Embracing Civil Society as a Valued Partner

By William E. Todd / The Cambodia Herald | 30 March 2014

I recently returned from a visit to Washington, D.C., and when I discussed the state of Cambodia’s democracy with colleagues back home, they often remarked how impressed they were with the strength and vibrancy of civil society here.  Within Cambodia, I believe there is widespread appreciation for the significant contributions that civil society makes to the country.  This week Sokha wrote, “I read in the newspaper that some officials want a new law to ensure the neutrality of NGOs.  In your opinion, what is the proper relationship between government and civil society?”

I believe that civil society is an invaluable partner for every government.  Here in Cambodia, there are more than 3,000 civil society organizations – large and small, local and international – working for the good of Cambodian society and its people.  The Royal Government deserves praise for creating the conditions that have allowed these organizations to flourish, which has played a vital role in the country’s development over the past two decades.  Looking at the history of the United States, as well as the collective experience of other democratic and prosperous societies, it is easy to discern the indispensable role that civil society plays in creating the conditions for a nation’s success.  Government alone cannot deliver social and economic progress that is broad-based and sustainable; advancement also requires a thriving civil society that empowers citizens to hold their government accountable and play an active role in finding innovative solutions that improve people’s lives.  When civil society is strong, citizens are strong, and ultimately, the country is strong.  

When President Obama appealed to world leaders to stand up for civil society at a United Nations roundtable discussion last year, he specifically mentioned civil society’s role in helping Cambodia to heal after the devastating period of Khmer Rouge rule and civil upheaval.  Supporting civil society groups in Cambodia remains just as important today.  In particular, the ongoing political impasse has delayed the seating of a legislature that fully represents the will of Cambodia’s citizens, making civil society all the more important as a channel for citizens to participate in and influence government policy making.  

There have been worrying signs, however, that the space for Cambodian civil society to operate freely and effectively could be under threat.  In their latest meetings on electoral reforms, the two major political parties agreed to discuss the “neutrality of NGOs,” which many observers fear could eventually lead to an effort to limit these organizations’ vital work.  I strongly believe that any effort to restrict the independence of NGOs would be a major step backward in Cambodia’s democratic development, especially as it relates to election monitoring.  Since 1993, civil society groups have served an indispensable function in Cambodia by monitoring elections, and the Royal Government has rightly provided the space for such groups to operate freely.  The important work of these organizations is critical to building voter confidence in the electoral process.  Compromising their ability to function independently would create even more uncertainty about the fairness of the electoral process – a major cause of the current political crisis.  

Given the urgent need to press forward with genuine reforms that will improve the electoral process, debating the role of civil society groups, which have a long and distinguished record of making important contributions to the lives of millions of Cambodians, is an unnecessary distraction for the country.  Therefore, I urge the two parties to focus their attention on pursuing the numerous recommendations that have been made by election experts to improve Cambodia’s voter registration process, voters list, and electoral dispute resolution mechanisms, as well as to ensure the independent role of the National Election Committee.  

There is no doubt that a durable solution to the current impasse will require the broad support of Cambodia’s citizens, and demonstrating a commitment to a free and unfettered civil society is a concrete way to help restore public trust and confidence in the political process.  Restricting civil society, on the other hand, would only engender more fear and distrust, worsening prospects for finding a long-lasting solution that enjoys genuine public support.   

The United States government stands firmly with civil society.  Our foreign policy is grounded in the belief that a freely functioning civil society is necessary in achieving true democratic governance and broad-based prosperity.  Going forward, the U.S. Embassy will maintain its close collaboration with civil society on a host of programs that improve the lives of the Cambodian people, and I will continue to rely on the advice and expertise of my NGO Advisory Council.  I will also continue to encourage Cambodia’s political leaders to embrace civil society as a valued partner in solving the challenges facing the country.   

Thank you very much for giving me this opportunity to discuss this important topic.  Please continue to send me your questions at AskAMBToddPP@state.gov  and leave comments on my blog at http://blogs.usembassy.gov/todd.  

William E. Todd  is U.S. Ambassador to the Kingdom of Cambodia