Cambodia Faces Barriers to Citizen Participation as Oxfam Initiative Aims to Reform Local Governance

Civil society groups in Cambodia are calling for the strengthening of local governance and public participation, citing daily barriers such as limited access to budget information and exclusion from decision-making processes. These concerns were raised during a panel discussion at the launch of Oxfam’s Citizen-Led Inclusive Planning and Services (CLIPS) initiative, a two-year project aimed at making local governance more transparent, inclusive, and accountable, while strengthening citizen participation in local planning and budgeting. The initiative comes amid the Interior Ministry’s discovery of funding irregularities in development projects in communes across the country, which it termed a “systematic collusion and misuse of commune funds.” Seng Reasey, executive director of NGO SILAKA, stated that many barriers prevent citizens from engaging in budget planning and holding local authorities accountable. These include limited understanding of budget processes, inadequate knowledge of the legal framework and information, and a lack of trust between citizens and authorities. She noted that citizens are often hesitant to participate due to past unresolved issues, and that authorities and citizens frequently lack adequate opportunities to discuss local matters. Reasey added that citizens feel unsafe after raising issues, fearing they might be targeted or blamed. Chea Bopha, a representative of the Phnom Penh Center for Independent Living, highlighted that vulnerable communities, particularly people with disabilities, are often excluded from access to information and public services, with limited opportunities to participate in meetings with local authorities. She reported instances where civil society groups and people with disabilities were denied participation in projects, with authorities claiming budget-planning meetings are an internal matter, thus losing opportunities to provide input. Furthermore, setbacks in accessing IDPoor equity cards and disability assessments were noted. Bopha also pointed to a lack of handicap-friendly facilities at commune offices and health centers, hindering access to essential services for people with disabilities. Discriminatory attitudes from service providers and authorities also pose a challenge. Sambathphalla Chey, Head of Policy and Analysis Unit of the National Committee for Sub-National Democratic Development Secretariat (NCDDS), mentioned that the government has significantly increased annual funds allocated to sub-national administrations. However, he stressed that despite increased authority and resources, sub-national administrations require stronger capacity to handle these issues. He acknowledged that many introduced mechanisms have not achieved desired results, requiring review and support to ensure effective implementation. Chey warned that transferring authority and resources without the capacity of sub-national administrations to solve citizen problems would be a waste of state resources. Sophoan Phean, national director of Oxfam, stated that the CLIPS project reflects a shared commitment to ensure citizens have a meaningful voice in decisions affecting their lives, including women, youth, people with disabilities, and Indigenous communities. She believes that by strengthening local planning, budget transparency, and public participation, trust between communities and local authorities can be built, contributing to more inclusive and effective public services. The project will be implemented in 14 districts and 60 communes across Phnom Penh, Kampong Thom, Kampong Chhnang, Pursat, Mondulkiri, and Ratanakiri over the next two years. Source: CamboJA News