Him Yun of CISA Cambogia – we need social accountability and good governance
By
Milena Rampoldi, ProMosaik. In the following my interview with Him Yun at CISA(Coalition for Integrity and Social Accountability) in Cambodia. I talked to
him about the main problems in his country, and the important of struggling
against corruption and to engage for a society characterised by social
transparency, justice, and equality.
Milena Rampoldi, ProMosaik. In the following my interview with Him Yun at CISA(Coalition for Integrity and Social Accountability) in Cambodia. I talked to
him about the main problems in his country, and the important of struggling
against corruption and to engage for a society characterised by social
transparency, justice, and equality.
Milena
Rampoldi: Which are the main problems of your country in the social field?
Rampoldi: Which are the main problems of your country in the social field?
Him
Yun:
Yun:
Corruption
perception from citizens in general: The
perception of corruption is very high in Cambodia. “In the Perceived Corruption Index of
Transparency International, Cambodia ranked only 150th out of 169
countries surveyed and was perceived as the most corrupt in ASEAN.[1] Beyond
that the same survey found that 57% of CEOs of small to medium sized businesses
felt that corruption was one of the factors holding their company back.[2]
perception from citizens in general: The
perception of corruption is very high in Cambodia. “In the Perceived Corruption Index of
Transparency International, Cambodia ranked only 150th out of 169
countries surveyed and was perceived as the most corrupt in ASEAN.[1] Beyond
that the same survey found that 57% of CEOs of small to medium sized businesses
felt that corruption was one of the factors holding their company back.[2]
Transparent
public service delivery:
public service delivery:
Weak
systems of checks and balances, ineffective accountability mechanisms and
scarce opportunities for public participation further contribute to the
deteriorating situation. People are usually compliant with extra charges put
forward for public services. The attitude of authorities is to discriminate
against their own citizens who have different political beliefs.
systems of checks and balances, ineffective accountability mechanisms and
scarce opportunities for public participation further contribute to the
deteriorating situation. People are usually compliant with extra charges put
forward for public services. The attitude of authorities is to discriminate
against their own citizens who have different political beliefs.
Transparent
judicial system:
judicial system:
a)- Court
The
court is an institution that is typically held in high regard and is
established to hold all those before it equal before the law, but like many
public services in Cambodia, it has not been free of corruption. This has led
to a significant amount of frustration with the justice system, as many
ordinary citizens have lost faith in the courts’ ability to provide them with
fair restitution and justice. Citizens are unable to receive a fair trial,
especially in cases of land disputes, because the court clerks demand money
before proceedings commence and judges frequently demand bribes from
applicants. It is now a frequent
occurrence that judges do not make decisions based on law or jurisprudence but
rather on bribery, nepotism and undue political influence. According to
National Integrity System Assessment of Transparency International, Cambodia
scored 13/100 for capacity of court system, 25/100 on independence on law and
0/100 on practice (Transparency International Cambodia Survey 2014).
court is an institution that is typically held in high regard and is
established to hold all those before it equal before the law, but like many
public services in Cambodia, it has not been free of corruption. This has led
to a significant amount of frustration with the justice system, as many
ordinary citizens have lost faith in the courts’ ability to provide them with
fair restitution and justice. Citizens are unable to receive a fair trial,
especially in cases of land disputes, because the court clerks demand money
before proceedings commence and judges frequently demand bribes from
applicants. It is now a frequent
occurrence that judges do not make decisions based on law or jurisprudence but
rather on bribery, nepotism and undue political influence. According to
National Integrity System Assessment of Transparency International, Cambodia
scored 13/100 for capacity of court system, 25/100 on independence on law and
0/100 on practice (Transparency International Cambodia Survey 2014).
b)-
Justice police officers:
Justice police officers:
Police
officers have little regard for justice and are biased to those who bribe them
or can exert influence. In addition,
police officers frequently demand money from illegal loggers, workers and
cross-border businessmen, in effect encouraging criminal behavior instead of
preventing it. In the same Transparency International study mentioned above,
65% of respondents also reported paying a bribe to police services. This
indicates that corruption among police officers is blatant and unashamed. These
officials are entrusted to protect Cambodian citizens and are instead taking
advantage of their positions of power.
