ANNUAL REPORT 2012-2013 TOGETHER AGAINST CORRUPTION
Transparency International Cambodia Transparency International Cambodia (TI Cambodia) is a global civil society organisation working to combat corruption, promote integrity and increase transparency in Cambodia. TI Cambodia works with individuals and institutions at all levels from government, civil society, business, media and the wider public to promote transparency and accountability in areas such as public administration, procurement and the private sector. TI Cambodia is an official chapter of Transparency International which is a global movement of more than 100 national chapters worldwide sharing one vision: a world in which government, business, civil society and the daily lives of people are free of corruption. This report entitled “Annual Report 2012-2013: Together Against Corruption” gives a detailed overview of each of TI Cambodia’s programmes covering the four financial quarters from October 2012 to September 2013.
Acknowledgements This annual report was made possible by the generous support from the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade—Australian Aid, the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA) and the Transparency International Secretariat (TI Secretariat). In addition, the report also includes information on activities implemented with the support of the Canadian Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI), Global Integrity and the National Democratic Institute for International Affairs (NDI).
Contact Information Transparency International Cambodia #9B, Street 466, Sangkat Tunle Bassac, Khan Chamkarmorn, 12301 Phnom Penh, Kingdom of Cambodia Phone: (+855) 023 214 430 info@ticambodia.org www.ticambodia.org www.facebook.com/ticambodia
Table of Contents List of Abbreviations………………………………………………………………………… ii Executive Summary…………………………………………………………………………. iii
1. Introduction………………………………………………………………………………… 1 1.1 Overview of the Cambodian Context…………………………………………… 1 1.2 Transparency International Cambodia: Strategic Plan……………………….. 2 2. Research and Advocacy Programme…………………………………………………. 3 2.1 National Integrity System Assessment ………………………………………… 3 2.2 Youth Integrity Survey……………………………………………………………. 5 2.3 Online Resource Library…………………………………………………………. 5 3. Partnership and Coalition Building Programme…………………………………… 6 3.1 Partnership and Coalition Building with Civil Society Organisations……….. 6 3.2 Forums and Working Groups……………………………………………………. 8 3.3 National Anti-Corruption Conference…………………………………………… 9 3.4 Private Sector Engagement……………………………………………………. 9 4. Citizens and Youth Engagement Programme………………………………………. 11 4.1 Advocacy and Legal Advice Centre…………………………………………… 11 4.2 Anti-Corruption Pledge Signing Ceremony……………………………………12 4.3 Collaboration with the Anti-Corruption Unit…………………………………... 12 4.4 Media Engagement……………………………………………………….. ……. 15 4.5 Youth Engagement Activities…………………………………………………… 15 5. Internal Governance and Capacity Building Programme…………………........... 20 5.1 Financial Overview………………………………………………………………. 21 6. Conclusions……………………………………………………………………………….. 22
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List of Abbreviations ACU
Anti-Corruption Unit
ALAC
Advocacy and Legal Advice Centre
BIP
Business Integrity Programme
CCC
Cooperation Committee for Cambodia
CCIM
Cambodian Centre for Independent Media
CHRAC
Cambodian Human Rights Action Committee
CISA
Coalition for Integrity and Social Accountability
MoEYS
Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport
MoU
Memorandum of Understanding
NACC
National Anti-Corruption Conference
NGO
Non-Governmental Organisation
NISA
National Integrity System Assessment
TI
Transparency International
UNCAC
United Nations Convention Against Corruption
YETI
Youth Empowerment for Transparency and Integrity
YIS
Youth Integrity Survey
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Executive Summary Despite efforts made by the Royal Government of Cambodia to reduce corruption, Cambodia remains one of the most corruption nations in the world. In order to combat corruption, promote integrity and increase transparency in Cambodia, Transparency International Cambodia (TI Cambodia) has developed the three-year strategic plan, “Together Against Corruption.” This annual report covers the work of TI Cambodia’s four programmes during the fiscal year October 2012-September 2013.
