CAMBODIA
This post aims to pay homage to those who risk their lives and leave everything behind – including their own families – to defend their most basic rights. A summary of some of the 2012 Human & Land rights related events in Cambodia – part of my long term project on land rights and housing conditions.
Through this project, I’ve had the opportunity to meet the most amazing and inspiring people. I have also had the chance to witness staggering moments of joy, despair and frustration.
I truly hope 2013 brings some better news for those millions of people around the world whose basic rights have been undermined.
Happy 2013
Two children stare at the giant burning SOS sign part of a demonstration aiming to get the ASEAN leaders’ attention to the land and human rights issues in Cambodia. ©Erika Pineros 2012
Nget Khun, 72, a Boeung Kak protester stands in front of the police barricade in support of imprisoned Bopha and Sakmony near the Appeals Court in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. © Erika Pineros 2012
Tep Vanny, one of the most prominent Boeung Kak protesters, cries as she finds out Bopha was sentenced to three years in jail. ©Erika Pineros 2012
A police barricade faces the burning offerings part of a ceremony aiming to curse officials after Bopha’s three-year sentence. ©Erika Pineros 2012
A supporter of 71 y/o journalist Mam Sonando, prays and releases lotus flowers petals calling for Sonando’s immediate release. Sept 13 2012. ©Erika Pineros 2012
Land rights activists Yorm Bopha and Toem Sakmony arrive at the Appeal Court in Phnom Penh after over 2 months under pre0-trial detention. Nov 07 2012 © Erika Pineros 2012
Mother of landrights activist Bopha, lays on the road in tears as she learns the Bopha’s and Sakmony’s bail have been denied by the court Phnom Penh. ©Erika Pineros 2012
A young Muslim girl from a Cham minority fishing community, which faces eviction – paddles her houseboat in the Tonle Sap river. Phnom Penh, Cambodia. ©Erika Pineros 2012
Children play volleyball at Phnom Bat relocation site. Over 300 families were forcefully relocated after being evicted from Borei Keila in Phnom Penh. Almost a year later, residents continue to live under ‘refugee-camp’ conditions. ©Erika Pineros 2012
A Boeung Kak resident waves a Cambodian flag aiming to get attention from ASEAN leaders gathered at the Peace Palace building, which faces the former lake. ©Erika Pineros 2012
Children play with the balloons released by demonstrators carrying welcome and SOS messages for president Obama and Hillary Clinton. ©Erika Pineros 2012
The 13 Boeung Kak women – convicted for occupying state land and obstructing public officials for over a month – were received at their community with a massive party by their fellow villagers. June 27 2012 ©Erika Pineros 2012
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