officers have little regard for justice and are biased to those who bribe them
or can exert influence. In addition,
police officers frequently demand money from illegal loggers, workers and
cross-border businessmen, in effect encouraging criminal behavior instead of
preventing it. In the same Transparency International study mentioned above,
65% of respondents also reported paying a bribe to police services. This
indicates that corruption among police officers is blatant and unashamed. These
officials are entrusted to protect Cambodian citizens and are instead taking
advantage of their positions of power.
c)-
Judiciary:
Judiciary:
Law
enforcement agencies are perceived as the most corrupt and inefficient sectors,
lacking the independence from the involvement of
the ruling party as well as resources and capacity to effectively investigate
and prosecute corruption cases. Transparency International Cambodia conducted a
survey on National Integrity System in 2014 and found that Cambodia scored
13/100 on capacity, 25/100 on independence on law, and 0/100 on practice.
enforcement agencies are perceived as the most corrupt and inefficient sectors,
lacking the independence from the involvement of
the ruling party as well as resources and capacity to effectively investigate
and prosecute corruption cases. Transparency International Cambodia conducted a
survey on National Integrity System in 2014 and found that Cambodia scored
13/100 on capacity, 25/100 on independence on law, and 0/100 on practice.
Political
Corruption:
Corruption:
Corruption
perception Index by Transparency International
perception Index by Transparency International
2015
showed that Cambodia scored 21/100 with a rank of 150/168. The result shows
that Cambodia’s corruption remains a serious concern that impacts its citizen’s
daily life. Based on these results, it
can often be difficult to benefit from public services without conforming to
the practice of bribery. The prominence of corruption in powerful politicians
has a big impact on the community because their behaviors trickle down the
hierarchy to impact the Cambodian citizens. Political corruption focuses on the
abuse of state resources, cheating state resources, the abuse of power,
nepotism, cronyism and partisans. Misuse of state resources for political
interest occurs in Cambodia. In 2014,
the Anti-Corruption Unit (ACU) called for all politicians in the mandated to
declare their assets. But the assets declarations were closed. We demand the
assets declaration should be open to the public to ensure the transparency
while most politicians with high property in questions.[3].
showed that Cambodia scored 21/100 with a rank of 150/168. The result shows
that Cambodia’s corruption remains a serious concern that impacts its citizen’s
daily life. Based on these results, it
can often be difficult to benefit from public services without conforming to
the practice of bribery. The prominence of corruption in powerful politicians
has a big impact on the community because their behaviors trickle down the
hierarchy to impact the Cambodian citizens. Political corruption focuses on the
abuse of state resources, cheating state resources, the abuse of power,
nepotism, cronyism and partisans. Misuse of state resources for political
interest occurs in Cambodia. In 2014,
the Anti-Corruption Unit (ACU) called for all politicians in the mandated to
declare their assets. But the assets declarations were closed. We demand the
assets declaration should be open to the public to ensure the transparency
while most politicians with high property in questions.[3].
The high
corruption level in Cambodia leads to hesitation from foreign organizations to
provide investments and aid to use towards further developing the country.
corruption level in Cambodia leads to hesitation from foreign organizations to
provide investments and aid to use towards further developing the country.
Natural
Resource management (land, water, forest, biodiversity, wildlife and mineral
resources):
Resource management (land, water, forest, biodiversity, wildlife and mineral
resources):
Lands:
Cambodia’s population, industrial agriculture,
transport and energy sectors are all growing consequently requiring additional
land, making the preservation and proper allocation of the remaining natural
resources in Cambodia an important issue.
Agriculture has been highlighted by the Cambodian National Strategic
Development Plan (NSDP) as a focus on growth will alleviate poverty in the
rural areas while maintaining resources.[4] In addition the EU has identified “access to
natural resources and sustainable management of forestry sector” as one of two
main issues to be addressed in the next few years as evidenced by the European
Union Delegation to the Kingdom of Cambodia CSO Call for Proposals on November
7th, 2016.[5]
transport and energy sectors are all growing consequently requiring additional
land, making the preservation and proper allocation of the remaining natural
resources in Cambodia an important issue.
