indigenous communities exposed to land encroachment.

The government’s rejection of recommendations from Indigenous Peoples’ organizations impacts the rights and autonomy of Indigenous communities by disregarding the principles of free, prior, and informed consent (FPIC). This exclusion prevents Indigenous decision-makers from having a say in the future of their ancestral land, leading to further marginalization and discrimination.

Some ongoing struggles and conflicts faced by Indigenous communities in Cambodia include:

– Land encroachment and illegal sale of communal land, leading to disputes and forced displacement.
– Criminalization of traditional land management practices, such as rotational farming.
– Discrimination and exclusion of Indigenous Peoples from decision-making processes regarding their ancestral land.

These challenges have sparked protests and resistance from Indigenous communities, as they continue to demand their rights and fight to protect their cultures and traditions.

Satellite Data Shows Protected Areas Faced Brunt of Deforestation in 2022

New satellite data reveals that Cambodia’s remaining dense forests were further depleted last year, with four major protected areas and national parks registering higher deforestation than in 2021.

Read full article at: Satellite Data Shows Protected Areas Faced Brunt of Deforestation in 2022 | CamboJA News

Kbal Romeas Community: Struggling To Protect The Land

The Lower Sesan 2 (LS2) hydropower dam is the first large-scale dam built on the Sesan River in Cambodia. It will change the natural flow of the Sesan and Srepok rivers, the two main tributaries of the Mekong, and lead to changes in water quantity, the fishery, and sediment. Although the LS2 dam was officially opened by Prime Minister Hun Sen on 25th September 2017, the gates were gradually closed day by day. This has led to the flooding of two villages, Srekor and Kbal Romeas, where villagers have refused to resettle. Even though the two villages have been flooded, the villagers have demanded to continue living in their original villages of Srekor and Kbal Romeas.

The official water level in the LS2 dam’s reservoir was 74.93 meters on October 20th, 2017. Based on recent updates by local people in early November 2017, there are still 146 families, with a total of 700 people, still living in the two villages (38 houses, 58 families, and 252 people in Kbal Romeas, and 72 houses, 85 families, and 448 people in Srekor village). Srekor village was totally flooded by 18th October 2017 and it was later reported that the water level was 7 meters deep at the village temple by early November 2017. Some villagers have moved to their farmhouse and some others to camping tents in a safe area that is located about 4 kilometers from the original village. Kbal Romeas village was also flooded, but not as badly compared to Srekor village. As of early November 2017, the water level was 1.3 meters deep at the temple of Kbal Romeas. Villagers have moved their livestock, including cows, buffalos, pigs, and chickens, and heavy equipment to a safe area which is located about 7 kilometers from the original village. This means that the villagers in Kbal Romeas can still stay in their original houses, but they have to use boats for transportation to land.

The reservoir of the LS2 dam has submerged the rice fields of local communities. As reported by local villagers, at least 45 hectares of rice belonging to 30 families in Srekor village and at least 24 hectares of rice fields belonging to 12 families in Kbal Romeas village were completely destroyed by the flood. Losing their rice fields means losing their livelihood. This is a big concern for these communities who are worried that they will face a food security problem. A villager in Srekor village said that “We have food but this food would be enough just for two more months, so after that, we may have nothing to eat. We depend on our fields’ harvest but now all fields are flooded, so we don’t know what to do to get food, or we all will die.” Some villagers have already been faced with hunger, as some of their food was submerged by the flood. They are also uncertain if the customary sharing of food to needy villagers can be sustained when the situation reaches a point where there is insufficient food for all of the villagers.

Besides food security concerns, local communities in these two villages are also faced with health problems such as diarrhea, stomach aches, fever, cold, inflammation, and skin disease (experiencing itchy skin). Since 18^th October 2017, the water level continues to rise day by day and there is no clean water and sanitation provided to these communities by local authorities or local NGOs. Local people are using water harvested from the rain or water collected from the river or nearby stream for drinking, but this practice is not sustainable in the long term due to the ending of the rainy season. The prolonged submergence of the area, and the decay of materials such as trees and plants in the water, will cause a reduction in water quality. Therefore, the drinking water sources that the villagers and animals depend on will no longer be suitable for consumption and may cause further health problems. The Phnom Penh Post released an article on December 5^th, 2017 about the shortage of clean water at Sesan, where people are facing shortages of potable water for drinking when dam’s reservoir is stagnant, not clear, and smells bad.

Other main concerns; 81 children have not attended school since 2015 because there were no teachers, and a young woman has died because there are no health services, a poor road, and long distance to the town for receiving public services.

Further, three members of a family of a leader and activist of the community were harassed by the local authorities and provincial court. They have been accused of incitement to commit a felony and obstruction of a public official because of efforts to organize a solidarity mobilization trip and to join their traditional festival on 23 July 2017. Now, three of the community representatives are still in Phnom Penh for their security. On 7 February our lawyer filed a request to the court to postpone the court appearance.

But while they rue their losses, some see a fragile victory

25 September 2017, Dam Inauguration Day. The prime minister Hun Sen allowed both effected communities to continue to live in their old village “They do not want to leave their land because they have their shifting cultivation farm so let them continue to practice traditional shifting cultivation and we just reserve the land and build the house for them in the new settlement in case they want to live here or go and back for their shifting cultivation,” said the prime minister. This was a strong message of the prime minister and helpful for the communities, and so the governor committed to respect this idea. On 9 February 2018, officials visited the effected communities and promised to respond and support the communities demands. The communal land title, public services and compensation were considered by the Deputy governor, but they need a community appointed NGO to work with them. Even though the community has seen the green light from the governor, they still do not trust local authorities and have concerns about the land title. This is because the community demand is for 8200 hectares, but the governor might consider only 900 hectares for communal land title. Based upon these concerns, the community needs help from CIPA to assist in pushing for the tentative promises to come to fruition. This must be done with transparency and must directly benefit the community. If they lose, they will have sacrificed everything for this long struggle.

