The Urgent Call for Action: Addressing Mass Forced Evictions Around Angkor Wat

The World Heritage Committee Must Address Forced Evictions at Angkor Wat, Amnesty International Urges

Background

The World Heritage Committee, responsible for determining the fate of heritage sites worldwide, is set to convene in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from September 10th to 25th. Among the issues on the agenda is the concerning situation of forced evictions surrounding the iconic Angkor Wat temple complex in Cambodia. Amnesty International, a prominent human rights organization, has submitted preliminary research findings to UNESCO ahead of the Committee’s session, advocating for urgent action to address this ongoing crisis.

The Situation at Angkor Wat

Amnesty International’s Deputy Regional Director of Research, Montse Ferrer, emphasizes the gravity of the situation, calling it “mass forced evictions in the name of conservation.” The Cambodian government claims that the evictions are targeting only “illegal inhabitants,” while sparing those who reside in “traditional villages.” However, Amnesty International’s research reveals a lack of clarity regarding which communities have a legally recognized right to stay. Many families forcibly evicted have stated that they have generations-long histories in what they believe are traditional villages.

Moreover, Amnesty International has documented the deplorable conditions in the resettlement sites where evicted families are being moved. These sites lack adequate housing and sanitation facilities, forcing families to build their own homes. This approach contradicts international human rights standards, which stipulate that proper provisions, including drinking water, housing, and sanitation, must be in place before any relocation occurs.

The Harmful Impacts

According to Amnesty International’s findings, the forced evictions at Angkor Wat have far-reaching consequences for affected families. It tears apart communities who have been rooted in these areas for generations, undeniably severing their ties to their homes and livelihoods. In addition, the evictions lead to increased indebtedness and impoverishment among these vulnerable communities.

Call for Action

Amnesty International, through its submission of preliminary research findings to UNESCO and the World Heritage Centre, is urging the World Heritage Committee to address the crisis at Angkor Wat during its 45th session. The organization emphasizes that conservation efforts must not come at the expense of human rights. The Cambodian government must fully comply with its obligations under international human rights laws and standards, ensuring that forced evictions cease immediately.

The Committee has the authority to examine reports on the state of conservation of inscribed properties and hold governments accountable for proper management. As such, Amnesty International emphasizes that the Committee should demand that due process requirements are followed before displacing any individuals and that resettlement sites meet the criteria for adequacy as set by international human rights standards.

Philosophical Discussion: Balancing Conservation and Human Rights

The situation at Angkor Wat raises important questions about the delicate balance between conservation efforts and the protection of human rights. On one hand, the preservation of heritage sites is essential to safeguarding cultural identity and maintaining historical legacies for future generations. However, it is crucial to consider that these sites are often located in inhabited areas, and communities with longstanding ties to these spaces should not be cast aside in the name of conservation.

This raises questions about the responsibility of governments and international organizations to ensure that conservation efforts are pursued in a manner that respects the rights and well-being of affected communities. The forced evictions at Angkor Wat represent a failure in this regard, highlighting the need for stronger guidelines and oversight in the management of heritage sites.

Editorial: A Call for Social Justice and Sustainable Solutions

Angkor Wat holds immense cultural and historical significance, attracting millions of visitors each year. However, we must acknowledge that the preservation of this site should not come at the expense of the human rights and dignity of individuals and communities residing in its vicinity. The Cambodian government, as the custodians of Angkor Wat, must take immediate action to end the mass forced evictions and ensure that all residents are treated fairly and justly.

The World Heritage Committee, consisting of representatives from various countries, has a responsibility to hold governments accountable for their actions. During the upcoming session in Riyadh, the Committee must prioritize the issue of forced evictions at Angkor Wat and demand that the Cambodian government adhere to international human rights standards. This includes providing clarity on who has the legal right to stay, halting all evictions until due process is followed, and improving the conditions of resettlement sites to meet international standards.

Furthermore, a sustainable solution is needed to address the intricate challenges posed by heritage conservation and community well-being. Conservation efforts should go hand in hand with community empowerment, ensuring that local residents have a say in decision-making processes and benefit from tourism revenues. The creation of responsible and inclusive management plans that take into account the voices and needs of the affected communities is vital.

Advice

For the Cambodian government:
1. Immediately halt all forced evictions until due process requirements are met and legal rights to stay are clearly defined.
2. Improve the conditions of resettlement sites to provide adequate housing, sanitation facilities, and access to essential services, in line with international human rights standards.
3. Work closely with UNESCO and the World Heritage Centre to develop sustainable solutions that prioritize community empowerment and ensure that affected communities benefit from tourism revenue.

For the World Heritage Committee:
1. Prioritize the issue of forced evictions at Angkor Wat during the 45th session and demand that the Cambodian government adhere to international human rights standards.
2. Strengthen guidelines and oversight mechanisms to ensure that conservation efforts are pursued in a manner that respects human rights and guarantees the well-being of affected communities.
3. Encourage sustainable management plans that involve the active participation of local communities and prioritize their needs and voices in decision-making processes.

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