Research and Advocacy Programme The Research and Advocacy Programme successfully completed all 13-pillar reports of the National Integrity System Assessment (NISA). While conducting the NISA, the programme has already engaged 100 external stakeholders through meetings and interviews. Stakeholders included high-level representatives from the Government, NGOs, private sector and UN agencies. The report will be released on schedule and during the next fiscal year, initiatives will be created based on the NISA’s findings and results. In addition, the team has also started planning the Youth Integrity Survey and has made significant progress on completing the preliminary design of TI Cambodia’s Online Resource Library. Partnership and Coalition Building Programme The Partnership and Coalition Building Programme has successfully engaged over 200 NGOs in the fight against corruption through partnerships with notable umbrella organisations such as the Coalition for Integrity and Social Accountability (CISA) and the Cooperation Committee of Cambodia (CCC). In addition, the programme has represented TI Cambodia on a number of working groups and forums—providing the organisation with the opportunity to contribute valuable inputs and recommendations towards the national anti-corruption agenda. Preparations are also under way for TI Cambodia’s annual National Anti-Corruption Conference (NACC). This year’s NACC will focus on corruption in the education sector and is scheduled for December 2013. In order to further engage with the private sector, the Business Integrity Programme (BIP) has also recently been launched. A textile company in Siem Reap has already agreed to conduct a pilot BIP project and additional companies are currently being recruited. Citizens and Youth Engagement Programme In order to empower citizens to make and pursue corruption related complaints and speak up against corruption, the Citizens and Youth Engagement Programme
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established the Advocacy and Legal Advice Centre (ALAC) in September 2013. In addition, the programme also hosted a high-level anti-corruption pledge signing ceremony in the lead up to the 2013 national elections—bringing political parties together in a call to end nepotism, abuse of public power and neglect of rule of law. As a result of activities and campaigns conducted with the ACU, particularly the National Anti-Corruption Day on 9 December 2012, at least 2,900 people have become more aware of the causes and effects of corruption on the nation. In addition, the Citizens and Youth Engagement Programme also utilised the media to disseminate anti-corruption messages and has engaged more than 5,000 youths in organised initiatives such as youth camps and trainings. Internal Governance and Capacity Building Programme TI Cambodia’s Internal Governance and Capacity Building Programme has successfully ensured the effectiveness and accountability of the organisation’s operations and expenditures. Although TI Cambodia is a fairly new organisation, the programme has successfully mobilised qualified board members and staff. In addition, the capacities of board members and staff have been enhanced and TI Cambodia is expected to become the fully accredited national chapter of the TI Secretariat in 2014.
TOGETHER AGAINST CORRUPTION
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1. Introduction 1.1 Overview of the Cambodian Context To understand the corruption situation in Cambodia one needs to look back at its recent history and conflict, which had a profound impact on the current governance and leadership. Emerging from a prolonged civil war and political turmoil that lasted for more than two decades, Cambodia slowly embraced both political and economic reform in the 1990s. For the first time, the country opened its doors to allow democratisation to take shape through the first national election under the supervision of the United Nations Transitional Authority of Cambodia, and has cautiously integrated itself into the global free market economy. However, two decades on, Cambodia is still considered as one of the poorest countries in the region and the world. The poverty gap is widening rapidly. Human Rights violations and social injustices are among the most highlighted issues in recent years, which need to be urgently addressed. Regardless of the amount of money placed in governance reform by the international community and multi-national donors, democracy and rules of law have not fully taken root. The poor and the most vulnerable groups are being victimised by the most wealthy and powerful political elites in the name of the country’s economic reform and development. Military conflict, limited market and economic reforms along with the reluctance of leaders to allow a proper democracy to take shape have all contributed to the corrupt environment. Corruption has blossomed in Cambodia over the last two decades. Corruption is systemic, organised and rooted deeply in the national institutions of Cambodia. It is so widespread that citizens consider it to be a way of life for survival and wealth. In spite of the Royal Government of Cambodia’s efforts to curb corrupt practices in recent years, Cambodia remains one of the most graft-ridden countries in South East Asia. The Transparency International Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) for 2012 has ranked Cambodia number 157 out of 176 countries. In this measure, Cambodia scored 22 out of 100, where 0 means that a country is perceived as highly corrupt and 100 means it is perceived as very clean. This CPI ranking places Cambodia as one of the most corrupt nations in the world. For poor and ordinary citizens corruption is a means for survival, yet for some political elites and tycoons corruption is a mean to political survival and wealth. Cambodia ratified the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC) in 2007 and some efforts have been made to reduce corruption. Although it took more than a decade to pass the Anti-Corruption Law with limited authority and independence to reinforce this law, the Government has shown positive commitments to improve social accountability, promote transparency and reduce corruption. The Anti-Corruption Unit
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(ACU) was established in 2010 with an objective to combat corruption through education, prevention, and law enforcement, with public participation and support alongside international cooperation. Some levels of constructive engagement has been initiated by the ACU with civil society organisations, including TI Cambodia and Pact Cambodia, working on anti-corruption awareness campaigns to educate and engage citizens in the fight against corruption.