Agriculture has been highlighted by the Cambodian National Strategic
Development Plan (NSDP) as a focus on growth will alleviate poverty in the
rural areas while maintaining resources.[4] In addition the EU has identified “access to
natural resources and sustainable management of forestry sector” as one of two
main issues to be addressed in the next few years as evidenced by the European
Union Delegation to the Kingdom of Cambodia CSO Call for Proposals on November
7th, 2016.[5]
What
are the main objectives of CISA?
are the main objectives of CISA?
• To
educate people and other stakeholders in Cambodia about the impacts of
corruption, the principle of accountability, transparency, integrity, and
justice as well as relevant legal tools.
educate people and other stakeholders in Cambodia about the impacts of
corruption, the principle of accountability, transparency, integrity, and
justice as well as relevant legal tools.
• To
monitor and to mobilize in laws amendment as well as promote law enforcement effectively
related to corruption.
monitor and to mobilize in laws amendment as well as promote law enforcement effectively
related to corruption.
• To
provide opportunities to share ideas, strengthen the solidarity and join in
making a strategy for civil society organizations and other activists to
promote good governance in Cambodia.
provide opportunities to share ideas, strengthen the solidarity and join in
making a strategy for civil society organizations and other activists to
promote good governance in Cambodia.
• To
coordinate building capacity and skill development for members so they can
participate in effectively achieving the goal and objectives of the coalition.
coordinate building capacity and skill development for members so they can
participate in effectively achieving the goal and objectives of the coalition.
• To
strengthen the cooperation between networks, organizations and other coalitions
both nationally and internationally who have similar goals and objectives.
strengthen the cooperation between networks, organizations and other coalitions
both nationally and internationally who have similar goals and objectives.
What
do Integrity and Accountability mean to you?
do Integrity and Accountability mean to you?
Integrity
means honesty in all actions even in secrete places.
means honesty in all actions even in secrete places.
Accountability
means that the public service providers within mandate are responsible for
their positions by not abusing any power.
All actions and decisions are accountable to the public citizens.
means that the public service providers within mandate are responsible for
their positions by not abusing any power.
All actions and decisions are accountable to the public citizens.
The 4
principles of social accountability are:
principles of social accountability are:
1-
Government Openness and Responsiveness
Government Openness and Responsiveness
2- Organized
and Capable Citizens Group
and Capable Citizens Group
3- Access to
Information
Information
4- Respect
for Context and Culture
for Context and Culture
The supply
sides should always follow the principles of good governance (participatory,
transparency, accountability, rule of law, effectiveness & efficiency,
responsive, human rights and inclusiveness)
sides should always follow the principles of good governance (participatory,
transparency, accountability, rule of law, effectiveness & efficiency,
responsive, human rights and inclusiveness)
Which
are the main projects you work on?
are the main projects you work on?
–
In 2012-2015 “Collective Voice Against
Corruption”
In 2012-2015 “Collective Voice Against
Corruption”
–
Implementation Social Accountability Framework
(I-SAF) 2016-2018
Implementation Social Accountability Framework
(I-SAF) 2016-2018
–
Youth Participation in Democratic
Election 2016-2018
Youth Participation in Democratic
Election 2016-2018
Which
are the best strategies to promote integrity and accountability in your
country?
are the best strategies to promote integrity and accountability in your
country?
Through
many years of working on the fields of good governance, social accountability
and anti-corruption. All the above themes are linked and complement each other
to promote integrity and social accountability.
many years of working on the fields of good governance, social accountability
and anti-corruption. All the above themes are linked and complement each other
to promote integrity and social accountability.
CISA
has been trying at different levels to spread understanding of the bad impacts
of corruption, build social accountability and good governance at national,
sub-national and grass-root level in Cambodia.
has been trying at different levels to spread understanding of the bad impacts
of corruption, build social accountability and good governance at national,
sub-national and grass-root level in Cambodia.
Currently
CISA is working at grass-root level on social accountability to change the
attitude of public services providers in commune administration services,
health centers and primary school education.
CISA is working at grass-root level on social accountability to change the
attitude of public services providers in commune administration services,
health centers and primary school education.
