Diakonia

Cambodia Indigenous People Organisation (CIPO) is a Cambodian non-governmental organization. It found in June 2014. CIPO’s aim is indigenous community has a sense of ownership and partnership in land and sustainable natural resources management to ensure well-being of economy, society, culture and reducing poverty, discrimination. CIPO’s objectives are to increase awareness, capacity and legal assistance of indigenous people and to collectively organize communities to advocate for their rights.

The Kongo-central Province has been exploited for its natural resources since colonial times, including forest, oil and limestone. This has exposed the region to drought and pollution. It raises the issue of land grabbing, land tenure disputes and the lack of responsibility by private enterprises. In this context, this project aims to promote the rights of local communities affected by the exploitation, focusing in particular to improved access to basic social services. In addition, it aims to contribute to reducing community based conflicts and promoting climate justice.