Civil society organizations in Cambodia are calling for reforms to local governance, citing persistent challenges that hinder citizen engagement in public planning and budgeting. During the launch of Oxfam’s Citizen-Led Inclusive Planning and Services (CLIPS) initiative, advocates emphasized that limited access to information and a lack of transparency remain major obstacles to effective community participation.

Seng Reasey, executive director of the NGO SILAKA, noted that a lack of trust between the public and local authorities, combined with a limited understanding of legal frameworks, often discourages residents from participating in government processes. Reasey further pointed out that some citizens fear retaliation or being blamed when they raise concerns with local officials.

The push for greater inclusivity also includes the needs of vulnerable groups. Chea Bopha of the Phnom Penh Center for Independent Living reported that people with disabilities frequently face discriminatory attitudes and physical barriers when attempting to access essential services or participate in budget-planning meetings, which are often dismissed by officials as internal matters. Additionally, Bopha noted difficulties in accessing IDPoor equity cards and disability assessments.

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These concerns emerge alongside government efforts to decentralize authority. Sambathphalla Chey of the National Committee for Sub-National Democratic Development Secretariat (NCDDS) acknowledged that while funding for sub-national administrations has risen from $840 million in 2021 to $1.7 billion for 2025, the implementation of existing governance mechanisms has yet to meet expectations. He emphasized that without improved administrative capacity, the transfer of resources risks being ineffective.

The CLIPS initiative, scheduled to run from June 2026 through August 2028, aims to address these gaps by fostering more transparent and accountable local planning. The project will operate across 60 communes in 14 districts, including areas in Phnom Penh, Kampong Thom, Kampong Chhnang, Pursat, Mondulkiri, and Ratanakiri. Oxfam national director Sophoan Phean stated that the project seeks to ensure that women, youth, Indigenous communities, and people with disabilities have a meaningful voice in the decisions that impact their daily lives.

Source: CamboJA News