Donors: DanChurchAid (DCA)
Location: Phnom Penh, Kandal, Pursat
Duration: 2024-2026
Budget: 150,000 USD

Introduction 

In Cambodia, citizens’ ability to access public information and influence local governance remains a critical factor in strengthening democracy and accountability. The “Citizens’ Voices and Actions” project responds to this need by empowering communities to actively participate in budget monitoring and advocate for transparent and inclusive public financial management. Led by the Advocacy and Policy Institute (API) in collaboration with the Budget Working Group (BWG) and CPDD, the initiative builds on years of strategic engagement with government institutions and development partners.

Through digital innovation, policy advocacy, and capacity building, the project has created new pathways for citizens to understand, monitor, and influence the use of commune and Sangkat funds. By facilitating dialogue between civil society and government, and leveraging tools like the Citizen Budget Analysis App, API has helped institutionalize mechanisms for transparency and accountability in sub-national development planning. This work contributes directly to Cambodia’s broader public financial management reform agenda and reflects API’s commitment to inclusive governance.

Results

• Policy Breakthrough: On July 26, 2024, the Ministry of Interior issued Letter No. 4499, officially establishing a monitoring, control, and evaluation team for commune and Sangkat fund projects. This marks a significant step toward institutionalizing transparency and accountability in local development planning.
• Digital Innovation: API launched the Citizen Budget Analysis App and presented sub-national budget reports for 2022 and 2023 to key government institutions, including the Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Economy and Finance, and NCDD.
• Advocacy Milestones:
  • API and partners proposed the formation of a formal committee to oversee the implementation of commune and Sangkat funds.
  • Regular engagement with the Public Financial Management Reform Committee (PFMRC), co-chaired by the Deputy Prime Minister and supported by the EU and ADB, helped align civil society recommendations with national reform agendas.
• Improved Transparency: Cambodia’s score in the 2024 Open Budget Survey (OBS) improved, reflecting the positive impact of sustained advocacy and collaboration between CSOs and government stakeholders.
• Budget Advocacy: In November 2024, API and BWG submitted a position paper and budget analysis report to the Ministry of Economy and Finance and the National Assembly. The recommendations focused on increasing national budget allocations for childcare and education, health, social protection, sub-national administration, and natural resource management.
• Capacity Building: API enhanced the budget analysis and advocacy skills of BWG members, with a focus on economic and social rights, internet censorship, and inclusive budgeting across Phnom Penh and the provinces.