Stories from Phnom Penh · Cambodia

According to ministry survey data, 70.4% of surveyed journalists reported specific trends regarding press freedom. The conference focused on the theme of constructing a peaceful future and promoting press freedom for human rights, development, and security.

Cambodia's Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport has issued a directive banning the use, sale, and advertising of all tobacco products, specifically electronic cigarettes, in all educational facilities and public spaces. The government is also implementing measures to restrict the import, sale, advertising, use, production, and storage of electronic cigarette devices. These actions aim to protect public health and maintain social order. The ban applies to all educational institutions and public spaces nationwide. The directive aims to address public health concerns in urban areas facing serious pollution. The ban covers indoor and outdoor areas of central training centers, community learning centers, offices, and sports training or competition venues.

Sokha, who was arrested in 2017, faces a 27-year prison sentence. Human rights defenders stated the sentence serves to eliminate political competition following the dissolution of his party, the Cambodia People's Party (PSNC).

The United States has launched a crackdown on cybercrime operations in Southeast Asia. The initiative includes sanctions against a Cambodian senator linked to regional scams.

Giant pouched rats are being utilized to identify explosive scents to speed up landmine clearance processes. Traditional metal detection methods require investigators to carefully examine every small piece of metal to distinguish between landmines, unexploded ordnance, or mere fragments. The rats focus purely on the scent of explosives, significantly reducing the time required for detection. This method aims to improve the efficiency of identifying hazardous materials in the field. The country has set a target date of 2030 to become mine-free. Experts suggest these animals will make a contribution to achieving this goal.

A Cambodian researcher is conducting studies on Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins to address conservation concerns. The research follows the subject's academic focus on marine mammals during her undergraduate studies. The work involves observing dolphin behavior and managing photographic documentation of the species. The study is linked to Marine Conservation efforts in the region. She is one of the first Cambodians to complete a bachelor's thesis on this specific marine mammal. A fishing community of approximately 300 members has previously faced declining resources due to illegal fishing practices. The research program aims to mitigate these impacts through conservation efforts.

Cambodia is planning to implement 100,000 marine fishing structures to protect its ecosystems. Devices placed in seawater can detect temperature changes to inform citizens of conditions affecting coral reefs. The initiative involves organizations such as Marine Conservation Cambodia and Fondation Flora to combat illegal fishing and improve sanitary standards. Fish remains the second most consumed food in Cambodia after rice, facing rising local demand and prices. Local NGOs including Marine Conservation Cambodia and international organizations like Fondin Flora are collaborating on the project. Protecting the coral is prioritized due to its critical role in the local food chain. Fifth-grade students participated in pier-based inspections and reported observing live coral during their field studies. These efforts aim to prepare the country for a European Union audit scheduled for 2026.

A statue has been unveiled in Cambodia dedicated to Mugowa, a giant pouched rat used to detect landmines. According to the UN, over one million people in Cambodia continue to live on land contaminated by mines and unexploded ordnance. The rat has been recognized for saving numerous lives through its detection capabilities. A statue dedicated to Magawa, a land mine detecting rat, has been displayed in Cambodia. Magawa reportedly detected over one hundred land mines during a five-year career and received medals for saving lives. The United Nations stated that land mines remain an ongoing risk in Cambodia, where more than one million people live and work on land containing mines and unexploded ordnance. Magoa has identified more than 100 landmines during a five-year career. Magoa has received medals for his life-saving work.

Prime Minister Hun Manet has pledged to resolutely crack down on and eradicate cross-border gambling and fraud operations. He stated that these criminal activities pose a significant threat to both lives and property within the region. The crackdown aims to address the growing influence of crime syndicates operating across borders. Cambodia has established working groups aimed at increasing the suppression of online fraud. The initiative seeks to strengthen enforcement against digital scams within the country. The task forces will function under the secretariat of the anti-online fraud commission. Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet affirmed a commitment to a strong campaign against online fraud during a meeting on April 23. The Prime Minister stated the crackdown will be resolute and without compromise or safe zones for those involved.