While CLT is underway, the forest is being cleared.

History of World’s Indigenous Peoples Celebrating Day

History of World’s Indigenous Peoples Celebrating Day

Introduction

According to the United Nations, there are about 476 million indigenous people which is about 6.2% of the world population living in around 90 countries. According to the census statistics in 2013, the population of indigenous people in Cambodia is 183,831 which is about 2.5% of the total population. There are about 24 ethnic/tribal groups living in 15 provinces such as Ratanakiri, Mondulkiri, Stung Treng, Kratie, Kampong Thom, Preah Vihear, Pursat, Battambang, Uddar Meanchey, Banteay Meanchey, Thbongkmum, Koh Kong, Kompong Speu, Siem Reap, and Sihanoukville. The indigenous people have a very close connection and strong beliefs in the spirits of the soil, water, rivers, mountains, forests, etc. The way of living of each indigenous group is very similar. For instance, they all do shifting cultivation, raising livestock, hunting, and fishing. They also rely on natural resources such as wild vegetables, honey, herbal medicines, and wild rubbers which can be used in their household or sold at the market.

On 23 December 1994, the United Nations General Assembly decided, in its resolution 49/214, that the International Day of the World’s Indigenous People shall be observed on 9 August every year. This resolution is in line with the International Decade on the World’s Indigenous Peoples and is designated today as a reminder of the first meeting, in 1982, of the United Nations Working Group on Indigenous Peoples in Geneva, Switzerland. After the conclusion of the first international decade on the World’s Indigenous People (1995-2004), the General Assembly declared Resolution 174 dated 20 December 2004 to have the Second International Decade on the World’s Indigenous Peoples (2005 -2015), which aims to further strengthen international cooperation for solving problems facing indigenous peoples in areas such as culture, education, health, human rights, environment, and social and economic development.

After 25 years of struggle and sacrifice, the 63rd General Assembly of the United Nations on 13 September 2007 voted in favor of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. 143 countries, including Cambodia, voted in favor. Four other countries voted against, including the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.

In Cambodia, the government has enacted laws, sub-decrees, policies and ratified a number of international laws and documents recognizing and protecting the rights of indigenous peoples, including:

Constitution of the Kingdom of Cambodia 1993 (Article 31)
Land Law 2001 (Articles 23 to 28)
Forestry Act 2002
Sub-Decree No. 83 on Procedures for Land Registration of Indigenous Communities June 09, 2009
Policy on Registration and Land Use Rights of Indigenous Communities in the Kingdom of Cambodia (April 24, 2009)
National Policy on Indigenous Peoples Development (April 24, 2009)
ILO-Convention 111
United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (2007) (UNDRIP)
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

History of International Day of Indigenous Peoples in Cambodia

Cambodia celebrated the first international day of indigenous people in 2005 in Phnom Penh, and it was celebrated from then till now for 10 years. On August 3, 2006, the Cambodian government, through the Office of the Council of Ministers, issued Notification No. 1205, dated by Samdech Akka Sena Moha Padei Techo Hun Sen, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia on July 31, 2006, to authorize the organization of the 12th International Day of Indigenous Peoples at the international level and the 2nd in Cambodia.

Since then, the international day of indigenous peoples has been celebrated every year in the provinces and cities of Cambodia, especially the provinces that have an indigenous population as described below:

1st and 2nd in Phnom Penh, 3rd in Ratanakkiri, 4th in Pursat, 5th in Mondulkiri, 6th in Siem Reap, 7th in Stung Treng, 8th in Kampong Cham, 9th in Kampong Cham 10th Sihanoukville in Kratie, 11th in Koh Kong, 12th in Kampong Speu, 13th in Kampong Thom, 14th in Preah Vihear, 15th in Ratanakkiri and 16th in Oddar Meanchey.

Noted that after the 8th celebration in 2013, the local communities had taken ownership to organize this the international day of indigenous peoples for the first time in 3 different villages/communes across Cambodia which has about 400 participants. Since then, the number of participants and celebrating places has increased rapidly. By 2019, the celebration of the international day of indigenous people has taken place in about 45 communities with 6000 participants.

2021 is the 27th international day of indigenous People in the world, and the 17th in Cambodia under the theme, “Leaving no one behind: Indigenous Peoples and the call for a new social contract”

Due to the outbreak of COVID-19 in Cambodia, and to contribute to the government in preventing the spread of this disease, the indigenous peoples of Cambodia are virtually celebrating this day via Zoom.

As mentioned above, we would like to invite His Majesty, Excellencies, Lok Chumteav, Neak Oknha, Ladies and Gentlemen, especially the government representatives of Cambodia, the representatives/ambassadors, NGOs and the private sector in Cambodia to join us in celebrating the International Day of Indigenous Peoples on August 9, 2021, from 8 am to 5 pm in order to raise awareness of cultural traditions and recognition of indigenous peoples’ rights in Cambodia.

Translated from the Khmer version by Soy Pisey