65 Furthermore, Article 2 of the Sub-Decree on Forest Concession Management (2000) requests a “regular consultation with, and participation by, local communities and other relevant stakeholders in the development of concession management.” Immediate outcomes Land disputes have become a serious and persistent issue in Cambodia. In response to unrest, the government stopped leasing large plots to privatesector investors a few years ago. Earlier land deals, however, are still causing tensions. Cambodia is one of the least developed countries in Southeast Asia. According to the Asian Development Bank (ADB), 14 percent of the people live below the poverty line today. They have a purchasing power of equals less than $ 1.25 per head, per day. Affected communities have staged many rallies in Phnom Penh, hoping that the government would solve their problems. Villagers have also invited policymakers from the National Assembly, the Senate and relevant ministries to intervene (Sun, 2017). MECHANISMS TO ADDRESS CONFLICT AND VIOLENCE Available formal and informal land conflict resolution and management mechanisms Legal, administrative, and judicial mechanisms. There are five dispute resolution mechanisms to address land-related conflicts stemming from land-grabs and ELCs: 1) the Commune Councils; 2) the Administrative Committees; 3) the Cadastral Commission; 4) the National Authority for Land Dispute Resolution (NARLD); and, 5) the court system. Commune Councils. The Commune Councils “reconcile differences of opinion” among citizens of communes, but do not have power to make decisions (Sub-Decree No. 22 ANK/BK). While not a prerequisite, in practice most cases are heard before Commune Councils before going on to higher levels. Although the Administrative Committees lack power to n n Cambodia Land Conflict Monitoring Report requires concessionaires to make sure their operations do not interfere with “customary user rights taking place on land property of an indigenous community that is registered with the State consistent with the Land Law; and customary access and user rights practiced by communities residing within, or adjacent to forest concessions” (Article 15, Forestry Law).

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