National Report and Data – The Voices of Indigenous Peoples in Cambodia

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)

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.

Category: National Report and Data

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