The German Embassy has given $20,985 to support the Khmer Youth Association's (KYA)
conflict resolution and peace building project.
The purpose is to reduce violence in communities, to improve understanding of conflict,
to inform about peaceful conflict resolution and practice, and to search for the
causes of different conflicts
One hundred people (20 from each province) will be trained in Takeo, Kampong Cham,
Prey Veng, Svay Rieng and Siem Reap provinces to explain non-violent conflict resolution
to community groups, in particular village chiefs.
A German expert on conflict resolution is an advisor.
Yong Kim Eng, president of KYA said: "Although the war is over, conflict continues
in families and we believe there is a positive role for youth in reducing conflict.
People living in remote areas who get involved in civil conflicts often have to sell
their properties to pay legal costs.
"If this project is successful we will continue it next year."
Participants will have opportunities to discuss their usual conflicts so that they
can try to apply some practical ideas to their daily life.
KYA was created in 1992 with the purpose of promoting democracy and respect for human
rights.
KYA plans to create branches in Banteay Meanchey and Battambang provinces in late
2004, to focus on drug problems, because those provinces have high rates of drug
smuggling and usage which mostly impact on youth.
