My Two Charges

Since classes don’t begin until October 5th, for the month of September I was given the responsibility of teaching English (and piano!) to two Aspirants, Srey Mom and Sopeak. In a country where all Catholics were martyred under the Khmer Rouge, and where 95% of the population is Buddhist, I truly admire the courage that these two girls posses. In choosing to follow their religious vocation, they travel a path which neither their family nor fellow citizens will understand. The freedom of religion is one of many human rights that I took for granted in the USA. While the USA is by no means perfect, it seems so in comparison with the rampant corruption throughout Cambodia. As Cambodian lawmaker Mu Sochua testified before the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission in Washington this month, Cambodian’s judicial system operates under political intimidation.

Further, in a meeting with Hilary Clinton, Sochua noted that the US had donated $6.5 million in military equipment to the Cambodian Defense Ministry which uses intimidation tactics toward Cambodians involved in land “disputes” (or as it is more aptly named “land grabbing”). Sochua asked that future aid to Cambodia be contingent upon the country’s human rights’ practices. While Sochua stated that she feared for her safety upon returning to Cambodia, her return this week went smoothly. Sochua’s fear says much about the state of free speech within the country; I’ve repeatedly found that anytime the subject of government arises, the topic is quickly laid to rest.