In
the last three years, the Jarai have seen their land bulldozed to
make way for a 500 hectare rubber plantation. A sign on a gate to
the plantation at Kong Yu village reads, "No entry without authorisation".
The concession is owned by Keat
Kolney, the sister of the Cambodian Finance Minister, Keat Chhon.
Keat Kolney's husband is Chhan Saphan, the Secretary of State for
the Ministry of Land Management. Local authorities forced the deal
through using threats, deception and fraud. Some Commune Council members
have admitted publicly to accepting bribes to ensure that the land
transaction goes through.
More information
here
Sample
Letters
CLEC is asking
for letters in support of the Kong Yu and Kong Thom villagers to Prime
Minister Hun Sen and to Ambassadors in Cambodia. Sample letters are
available here:
1) Please
send this letter to help Kong Yu and Kong Thom
villagers regain possession of their indigenous lands.
2) If you are a member of the following countries (Australia, Canada,
Denmark, France, Germany, Japan, New Zealand, Sweden, United Kingdom,
United States), please
also send this letter to your Ambassador in Cambodia
and representative of aid agency.
