human rights defenders etc. (see more at www. aippnet.org). Change of political landscape and culture in Cambodia. The contested July 2013 elections to Cambodia’s National Assembly showed an appetite for change in the way the country has been governed by the ruling Cambodian People’s Party. According to official preliminary results, the opposition CNRP party won 55 out of the 123 seats in the lower house of parliament, taking away at least 20 seats from the CPP. If the two parties will be able to resolve the current political deadlock and form a government, the influence of CNRP, which was very vocal about remedying land rights abuses in the country, the climate for promotion of land rights in general and IP rights specifically, could lead to accountability for rights abuses and real change on the ground. REDD+ as leverage for recognition of rights. The Cambodian Government could prove relatively open to engage in dialogue on forest rights under the REDD+ Cancun Agreement. Indigenous Peoples’ Forum as a networking and leverage platform. IFAD’s Indigenous Peoples’ Forum, a process of dialogue and consultation between representatives of IPs, IFAD staff and member states also offers a space for IP organization members to share information with each other and to promote their participation in institutional outreach and learning events. Recommendations Government Implementation of the already existing legal and policy framework. While this seems a rather obvious recommendation, it cannot be repeated enough. Secure customary land rights of “The Cambodian Government could prove relatively open to engage in dialogue on forest rights under the REDD+ Cancun Agreement.” indigenous peoples in Cambodia will never really be attainable unless and until the authorities show and exercise the political will to implement the already existing laws and policies. Regulating company behavior. Another absolutely necessary step for the promotion and protection of IP land rights is the regulation by the RGC of companies coming to invest in Cambodia as well those domiciled in the country. Protect IP territories. The authorities should take immediate steps to ensure that the territories of indigenous peoples are protected in the interim period prior to the completion of the titling of indigenous peoples’ lands required under the 2001 Land Law, including actions listed below: • Rapidly recognize the indigenous identity of people who self-identify as indigenous peoples through official census, accepting that indigenous communities may also exist within geographic villages. • Amend the Forestry Law to ensure that indigenous peoples are recognized as traditional owners and managers of the forests they have traditionally used and managed, with at least inherent co-management/ownership rights. • Ensure that no further concessions are issued or land transferred in areas with indigenous peoples, regardless of whether or not Lok Niti 41