Close to 300 farmers from four provinces affected by longstanding land disputes marched and delivered petitions to government institutions in Phnom Penh today.

Farmers from Tbong Khmum, Svay Rieng, Sihanoukville and Kandal went to the Council of Ministers, National Assembly and the Ministry of Land Management. They called for intervention to resolve decade-long conflicts affecting the land of thousands of families which they say was grabbed by powerful individuals and corporate interests.

In a statement, they said that authorities at all levels had so-far failed to resolve the disputes which have had a devastating impact on their livelihoods. They added that community representatives have been threatened, intimidated and accused of incitement, simply for advocating on their behalf.

The march took place just four days after security forces in the north eastern province of Kratie open fired on farmers protesting a forced eviction at an Economic Land Concession, wounding several. Eight farmers were arrested.

Source by LICADHO