CAMBODIA
(Kingdom of Cambodia)
Updated 14 October 2006
Capital: Phnom Penh
Government type: Multiparty Democracy under a Constitutional Monarchy
Independent: 1953 (from France)
Chief of state: King Norodom Sihamoni (since 29 October 2004)
Head of government: Prime Minister Hun Sen (since 14 January 1985) and Deputy Prime Ministers Sar Kheng (since 3 February 1992), Norodom Sirivudh, Sok An, Lu Lay Sreng, Tea Banh, Hor Namhong, Nhek Bunchhay (since 16 July 2004)
Cabinet: Council of Ministers in theory appointed by the monarch; in practice named by the prime minister
State Religion: Buddhism
Statistics
Population: 14,351,000 (UN, 2006 est.) Khmer 90%, Vietnamese 5%, Chinese 1%, other 4%
Religions (estimated): Theravada Buddhist 93%, Muslims 4-8%, Christians 2%. Note: 700,000 Muslims, 2000 Vietnamese Cao Dai, 200 Baha’I Faith, etc.
Population below poverty line: 40% (2004 est.)
Most Cambodians consider themselves to be Khmers, descendants of the Angkor Empire that extended over much of Southeast Asia and reached its zenith between the 10th and 13th centuries. More than 50% of the population is 20 years or younger. Cambodians, in general, lacks education and productive skills, particularly in the poverty-ridden countryside.
Political Development & Human Rights
Following elections in 2003, the Cambodian People's Party (CPP), led by Prime Minister Hun Sen, and the National United Front for a Neutral, Peaceful, Cooperative, and Independent Cambodia (FUNCINPEC), led by Prince Norodom Ranariddh, formed a coalition government in 2004. In 14 October, after the surprise abdication of King Norodom Sihanouk, Prince Norodom Sihamoni was selected and was crowned in Phnom Penh on 29 October. Prince Sihamoni, trained in Cambodian classical dance, is unmarried.
The monarchy is symbolic and does not exercise political power. The CPP continues to dominate the government, with most power concentrated in the hands of the prime minister.
The government's human rights record has worsened due to several setbacks in the following areas:
· Actions have been taken by the government to neutralize its critics, e.g. the arrests of journalists, leaders of civil society, human rights activists, and members of the political opposition. A director of an independent radio station was detained in October 2005 on grounds of defaming the prime minister. Two journalists were threatened and forced to flee the country.
· The BBC reports that corruption is rampant in the Cambodian political arena with international aid from the U.S. and other countries being illegally transferred into private accounts. Corruption has also added to the wide income disparity within the population.
· The Cambodia court system has not been able to ensure fair and impartial trials. Court delays or corrupt practices often allow accused persons to escape prosecution. Judges have reportedly cited examples of interference from high-ranking officials asking them to make rulings in line with political priorities.
· Children are adversely affected by an inadequate education system. Child labour is still a problem in the informal sector of the economy.
· Human-trafficking for the purposes of sexual exploitation and labour perpetuates. The Human Rights Watch reports that government officials, police and military continue to operate and profit from trafficking women and children.
Religious Freedom
Although Buddhism is recognised as a state religion, the government policy and practice as well as the generally amicable relationship among religious groups in society contribute to religious freedom.
- Christianity was formally legalized in 1990. Since then Christians have been able to worship in a freer environment. Public evangelistic meetings are however not allowed.
- The government has been fairly open to the missionaries. Foreign missionary groups usually operate freely throughout the country and have not encountered major difficulties.
- While the Government officials express appreciation for the work of many foreign religious groups in providing much needed assistance in education, rural development, and training, they are concerned about foreign groups involving in illegal or political affairs under guise of religion.
The Church
There are an estimated 100 Christian organizations or denominations (include approximately 2,400 churches) that operate freely throughout the country. Churches are active in evangelism although it is technically illegal. Some churches dynamically engage in social work, sometimes in cooperation with the government in development plans e.g. healthcare, school building, flood control etc. Internal friction and the lack of capable leadership remain the key issues of the Church. Some other challenges include cultural idolatry and religious spirit.
The Phnom Penh Bible School was established in 1992. Theological illiteracy among the church leaders continues to be a major problem. The General Council of Cambodian Churches (GCCC) plays the role of uniting churches and instigating dialogues between pastors.
Because of her endurance and unwavering faith in the face of suffering and persecution, the Church in Cambodia has survived, with deep scars remaining. There has been some breakthrough in public Christian gathering, e.g. 2 Christian concerts were held without any interference from the authorities in March and May respectively. On 1 July, the Church held its National Day of Prayer.
Lift up your heads, O you gates! And be lifted up, you everlasting doors! And the King of glory shall come in. Who is this King of glory? The LORD strong and mighty, The LORD mighty in battle. Lift up your heads, O you gates! Lift up, you everlasting doors! And the King of glory shall come in. Who is this King of glory? The LORD of hosts, He is the King of glory (Psalm 24:7-10)
Continue to pray:
- Honesty, integrity and righteousness at every level of Government and society.
- King Sihamoni and Prime Minister Hun Sen and the Cabinet members to lead and govern the nation with wisdom, justice and fairness in implementing policies that will benefit the public.
- An effective, corrupt-free and independent judiciary. Judges are men of good character, able to judge without fear or favour.
- Greater respect for civil liberties and human rights.
- Effective measures to combat human trafficking and child labour.
- Effective policies and strategies, and genuine interest to eradicate poverty; resources be fairly distributed to all areas of needs.
- The Church:
- Continues to demonstrate her passion for the Lord and unwavering faith.
- Unity and greater bond of fellowship within a church, among churches and across denominations
- Servant leadership with strong theological foundation and commitment to lead the Church with strategic resources.
- Greater conviction of God’s moral standard
- Renewal and restoration from the effects of past sins
- Revival and empowerment
- Expand youth network and set up children’s prayer network
- Salt & Light: Effective networking and co-operation among Christians, government, other religious and secular institutions in nation-building.
Reference:
- CIA Factbook, 5 October 2006.
- Country Reports on Human Rights Practices 2005, released March 2006
- International Religious Freedom Report September 2006
- Amnesty International 2006
- Human Rights Watch World Report 2006
- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cambodia
- Robbie B. H. Goh, Christianity in Southeast Asia. Singapore: ISEAS Pub., 2005.
- The 4th Southeast Asia Prayer Consultation (SEAPC), 10-14 October 2006. Batam, Indonesia.
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