KAS Cambodia sought to empower Cambodians to actively engage in their country’s political and social development. A key project during this period was the “Capacity Building for Pluralistic Democratic Structures on Commune Level,” implemented in collaboration with Buddhism for Development (BFD) and the Club of Cambodian Journalists (CCJ), co-funded by the European Initiative for Democracy and Human Rights (EIDHR) and KAS Cambodia. It was a notable effort to encourage political participation among the younger generation and women, which we recognized as essential to Cambodia’s democratic future. To underline these efforts, we implemented our “Youth into Politics” and “Women into Politics” projects.
In 2011, KAS Country Director Ms. Rabea Brauer met with Cambodia’s then-Prime Minister, Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen, highlighting the foundation’s efforts to strengthen democracy, empower decentralization at the sub-national level, and improve the media and communication sector in Cambodia.
As Cambodia progressed, we broadened our activities to address critical issues related to the rule of law, human rights, and good governance. KAS Cambodia launched various educational programs, workshops, and seminars targeting local officials, legal professionals, and community leaders. These initiatives underscored the importance of human rights, legal education, and improving local governance structures. Recognizing that a top-down, centralized system was inadequate for sustainable development, KAS Cambodia became a staunch advocate for decentralization, promoting the creation of effective, democratically controlled local and regional administrative systems.
Up to this day, our renowned “Law Talk” aims at promoting an increased understanding of the international perspectives, principles and the relevance of Administrative Law, as well as a better understanding of the status of administrative law reform in Cambodia (for further information, please see Chapter 3).
The late Dr. Peter Köppinger summarized the foundation’s approach in this phase, stating, “Our development cooperation, all the efforts and funds, will not achieve sustainable progress for the people if they are not built on a foundation of good governance.”
KAS Cambodia, alongside other international development partners such as the European Community, supported the implementation of the Asia Urbs project (I, II, and III) in Cambodia. Collaborating with local authorities in Battambang and Siem Reap, this initiative aimed to improve transparency and public relations by “bringing services closer to citizens“. Key components included provincial administrative reform, taxation reform, and the creation of a master plan for Battambang and Siem Reap.
Two special pilot projects for KAS Cambodia during this period were the “One Window Service Office” (OWSO) and “Ombudsman Office (DO)”, launched in Siem Reap and Battambang provinces in 2001, in partnership with Rhein-Sieg-Kreis (a German district), Spoleto, BBJ Servis, and Cambodia’s Ministry of Interior. Between 2001 and 2004, provincial officials participated in training programs in Italy and Germany. Officially launched in 2005, the project(s) facilitated numerous services across various sectors by 2008, laying the foundation for future administrative reforms. Even after the project(s) concluded, its (their) impact continues to inspire significant improvements in local governance.
“Mr. Ny Suphann, currently serving as Chief Officer at the Ministry of Interior in Battambang City, was also among the participants who traveled to Italy and Germany for training programs in this pilot project “One Window Service Office” (OWSO) and “Ombudsman Office (DO)” organized by KAS.
KAS Cambodia also made strides in human rights advocacy, creating forums for dialogue between local officials and international experts. One significant event was the “Seminar on Human Rights and the Rule of Law at the Local Level,” which addressed decentralization, deconcentration policies, and communal representation. Held to commemorate International Human Rights Day, the seminar featured the Acting Head of State, H.E. Samdech Chea Sim, and focused on how decentralization policies were shaping the rule of law in Cambodia.
At the provincial level, we worked to prevent and address human rights violations. Through capacity-building workshops in partnership with BFD, KAS helped establish committees in 13 communes, particularly in the Sangker and Rotanak Mondol districts of Battambang. These committees supported Commune Councils in managing village conflicts and addressing human rights issues.
Our commitment to fostering freedom of speech and enhancing Cambodia’s media landscape led to the establishment of the Department of Media and Communication (DMC) at the Royal University of Phnom Penh in 2001, with support from Cambodian Minister H.E. Khieu Kanharith. KAS Cambodia also contributed to the development of the curriculum, provided funding and media infrastructure, including a computer lab as well as a radio and TV studio. This department became a vital training ground for future Cambodian journalists, offering students internships with both local and international news outlets which KAS Cambodia supports and closely collaborates with to this day.
The official launching of the new computer lab, radio studio and TV studio with the support from Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung Cambodia. With the honour of Mr. Som Ratana, Vice Rector of the RUPP, Dr. Daniel Schmuecking, Country Director of KAS Cambodia and DMC students and staff. 2019
