This multi-pronged Project funded by USAID had a common objective: advocating with Parliament and Government on the passing of a long-due new Law on Access to Information (A2I) and increasing the Public’s awareness of the fundamental right to freedom of expression and on the benefits of such piece of legislation (A2I). In order to try and achieve these goals, API led several initiatives and dialogues with national authorities, experts, development donors and representatives of the public (particularly the youth), and carried out information campaigns through radio debates and social media.
Enhance the capacity and cooperation of A2IWG, engage with ministries and relevant stakeholders to push for the adoption of the draft on A2I, hold a national workshop jointly celebrating the International Day for Universal Access to Information, conduct a provincial workshop on A2I, and collect inputs from CSOs; conduct a youth debate on fundamental freedom of expression as well as the youth video vlog competition to educate the public on the importance of the draft of access to information.
Channy is a young influencer who has volunteered to work as a youth analyst of world events at Seeds of Cambodia and as a coach at the Cambodia-Australia Freedom Project. She is a member of the Asian Youth Advocate Network as well. She takes part actively in several youth debate events on a variety of topics including the Unpaid Work event hosted by CEDAW NGO, Let Save by FWD Life Insurance Cambodia, the Youth Assembly Model Program on the protection of individuals report hosted by TIC NGO, and the Important of Right to Information that the API NGO-organized.
She was born in a remote area where some of her fellow villagers didn’t know much about the value of education. After completing grade 12, she sopught a scholarship to continue her education since her family was in a difficult situation. Luckily, all her hard work paid off, and she is currently a scholarship student in year 3 and majoring in Law at Rule University.
With the Women and Youth in Leader program, Channy applied to join the youth debate organized within the Project YWEL, and was selected to join the program. She attended one full-day training session on the Access to Information (A2I) concept to increase youth’s knowledge of international standards of ATI. She and her team members learned a lot. They worked together to search for evidence based with logical reasons to support their topics.
On September 29, 2023, Channy was invited to join the International Day for Universal Access to Information 2023 under the theme “The Importance of Online Spaces for Access to Information”. She spoke on behalf of Cambodian youths. She stated that “the government should adopt the Access to Information Law urgently because it is very essential for the citizens and the same government. She strongly believes that the Access to Information Law will bring Cambodia to be a more developed Country.
“I’ve gained a lot of knowledge about youth debating events, particularly about presenting arguments in a moral context, and using trustworthy sources. I have learned various topics of discussion in the debate event, such as women’s rights, freedoms, and empowerment. I thus urge the government to pay attention to these issues and enhance the rule of law, as it is very important. Through my research, I now recognize the weaknesses in Cambodia’s implementation of the laws, rights, and freedoms. Especially for our Country, which is headed toward being a developed nation with high income in 2050.
Channy (left) and other participants in the YWEL Youth Debates.
She has a positive thought for Cambodian youth, they are now developing themselves into human resources. However, the youth’s interaction with the government is still lacking. ”I urge the government to pay more attention. As part of their social engagement”, she said. “Some young people now desire to become involved with non-governmental organizations to improve their public engagement, as well as to voice their concern with government bodies.”
“Since I am aware that discrimination, inequality, and injustice exist in Cambodia and that human rights are not yet fully enforced, my long-term goal is to become a lawyer with a focus on protecting human rights. In my opinion, Cambodia would be a peaceful nation with a strong rule of law. Furthermore, I believe that my abilities will contribute to the advancement of human rights, particularly for those living in the Kingdom of Cambodia’s more isolated areas.”
