Our work in Cambodia focuses on the young generation; future leaders and decision-makers in companies, politics, and in administration. To reach this group, we collaborate closely with universities, research centres, and judicial training academies.
“The programme adds great value in Cambodia and has a strong focus on human rights education and research at academic institutions”, says Ali Al-Nasani, RWI Director of Office, in Cambodia.
Focusing on the next generation and their higher education in Cambodia is key. More than two-thirds of the Cambodian population is below 30 years of age. The country still suffers from the entire educational system having been ruined during the Khmer Rouge period from 1975-1979.
With our activities in Cambodia, we work to support a number of selected academic institutions to develop and deliver high-quality human rights education and research. We also support them in creating and providing an academic platform for human rights debates and dialogue, which is key to democratic development.
“For many years, RWI has successfully established a human rights education programme at Cambodian universities. We currently support five universities and provide scholarships targeting in particular young female law students coming from vulnerable families”, says Ali Al-Nasani.
“Educational materials is also an important part of this support. Among other things, we fund the translation of pedagogic material from English into Khmer and publish human rights material in Khmer. We also provide grants for research and support libraries in developing their human rights sections.”
RWI has been operating in Cambodia since 2013 and is currently exploring new activities such as a cooperation with the indigenous lawyers’ group.
“Our main aim is still the same; to implement a human rights capacity development programme that strengthens the environment for human rights promotion and protection in Cambodia”, says Ali Al-Nasani. “In order to make true the promise of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights all members of society need to be protected and to benefit from social and economic development.”