1.2 Transparency International Cambodia: Strategic Plan To promote transparency, social justice and to reduce corruption, TI Cambodia has developed the three-year strategic plan, Together Against Corruption, which aims to achieve the following goals: § § § §
Diagnose the root causes of corruption Identify strengths and weaknesses of good governance foundations Create a social movement against corruption through coalitions and partnerships Create demand for social justice from citizens and youth
TI Cambodia’s mission is to work together with individuals and institutions at all levels to achieve these aims and reduce corruption in Cambodia. With some levels of cooperation and support from the Government, TI Cambodia has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the ACU to jointly implement awareness-raising campaigns and engage citizens in the fight against corruption. TI Cambodia has also begun working with civil society organisations, media groups and the private sector to promote integrity and reduce corruption. People’s voices and collective demands are the core foundation of good governance and democracy. Although Cambodia is officially pronounced as a democratic country under constitutional monarchy, the system of checks and balances has long been compromised and corruption is one of the root causes that destroyed this system. TI Cambodia’s ultimate goal is to create a strong social movement against corruption by means of education, advocacy and constructive engagement with the people and all relevant stakeholders to demand for improved accountability and social justice. To realise this ambition, TI Cambodia is currently implementing four strategic programmes from 2012 to 2015—the Research and Advocacy Programme, Partnership and Coalition Building Programme, Citizens and Youth Engagement Programme and the Internal Governance and Capacity Building Programme. The following report gives a detailed overview of each of TI Cambodia’s programmes covering October 2012 to September 2013.
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2. Research and Advocacy Programme Although corruption is a well-known phenomenon affecting the lives of millions of people around the world, the likelihood of people discussing it openly depends on the availability of resources and information about the topic. Despite being one of the most corrupt countries in Southeast Asia, the current understanding of corruption in Cambodia is often limited to anecdotal stories and personal experiences. In the aim of gathering reliable data, fostering dialogue and developing new projects, the Research and Advocacy Programme of TI Cambodia is conducting in-depth research on corruption and anti-corruption efforts within the country.
2.1
National Integrity System Assessment (NISA)
The NISA is a methodology adapted by the TI Secretariat in Berlin, Germany that offers a comprehensive evaluation of the principle institutions of governance responsible for enhancing integrity and preventing corruption in Cambodia. The NISA is on target to be published in the second quarter of the second fiscal year (2013-2014) and the research team has successfully drafted all 13-pillar reports. The 13 pillar report focus on the following areas: Legislature, Executive, Judiciary, Political Parties, Media, National Election Committee, National Audit Authority, AntiCorruption Unit, Ombudsman, Public Sector, Law Enforcement Agencies, Civil Society and Business. The NISA categorically analyses each pillar in terms of its individual capacity, internal governance, and specific contributions towards the improvement of governance and anti-corruption in the country.
The 13-pillars of governance responsible for enhancing integrity and preventing corruption
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To date, the TI Secretariat has provided feedback on all 13-pillar reports and the research team is in the process of reviewing the report based on feedback from the TI Secretariat as well as Advisory Group members, TI Cambodia Senior Management and interviewees. Approximately 80 interviews for the NISA have been successfully undertaken. Interviewees included a diverse sample of relevant stakeholders and encompassed senior staff members from across the assessed government ministries as well as members from the business, media, civil society, academic and the donor community. However, the lack of information provided by the national institutions involved posed some challenges on the research process. Nonetheless, the Research and Advocacy Programme has already engaged 100 external stakeholders through meetings, interviews, the Advisory Group and the Political Will Analysis Group. Upon completion, at least 300 hard copies of the report will be distributed to relevant stakeholders including national counterparts and individuals in order for them to develop clear evidence based anti-corruption advocacy. Based on the findings and results of NISA, at least two initiatives will be created in partnerships to advocate against corruption Research Timeline: •
In October 2012, the Research and Advocacy Programme was trained by the TI Secretariat on the NISA’s research methodology and framework.
