Since 1993, there has been relative peace in the country, yet poverty and hunger are rife. Since the 1980s many people have lost access to forests, wetlands and agricultural fields, which are being exploited by local and foreign corporations.
ActionAid in Cambodia
ActionAid began operating in Cambodia in 1999 and launched a full country programme in 2004.
ActionAid Australia launched its first child sponsorship program in Cambodia in June 2009.
An important part of our work is helping poor people discover their rights and entitlements after years of oppression and poverty. We work with local NGOs to help strengthen rural grassroots organisations working on food security and land rights, women and health, rural and urban poverty, HIV & AIDS, and advocacy training.
Rural women generally suffer very poor health and nutrition. ActionAid Cambodia is helping to train local women health volunteers so they can identify and treat reproductive problems. We also work with local organisations to assist women who are rescued after being trafficked into the sex trade with education and vocational training.
In Cambodia, Buddhist monks are respected by all for their work teaching Buddhist principles. Many monks are now educating communities about HIV & AIDS and building support networks for infected and affected people.
"How can I be content with food given to me by poor and starving people if I cannot reach out to work with them?" said a monk in Tamaule village, where ActionAid Cambodia works.
Essential Stats
| Cambodia | Australia | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 13.9 million (2009) | 21.5 million (2009) |
| Area | 181,035 km2 | 7,703,581 km2 |
| Gross Domestic Product (GDP) | $15.27 billion (2009) | $970.6 billion (2009) |
| GDP per capita | $1094 (2009) | $44,598 (2009) |
| Human Development Index | 0.575 (2006) |
0.965 (2006) |
| Life expectancy (male/female) | 57/62 (2005-2010) | 79/84 (2005-2010) |
| Adult literacy (%) | 73.7 (2006) |
99 (1995-2005) |
Sources: IMF, UN Data, Human Development Index, UN Statistics
