at different levels of the government, they are generally not very vocal about the indigenous peoples’ agenda. While the ruling Cambodian People’s Party is behind the passing of the laws and regulations stipulating communal land rights of indigenous peoples, it seems to lack the political will to ensure that these laws are respected and implemented. The leading opposition party, CNRP, was very vocal about land issues, including “land grabs“ in Cambodia, during its election campaign in 2013. Land rights were very much a present issue during the speeches of opposition leader Sam Rainsy, who repeatedly called for an end to land grabs and promised to rescue Cambodia’s forests and natural resources. Local government Provincial Governors. Under a 2001 Joint Circular of the Ministries of Interior and of Land Management, Urban Planning and Construction, provincial governors are responsible for issuing interim protection letters each time a community files an application for a communal land title. The provincial/municipal and srok/khan Cadastral Offices. These Cadastral offices implement all instructions issued by the Central Cadastral Administration. Customary/traditional authorities. Traditional authorities tend to have some variation across different communities but generally are composed of a chief elder (mé kântreanh) who derives his authority from the local village spirits. The mé kântreanh advises on customs, ceremonies and sacrifices, while sub-elders lead dispute resolution cases based on their knowledge of customary law and their reputation. Local authorities in general. One of the key roles of all local authorities is to support the efforts of IP communities in securing their land tenure and manage their natural resources. However, it is allegedly the authorities at the local level that are most often obstructing/hindering the achievement of land rights by IPs. Village and commune chiefs are often accused of colluding with the authorities higher up in the levels of command, as well as the companies involved with ELCs and other powerful actors. Donor agencies and international institutions The relevant financial institutions with policies and/or safeguards on indigenous peoples’ rights include: the World Bank (WB), the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the International Financial Corporation (IFC). Private sector The adverse impacts of the private sector activities are felt very strongly and continuously by the IPs across Cambodia. According to rights groups, three quarters of Cambodia’s total arable land mass is leased to private companies via ELCs. It is estimated that land grabbing through ELCs has affected 400,000 Cambodians in twelve provinces since 2003. Private enterprises operating in Cambodia often fail to carry out an ESIA prior to beginning their projects and fail to properly consult the indigenous communities that stand to be adversely affected by their operations. Civil Society and Social Movements Indigenous Rights Active Members (IRAM), which was formed in 2003, is the key indigenous peoples network in Cambodia. This is an informal Lok Niti 33

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