•
In December 2012, the First Political Will Analysis Meeting was conducted. Five key external stakeholders from various sectors were successfully engaged. The meeting aimed to develop key recommendations and an internal advocacy strategy with trusted allies.
•
In February 2013, The First Advisory Group Meeting was successfully launched. The meeting engaged 12 individuals from across society, including representatives from academia, civil society, government, the private sector and the international donor community. This first meeting enabled the advisory group members to give TI Cambodia feedback on the NISA methodology and adapt the framework to the local context.
•
In September 2013, The Second Political Will Analysis Meeting was held. Building off of the preliminary meeting, 15 stakeholders attended the second meeting—demonstrating the increased interest generated for the NISA.
•
The Second Advisory Group Meeting is scheduled to take place in November 2013 in order to share preliminary findings and validate the scores of all 13-pillar reports. In addition, a National Integrity Workshop is also scheduled for
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November, in order to consult with all relevant stakeholders and receive their feedback on the pillar reports.
Members attend the First NISA Advisory Group Meeting in February 2013
2.2
Youth Integrity Survey (YIS)
During May 2013, all research team staff members attended training on the use of the analytical software: Statistical Package for the Social Sciences. This training will help prepare the team for the quantitative analysis associated with the YIS. In addition, the Research and Advocacy Programme Manager attended capacity building meetings in Hanoi with Towards Transparency Vietnam, learning more about YIS project planning and implementation, as well as advocacy activities around the project once it has been completed. The TI Secretariat has agreed to provide technical support on the quality assurance without charge. The research team will liaise with TI Cambodia’s Youth Engagement Project Team for capacity building and the mobilisation of youth to collect data in the field.
2.3
Online Resource Library
The TI Cambodia Online Resource Library will provide a comprehensive collection of the research related to corruption and anti-corruption within Cambodia. The resources will primarily consist of reports, studies, surveys and anti-corruption tools. Thus far, the research team has gathered and organised 40 credible sources to upload to the online resource library. Discussions are underway regarding the platform presentation and how best to organise and tag resources. A preliminary design has been created and the online-resource library is scheduled to be publicly available by the third quarter of the second fiscal year (2013-2014).
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3. Partnership and Coalition Building Programme Combating corruption requires not only political will and actions from the Government but also the collective engagement of all relevant stakeholders. TI Cambodia’s Partnership and Coalition Building Programme works together with individuals and institutions at all levels of the government, media, civil society organisations and the private sector to jointly promote integrity and reduce corruption. The programme aims to build a network across the nation to collectively take action against corruption and mobilise forces to create a strong social movement.
3.1
Partnership and Coalition Building with Civil Society Organisations
Over the past year, TI Cambodia has formed partnerships and coalitions with a number of key partners. Through these new partnerships, over 200 NGOs have joined the organisation’s Anti- Corruption Movement: Cambodian Human Rights Action Committee (CHRAC) TI Cambodia signed a MoU with the CHRAC on 21 May 2013. CHRAC is a leading NGO coalition, which consists of 23 NGO members working on human rights defence and reform of the national judiciary. Under the joint partnership, TI Cambodia and CHRAC will work together in order to promote the integrity and transparency of the judicial system. Coalition for Integrity and Social Accountability (CISA) TI Cambodia signed a cooperative agreement and established a joint work plan with CISA on 25 January 2013. CISA is a coalition of 33 NGOs who mostly work at the grassroots and community level to promote integrity and social accountability. The support and cooperation with CISA aims at strengthening the capacity of CISA— particularly the coordination role and technical support that the coalition offers to its member organisations. In addition, TI Cambodia also supported CISA members at the grassroots to strengthen their capacity and knowledge to fight corruption more effectively. In July 2013, CISA and TI Cambodia were accredited by the National Election Committee to observe the 2013 National Elections on 28 July. By utilising CISA’s extensive network, 906 nonpartisan election observers were successfully recruited from 19 provinces. Following recruitment, CISA also played a valuable role in coordinating, training and supervising the selected observers. The election observers were deployed to a sample of randomly selected polling stations throughout the country—gathering information on the election environment as well as the voting and counting process. The results of the election observation were published in the report, ‘Final Election Observation Report on Cambodia’s 2013 National Election.’ The report was launched on 19 September 2013 with more than 100 participants in attendance.
