Dear Editor,

The Working Group for Weapons Reduction (WGWR) would like

to extend its support to Mr David Finch in his personal efforts to challenge the

culture of violence and impunity in our country.

Mr Finch lost his wife,

Jeun Sokha, in March of this year due to stray fragments of shrapnel resulting

from a nearby brawl. Now, he seeks to bring those responsible for the death of

his wife to trial.

This case demonstrates the need for the Cambodian

government and civil society to reduce the weapons that create insecurity and

endanger to the people of this country. After almost three decades of internal

armed conflict, Cambodia has inherited a legacy of a surplus of weapons and

ammunitions, alongside a newly emerged culture of violence and

impunity.

As a coalition of local and international organizations and

individuals, WGWR works for peace and safety of all people of the society. In

this shared vision, we offer our condolences and support to Mr. David

Finch.

We hope that Jeun Sokha's death is not in vain but rather, becomes

a catalyst to transform the culture of violence in Cambodia to one of peace. By

bringing this case to trial, we hope that no longer will Cambodia tolerate the

proliferation and misuse of weapons and explosives that caused this tragedy.

- Neb Sinthay, Executive Coordinator, Working Group for Weapons Reduction