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.