Rights Razed: Forced evictions in Cambodia

ABSTRACTED FROM THE INTRODUCTION: This report shows how, contrary to Cambodia’s obligations under international human rights law, those affected by evictions have had no opportunity for genuine participation and consultation beforehand. Information on planned evictions and on resettlement packages has often been incomplete and inaccurate, undermining the right to information of those affected. Lack of access to timely, relevant and accurate information undermines the right of people to participate in decisions which affect the exercise of their human rights, in particular the right to adequate housing. Lack of adequate notice before an eviction, also deprives affected communities of their right to challenge the order, and as appropriate to seek legal redress. In instances where there has been the appearance of consultation with affected communities, decisions on eviction and relocation appear in reality to have been taken by the authorities prior to these consultations, frustrating the right of affected people to propose alternatives and for those to be duly considered. In this report, Amnesty International is calling on the Cambodian government to abide by its obligations under international human rights law to give those affected by eviction an opportunity for genuine participation and consultation.

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