Cambodia Seeks to Rein in the NGOs

Cambodia struggles to recover from US bombing during the 1960s and the genocide and destruction of the Pol Pot regime. “The Khmer Rouge wrecked virtually all of the social institutions in the country and substituted nothing in their place,” explains the Asia Sentinel. Hundreds of local and international NGOs, funded by international donations, have the goal of restoring a viable social structure. But, Cambodian leaders increasingly view NGO assistance and recommendations as criticisms. The leaders have also lashed out at NGO workers who drive luxury vehicles and host parties. The government has set out a draft law requiring the NGOs to register before operating in Cambodia and comply with a host of other restrictions. NGOs account for 25 percent of the country’s aid, and excessive restrictions could prompt many to end operations. A country on a desperate quest for self-sufficiency and the government’s intolerance of criticism could seriously harm the NGO’s effort for reforming health and education and ensuring ,human rights in Cambodia. – YaleGlobal