Cambodia Sets Oct. 15 as the Condolence Day for Late King-Father
The Royal Government of Cambodia decided to set Oct. 15 as the condolence day to mourn for the demise of the Late King-Father Samdech Preah Norodom Sihanouk, according to a government’s directive issued this morning.
The directive advised all ministries, public and private institutions, overseas Cambodian embassies and consulates, as well as sub-national administrations at all levels and pagodas across the country to hold solemn traditional ceremonies on Oct. 15 with a tribute to the revered former King.
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UN-HABITAT invites application to URBAN YOUTH FUND
The UN-HABITAT Urban Youth Fund will this year provide one million dollars to projects led by young people aged 15-32 years who are piloting innovative approaches to employment, good governance, shelter and secure tenure. Small development initiatives are eligible for grants ranging from $5,000 to $25,000.
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In Prison – but out of Prison, in Indonesia
The Mirror, Vol. 15, No. 701
On 16.1.2011, The Mirror carried a report about a former head of the provincial police of Ratanakiri who should be in prison – convicted for 13 years – but who was reported to have been out of prison, driving a car, and seriously injuring three persons.
The last report I had read was a claim by local officials, saying that investigations are still going on, including doubts that the convict was driving the car – contrary to the claims by several witnesses. Maybe the story will be picked up later.
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Waste not, want not
It is hard to believe that nice cloth hangers, colourful plastic chairs and small dustpans are made from empty plastic bottles, worn-out plastic sandals, and broken toys. But almost anything with a recyclable use is being put back into action at Trieu Khuc village, Tan Trieu Commune, Thanh Tri district, Hanoi.
Boeng Kak Lake Area Residents Call off Futile “Freedom Park” Demonstration
After one week, the group of residents of the Boeung Kak area facing eviction, as they request a higher compensation for their homes they are going to lose, gave up their futile demonstration in a corner of the “Freedom Park.”
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The Freedom of Expression, Granted and Regulated
The Mirror, Vol. 14, No. 691
After having published in The Mirror of last Wednesday that two groups using the newly created Freedom Park did not find it useful, a more elaborate reference to Freedom of Expression may help to clarify and to evaluate the situation.
While trying to trace related decisions and documents, some quite interesting aspects surfaced. The original UN website says:
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A Too Quick Reaction from the Government
The Mirror, Vol. 14, No. 657
“The anti-corruption law has already been adopted by the National Assembly and by the Senate of Cambodia. Therefore, after the King would have signed it, it will become valid. But what has to be remembered is that local civil society officials as well as officials of the United Nations had mentioned many shortages of the new law and criticized that the two institutions too quickly adopted the law. One problem they see is that the law requires high ranking officials of the government to declare their assets confidentially.
Listening to Husband and Wife Who Live with AIDS in Siem Reap,Talking about Difficulties to Receive Life Extending Drugs
The Mirror, Vol. 13, No. 644
“Siem Reap: A Husband and wife who live among more than 3,000 people who are also living with AIDS and are receiving life extending drugs in Siem Reap and in neighboring provinces, talked about their difficulties to receive life extending drugs at the Siem Reap referral hospital. Below is what they said:
1. Services Provided Depend on Salaries
“I and my wife received life extending drugs for free through the [French NGO] Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) since 2004 until mid 2008. After receiving these life extending drugs, I seemed to have gained hope to continue living, as I and my wife were cared for and we were offered non-discriminating services free of charge.
Justice and money
Time and again there are allegations that the court system is working but justice is not served in Cambodia because of special, unofficial payments which have an influence on the speed with which court cases are handled, and also on their outcome. Much of this appears in the form of allegations and rumors which cannot be verified easily. There is the expectation that the Anti-Corruption Unit, established in 2010, will gradually bring more light into these dark affairs.
All this is related to illegal activities.
But there are also legal activities where money has a deep influence on legal procedures. I will bring an international example.
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In Prison – but out of Prison, in Indonesia
The Mirror, Vol. 15, No. 701
On 16.1.2011, The Mirror carried a report about a former head of the provincial police of Ratanakiri who should be in prison – convicted for 13 years – but who was reported to have been out of prison, driving a car, and seriously injuring three persons.
The last report I had read was a claim by local officials, saying that investigations are still going on, including doubts that the convict was driving the car – contrary to the claims by several witnesses. Maybe the story will be picked up later.
- Read more
- 14642 reads