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The followings are several of the key activities achieved by CISA and its members through both the financial and technical support of TI Cambodia: •
1, 481 likes were added to CISA’s Facebook page after the organisation began posting online anti-corruption messages
•
An anti-corruption training on complaint mechanism was conducted for all CISA NGO members in order to enhance their capacity and knowledge on complaint procedure at the grassroots level
•
Two youth workshops, engaging 129 youth, were conducted in Takeo and Svay Rieng province to enhance youth understanding of good governance, transparency, and social accountability.
•
10 joint press releases on corruption related issues, good governance and election monitoring findings were issued with coalition members such as the Cambodian Centre for Independent Media (CCIM), CHRAC and the Committee for Free and Fair Elections (COMFREL).
TI Cambodia and CISA sign a cooperative agreement in January 2013 Cooperation Committee for Cambodia (CCC) TI Cambodia signed a MoU with CCC on 1 March 2013 aiming at enhancing partnership and implementing joint activities to promote transparency and good governance. CCC consists of 145 civil society organisations, which includes a diverse group of NGOs and INGOs. TI Cambodia and CCC initiated a joint work plan and the implementation will be commencing in the first quarter of the second fiscal year.
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3.2
Forums and Working Groups
TI Cambodia has been assigned to a number of working groups through which the organisation uses as a platform and opportunity to contribute inputs and recommendations to promote the anti-corruption agenda. Access to Information Working Group TI Cambodia is a member of the Access to Information Working Group, which is led by the Advocacy and Policy Institute. The purpose of the working group is to advocate for the adoption of the Access to Information Law. As part of its advocacy campaign, TI Cambodia is working with all partners to collect at least 25,000 thumbprints for a petition to push for the endorsement of the Right to Information Law. TI Cambodia and the Advocacy and Policy Institute are planning to conduct another round of consultations with parliamentarians in the near future. The NGO version of the draft law is now completed and being consulted with by all key stakeholders for comments, feedback and endorsement. Open Budget Survey Working Group Based on the recommendations of the 2010 Open Budget Survey Report, which found Cambodia to have one of the world’s least transparent budgets, a technical working group was established to advocate the Government for increased budget transparency. TI Cambodia is a member of this working group and assisted the NGO Forum on Cambodia in jointly organising the launch of the Open Budget Survey Workshop on 14 September 2013. The first meeting was called in order to brainstorm and discuss the strategy and roadmap for the working group. Political Finance Forum TI Cambodia attended a Political Finance Forum, which was organised by several NGOs including TI Cambodia’s partners CISA and COMFREL. The forum was created to provide a platform where citizens and parliamentarians could discuss and debate the presence and importance of political finance laws. The key objective of this forum was to reduce the involvement of politicians in committing corruption during political activities and campaigns Public Forum on Policy Dialogue Ahead of the July 2013 National Elections, TI Cambodia joined with other NGOs to organise a Public Forum on Policy Dialogue. The forum was held to bring together all political parties running in the national elections in order to present their policies and platforms on good governance and transparency. Four among the eight registered political parties participated in the forum. They were joined by 400 additional participants that were comprised of Cambodian citizens from a large variety of provinces. United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC) Review TI Cambodia’s Executive Director was appointed as a member of the Steering Committee for the Government’s Review of UNCAC—a government self-assessment Annual Report 2012-2013
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process led by the ACU. TI Cambodia’s senior staff members have been assigned to review two sub-working groups: Sub-Working Group 3, “Participation, Protection and Dissemination” and Sub-Working Group 7, “Procurement and the Private Sector.” Two meetings were convened by the ACU. TI Cambodia actively participated, and made contribution towards the UNCAC review indicators and questionnaires. TI Cambodia’s representatives recommended that the UNCAC review reflect the concepts of transparency and accountability. Furthermore, TI Cambodia also lobbied for the inclusion of an Access to Information Law and a Whistle Blower Protection Law. The recommendations were well accepted and included in the UNCAC Assessment Report.
3.3
National Anti-Corruption Conference (NACC)
The NACC is an annual conference hosted by TI Cambodia in order to provide a platform for policy makers to meet and discuss specific anti-corruption strategy options. The first annual NACC will focus on anti-corruption in the public education sector and is scheduled to take place in December 2013. The conference aims to present the findings from a number of studies on corruption in Cambodia’s education sector along with some highlights from the Global Corruption Report on Education, which was published by Transparency International in October 2013. Several consultations were conducted with partners to agree on the specific topics of the NACC on Education. At the final stage, three topics were selected – i) informal fees, ii) examination fees at schools and teacher training facilities, and iii) text book leakage. During the consultation, it was also recommended that the Ministry of Education, Youth, and Sport (MoEYS) become engaged and endorse the topic of the NACC. TI Cambodia is optimistic that the MoEYS will play a critical role in implementing the future policies resulting from the NACC.
