Sopheap Chak

The European Union Visitors Programme (EUVP) visit helped me to understand the European Union better; its structures and way of working were well introduced, and it provided a great opportunity for interactions with different actors within the EU institutions themselves as well as with other counterparts based in Brussels.

In addition, the programme also made it possible to make acquaintance with other fellow EUVP visitors of whom some were from different regions to mine and some with different concerns and policy outlook. In that way, we could also learn and get inspiration from one another. It was a welcome opportunity to meet with other young people across the globe and exchange views on areas of mutual concern or entire different areas of interest

The visit was indeed very relevant given the nature of the organization I represent in my capacity as Executive Director for the Cambodian Center for Human Rights (CCHR). CCHR is one of the leading human rights organizations in Cambodia and works for the promotion and protection of human rights and democracy. It empowers various communities not only human rights defenders, but also indigenous groups, youth, women and LGBTIQ people, giving them the knowledge and tools to advocate for their rights.

The interactions with different actors in the EU allowed me to exchange views, inform of the situation and efforts to advance human rights in my region of the world and in particular as what comes to my own country.

Working in the somewhat restricted civil society field in Cambodia presents a range of challenges, as civil society organizations (CSOs) frequently are subject to intimidation and harassment for their work.

In 2005, just after a month of my enrollment with CCHR, Mr Kem Sokha, the founder and former president of CCHR, was arrested as part of a string of government crackdowns on dissenting voices. Witnessing Sokha’s arrest first hand solidified my commitment to work in human rights and the need to amplify the fight for democracy and fundamental freedoms in Cambodia. Since this pivotal moment, we worked on several campaigns for the release of imprisoned human rights activists, assisted in organizing non-violent marches to preserve political space, campaigned for the protection of fundamental rights, and argued that defamation within the Criminal Code should not be misused to unfairly punish free speech.

One of our largest challenges as an organization was in November 2017 when Cambodian Center for Human Rights (CCHR) faced direct threats from Prime Minister Hun Sen. The Prime Minister ordered the Ministry of Interior to investigate and shut down our organization due to our prior affiliation with the opposition politician Mr Kem Sokha, who as mentioned above, is also the founder of CCHR. CCHR responded by releasing a public statement reiterating our independence from all political parties and our firm commitment to human rights principles. A week later, the Prime Minister retracted his announcement and allowed CCHR to continue its operation, stating that the investigation found no wrongdoing.

The restricted environment that civil society organisations such as CCHR operate in, which includes intimidation and harassment such as this, and frequent interference, makes it very difficult for us to effectively do our jobs. Despite this, we continue to operate with strength and integrity, enabling the organization and its staff to remain principled and optimistic.

I have been the Executive Director of Cambodian Center for Human Rights (CCHR) for nine years now, maintaining operations in line with CCHR’s mission and values but simultaneously keeping the organization up to date and relevant to ensure it can achieve its goal of promoting and protecting human rights in Cambodia. Although there have been challenges due to the narrowed civic space in Cambodia in past years, I continue to lead CCHR with strength and integrity, enabling the organization and its staff to remain principled and optimistic throughout challenging times including the investigation and threat of closure in 2017 and the Covid-19 pandemic.

I have been trying to always remain principled and treat people with respect. It is important to be principled in our actions, both internally and externally. It is important to know clearly our mandate and be ready to walk through fire for it and fight for it, regardless of the mainstream or those that may not align with our principled position. It is dangerous to apply a populist approach; it is stronger in the long term to take principled stand for what we believe in. It is also important to show respect by listening more to those who need us to hear, seeking to understand their issues, and having meaningful conversations with them so we can create just solutions.

I believe to be a shining example of what it takes to be a female leader in a deep-rooted patriarchal society. As a woman in leadership, I embody a new generation of Cambodian leaders who believe in social justice and human rights. My success empowers younger generations of women and girls and illustrates that women can challenge the stereotypical gender-biased leadership dynamic. As with many great leaders, my passion for progress plays out in all aspects of my life and I am an idealistic role model for women across the world.

Under my leadership, CCHR has extended its advocacy efforts beyond merely civil and political rights to focus on inner peace through the mental health support both internally and externally within the organization’s work. Internally, CCHR has allocated time and provisions to support the mental health and wellbeing of its staff members through wellness yoga, football, meditation, and team building activities. I believe that with inner peace, we build strength, courage, and a conducive approach on the path to strive for better human rights respect and protection.

The sustainability of this inner peace has been realized and extended through CCHR’s holistic Human Rights Defenders (“HRDs”) protection mechanisms which include legal advice and representation, security support, humanitarian support, and most importantly, psychological support for HRDs, women HRDs, journalists, union leaders, LGBTIQ activists, and community advocates. CCHR rolled out this program to communities spanning across Cambodia and it has had a significant, positive impact on women HRDs and LGBTIQ persons.

Be who you are and pursue your dreams. Bend for them if you need to. Young leaders are an advantage because they are to more dynamic and full of potential. Actively participating in the society as the agent of change for the better. It is a matter of time, sometimes it may seem slow, but we keep hoping and keep doing our role. We need to respect each other’s roles that is in my opinion crucial. Do your role, respect each other’s role and find a way to collaborate to improve the development of your own country and the world.

The interview took place in January 2023

The opinions expressed by the EUVP distinguished Alumna on the Wall of Fame do not necessarily reflect the official EU position.