Women's Rights Monitoring Officeinvestigations, support and protection
Women in Cambodia face numerous challenges and dangers, including gross human rights violations. Despite having ratified key human rights treaties like the Convention for the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), the Cambodian government fails to provide women who have suffered gender-based violence with critical support services. Fearing shame and further violence by their attacker, victims often do not report instances of gender-based violence. Corruption in the police and the judiciary means that perpetrators who are reported are often left unpunished. Moreover, the informal cost of forensic examinations, medical check-ups and medical certificates to be used in court are prohibitive. The courts also remain an unfriendly environment for victims of gender-based violence. In particular, prosecutors show no sensitivity to the victims' injuries and victims have no opportunity for anonymity.
What we do
The Women's Rights Monitoring Office aims to respond to the gap that exists in Cambodia to protect the rights of women. The Office's activities include:
- Identifying women's rights violations from victims, witnesses and the media
- Responding to these abuses by assisting the victim with legal intervention (requesting the police or prosecutor to investigate the case) or referring the victim to another non-governmental organization providing similar legal services
- Following up cases with authorities to ensure all relevant steps are taken to investigate and prosecute the perpetrator
- When necessary, appealing to the President of the Court to take action or to yet higher levels such as the Ministry of Justice or the Supreme Council of Magistracy
- Coordinating the provision of first aid, counseling, and other basic material support for victims through the Medical Office and Social Work Office
- Working with the Women's Rights Advocacy Office to strengthen focal point persons who educate communities on women's rights abuses, empower women to assert their rights and provide support to victims at the grassroots level
