In Cambodia, beautiful forests and their surrounding environment provide food, work and a home for Indigenous People. But these precious resources are threatened by deforestation and businesses exploiting the land.
For communities, speaking up about these concerns can be difficult. They may not know who to approach or may feel that their voices will not be heard. But thanks to your support, that is beginning to change. Local communities are learning how to speak with people in power in a peaceful and constructive way. Local officials are also learning how they can listen to communities and help find solutions.
Mr Nhov Phoun is the Head of Ek Pheap Commune Council. Before Cord’s training, he believed that dealing with private companies was only the responsibility of senior government officials.
“Through the training… I realised that the Commune Council can play a crucial role in engaging with private companies,” he explains.
Because of this new understanding, Mr Phoun helped bring local communities and businesses together to discuss their concerns.
In 2025, these conversations led to real changes. One rubber company improved the way it stored rubber and managed wastewater, reducing pollution in the local community. An engine was also moved to reduce noise pollution.
Your generous gifts mean that people who might once have stood on opposite sides of an issue are now sitting down together, listening and finding solutions.
Business and Human Rights was new to the rubber company owner, Mr Vy Sothavarith. Through discussions initiated by Mr Phoun, he learned more about Indigenous Peoples’ rights and their environmental concerns. Mr Sothavarith says: “Good cooperation and communication helped me reflect on the impacts of my company’s operations.”
The company has since improved its facilities and contributed $650 towards renovating a local primary school.
These small steps are making a lasting difference. Thanks to you, communities are finding their voices, local leaders are gaining confidence to listen and act, and businesses are being encouraged to take greater responsibility for the communities around them. This is peacebuilding in action.
