What is it like being a youth supporting liberalism and democracy in Cambodia today?

By Sorn Sarath

Democracy and liberalism in Cambodia is still in an immature phase. That is why youth participation is needed to supporting these, either directly or indirectly.

The youth can promote democracy and liberalism directly by getting involved in educative and participatory programs. The youth can be part of activities which target other youth like themselves. The Students' Movement for Democracy (SMD), for instance, holds workshops which focus on democracy, youth leadership, youth participation in politics and good governance, and the advantages of clean and fair elections.

Its held 9 training courses since its conception in 1998, with 50 trainees in each course. We are the first local organization which initiated such programs which encourage the youth to be more interested in politics and democracy. The outcome of there courses are many: the youth understand what real democracy is and what their roles in a democratic society are. Moreover, they learn how to deal with political problems non-violently. Their concern for society is deepened and so is their respect for human rights. They pass on this knowledge to their families and fellow youth.

More often than not, the youth who complete the courses become volunteers in NGOs such as the Youth Council of Cambodia (YCC), Khmer Youth Association, Khmer Students Association, and SMD. Incidentally, the YCC and the Watch Dog Council of Cambodia are organizations that were founded by SMD to increase the number of youths who will support liberalism and democracy in Cambodia.

The lessons learned by the youth are practised outside the workshops. During the year it was founded, one of SMD's first activities was a student and youth demonstration protesting the results of 1998 general. The government is opposed to these non-violent demonstrations but the youth persevere. Last May 1, 2006, there was a youth demonstration which was banned- however, they youth still stood by their demands that day.

Since the respect for human rights and freedom of expression are not completely enjoyed, not all initiatives which promote youth participation liberalism and youth participation in Cambodia today is conducted directly. The government still threatens those who demand for liberalism and democracy. People still have bad memories from the Pol Pot regime.

They know the reasons behind the 1997 National Assembly bomb attack which killed many demonstrators. Mr. Chea Vichea, president of Free Trade Union in 2004, was killed and Mr. Pang Sokheoun, a former president of SMD was given death threats (for protesting the rising prices of gasoline.) In the last few months of 2005 alone, several human right activists and border activists and opponents were put in prison and threatened. All of these contribute to the hesitancy of the youth in supporting pro liberal and pro democratic initiatives directly but they still show their support through other means. An example is petition-signing.

The youth support for liberalism and democracy in Cambodia today is still better than before. Youth participation- even in the face of intimidation and human rights abuses- is getting stronger. Someday, we hope Cambodia completely experiences liberalism and democracy. We know this is achievable through the youth and the organizations they support.

(taken from YLDA website)