CISA
also cooperates with other institutions to build social accountability, good
governance and fighting against corruption.
also cooperates with other institutions to build social accountability, good
governance and fighting against corruption.
The
best strategy to promote integrity and social accountability in the country is
to build role models, starting with top leaders. The government staffs in the high
ranking offices need to show a strong commitment to fighting against corruption,
to have independence of court, and be active citizens in building transparency
and accountability across the community and the country.
best strategy to promote integrity and social accountability in the country is
to build role models, starting with top leaders. The government staffs in the high
ranking offices need to show a strong commitment to fighting against corruption,
to have independence of court, and be active citizens in building transparency
and accountability across the community and the country.
How
to promote women’s rights in your country?
to promote women’s rights in your country?
Policies
on women’s rights are developing with increased encouragement for women to hold
high positions. Example, in a political party, at least 30% women candidates
are at the top list of candidates.
on women’s rights are developing with increased encouragement for women to hold
high positions. Example, in a political party, at least 30% women candidates
are at the top list of candidates.
Community
and family should respect women’s roles by showing equality between women and
men. Men should recognize that women and men are both the hands to build
family, community and the nation.
and family should respect women’s roles by showing equality between women and
men. Men should recognize that women and men are both the hands to build
family, community and the nation.
Women are equal in all sectors.
Family should encourage daughters/ girls to get a higher education, respect
that the house work is not the tasks of girls/women only, treat boys and girls
equally, starting from within the home and family, community and society. Women themselves should dare enough to be
leaders and be actively involved in the community and society showing the
public their capabilities.
Family should encourage daughters/ girls to get a higher education, respect
that the house work is not the tasks of girls/women only, treat boys and girls
equally, starting from within the home and family, community and society. Women themselves should dare enough to be
leaders and be actively involved in the community and society showing the
public their capabilities.
What
have you achieved until now and what is your dream for the future of your
country?
have you achieved until now and what is your dream for the future of your
country?
The Coalition for Integrity and
Social Accountability observe the changes from our work in different aspects.
Social Accountability observe the changes from our work in different aspects.
– Local Authorities/ Service
providers: Changed attitude and behavior by practicing non-discrimination,
friendly services, avoiding asking for extra-fees, service chart is hanging on
office walls and handing over receipts to people when they come for services
from authorities.
providers: Changed attitude and behavior by practicing non-discrimination,
friendly services, avoiding asking for extra-fees, service chart is hanging on
office walls and handing over receipts to people when they come for services
from authorities.
– Community citizens: They dare to
participate in meetings and raise their concerns to authorities and response or
raise up their need to add on commune investment plans. Community people more
understanding of the importance of participation in commune development.
participate in meetings and raise their concerns to authorities and response or
raise up their need to add on commune investment plans. Community people more
understanding of the importance of participation in commune development.
– Youth: Youth seems aware on their
rights to gain knowledge on social development from civil society
organizations. Youth become community volunteers (networking) to mobilize
community citizens to get involved in social development.
rights to gain knowledge on social development from civil society
organizations. Youth become community volunteers (networking) to mobilize
community citizens to get involved in social development.
We
still hope Cambodian society with accountability, transparency, integrity,
equality, and justice which will enable people to live harmoniously.
still hope Cambodian society with accountability, transparency, integrity,
equality, and justice which will enable people to live harmoniously.
“WE
ALL ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR BUILDING OUR COMMUNITY AND OUR COUNTRY”
ALL ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR BUILDING OUR COMMUNITY AND OUR COUNTRY”
[1] Comfrel: Democracy, Elections and Reform in Cambodia 2015 Annual
Report (2016), 19.
Report (2016), 19.
[2] Comfrel: Democracy, Elections and Reform in Cambodia 2015 Annual
Report (2016), 19.
Report (2016), 19.
[3] Comfrel report 2015_
[4] Multiannual Indicative Program 2014-2020 (2015, pp. 6-7)
[5] Information Session: Civil Society Organizations in Development in
Cambodia presented at the European Union Delegation to the Kingdom of Cambodia
CSO Call for Proposals on November 7th, 2016
Cambodia presented at the European Union Delegation to the Kingdom of Cambodia
CSO Call for Proposals on November 7th, 2016
