Clarifications from Cambodia on Angkor Wat Temple Area Inhabitant Relocation – Sky Bulletin

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In response to concerns about the resettlement of communities nearby Angkor Wat, a landmark UNESCO World Heritage Site, Cambodia has provided clarifications on the contentious issue. The Cambodian government’s report to UNESCO insists that only illegal squatters are being relocated, not residents belonging to the historical villages in the vicinity of the archaeological marvel.

Despite worrying reports from Amnesty International about forced evictions of families living around the Angkor Wat temple complex, Cambodia maintains that their resettlement schemes target only new occupants without legal claims to the land. Criticism had been mounting after accusations surfaced, suggesting that the evictions of numerous families—some claiming to have lived there for several generations—violated international law.

Paris-headquartered UNESCO expressed an urgent need for Cambodia to report on conservation efforts at Angkor Wat, especially concerning the alleged forced relocations. The site itself spans an impressive 400 square kilometers and is of great significance both historically and for Cambodia’s tourism sector.

In discussions with the Cambodian authorities, UNESCO underscored the importance of ensuring that any relocation measures are voluntary and warned against forced evictions. However, Cambodian officials, like Long Kosal, imply that the measures taken are to preserve the authenticity of the heritage site and that true inhabitants of the traditional villages are not being affected.

Conflicting views persist, as Amnesty International advocates for the affected families, many of whom claim they were coerced into moving. The human rights organization accuses Cambodia of selective reporting and underscores a lack of clarity over which families qualify as traditional residents.

Amidst the planning for the area’s tourism development, and with the inauguration of the Siem Reap-Angkor International Airport, Cambodian authorities continue relocations. With a considerable portion of the estimated 10,000 families already moved to new settlements, like Run Ta Ek, the debate over the methods and consequences of these moves endures.

Cambodian submissions to UNESCO also highlight that the relocated populace are now landowners, a point contested by Amnesty, arguing that the relocations incurred significant debt and loss of livelihood for many families.

As this issue continues to unfold, international observers remain vigilant about the circumstances and human rights implications of this extensive resettlement program surrounding one of Southeast Asia’s most vital heritage sites.

FAQ Section

  1. What was the concern raised about Angkor Wat’s nearby communities?
    There were allegations that families, some of whom had lived near Angkor Wat for generations, were being forcibly evicted to make way for tourism development.
  2. What was Cambodia’s response to UNESCO?
    Cambodia reported to UNESCO that they were only relocating squatters and not evicting residents from the historical villages recognized at the time of Angkor Wat’s inclusion as a World Heritage Site.
  3. What does UNESCO expect from Cambodia?
    UNESCO expects that any relocations are voluntary and not forced, and that Cambodia safeguards the rights of the inhabitants around Angkor Wat.
  4. What are the living conditions for the relocated families?
    The living conditions at the resettlement sites, such as Run Ta Ek, were initially inadequate, but have reportedly improved, although issues such as debt and loss of income remain.
  5. How has the international community responded?
    Organizations like Amnesty International have criticized the relocations, suggesting they are not truly voluntary, and have called for more transparency and respect for human rights.

Conclusion

The situation at the Angkor Wat temple complex raises complex issues about conservation, tourism development, and human rights. Cambodia’s authorities present the relocation as a necessary step to preserve a “living heritage,” while international watchdogs voice concerns about potential rights violations. Moving forward, the resolution of these disputes will necessitate careful dialogue, transparency, and an approach that respects both heritage conservation and the rights of local communities.

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