3.4
Private Sector Engagement
On 13 March 2013, representatives from 16 private companies in Cambodia and seven TI chapters in the Asia Pacific attended a two-day regional workshop entitled, “Promoting Integrity and Transparency in Cambodia’s Private Sector.” The regional workshop was held to discuss the possibility of establishing a Business Integrity Centre in the region, drawing from successful experiences of Transparency International Malaysia’s Business Integrity Programme (BIP). As a result of the workshop, it was agreed that the TI Secretariat and Transparency International Malaysia would discuss the possibility to establishing a regional BIP Centre with the TI Secretariat senior management. In addition, several of the 16 representatives from the private companies also indicated interest in joining the BIP Centre. As a follow-up to this workshop, TI Cambodia has hired a BIP Consultant to develop a comprehensive proposal for the establishment of a BIP in Cambodia. With technical support provided by Transparency International Malaysia, consultations with URS
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Australia and an eyewear company, Pactics, in Siem Reap province have produced promising results. Furthermore, a textile company in Siem Reap has agreed to provide financial support in order to perform a pilot BIP within their company. TI Cambodia’s Partnership and Coalition Building Programme is currently in the process of recruiting additional companies to participate in the BIP. In addition, further institutional foundations and human resources for the BIP are being built in order to enhance expertise and trust amongst potential clients.
TI Cambodia host a two-day regional workshop on business integrity
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4. Citizens and Youth Engagement Programme The people have the power to make real impacts and influence the Government to adopt changes and reforms. TI Cambodia’s Citizens and Youth Engagement Programme operates with the aim of engaging citizens—educating them about the causes and effects of corruption on their lives, while encouraging them to take action against corruption. In a country where more than 65 per cent of the population is under the age of 30, youth play a very crucial role in pressuring the Government to take further action against corruption and provide better public services. TI Cambodia actively engages youth through youth-to-youth initiatives and partnerships with leading youth organisations and networks from across the country.
4.1
Advocacy and Legal Advice Centre (ALAC)
To contribute to the effective Anti-Corruption Law enforcement of the Royal Government of Cambodia, TI Cambodia’s ALAC provides free legal advice to victims and witnesses of corruption—referring relevant cases to the ACU and other partners for effective solutions and intervention. The ALAC was officially launched on 20 September 2013 with participation from approximately 100 stakeholders. Representatives from the embassies of Sweden, Australia and the European Union were present along with representatives from the Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Interior, NGO partners, the private sector, and youth groups. After the launch, ALAC received 310 views of their online video, “Time to Speak up Against Corruption,” and the number of viewers continues to increase. ALAC’s hotline number 1292 has been provided by the Ministry of Communication, which can be called free of charge from all mobile subscribers in Cambodia. This was successfully installed with four extended lines free of charge. Another free number, 7777, was sponsored by SMART mobile and is available for all SMART and Hello subscribers. To date, 23 cases were raised for consultation and advice from the ALAC team. Those cases related to the public and private sector, the judiciary, political parties, land grabbing, taxation law, labour law and criminal law. Thus far, several NGOs and one law firm have already agreed to sign a MoU with ALAC in order to transfer cases and deliver cases from the provinces to TI Cambodia’s ALAC in Phnom Penh.
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The ribbon cutting ceremony at the official launch of ALAC
4.2
Anti-Corruption Pledge Signing Ceremony
Corruption was used as a high profile topic during the recent 2013 National Election campaign. In July 2013, TI Cambodia and the TI Secretariat organised the “AntiCorruption Pledge,” inviting all political parties to pledge against corruption and make a public commitment to eliminate corruption if they were to win seats at the National Assembly. Representatives attended the event from the Cambodian National Rescue Party, FUNCINPEC Party, League for Democracy Party, Republican Democracy Party, Khmer-Anti-Poverty Party and Khmer Economic Development Party. The ruling Cambodian People’s Party and the Cambodian Nationality Party declined the invitation to participate. Delegates from 26 TI chapters located in the Asia Pacific were present to witness the pledge signing ceremony along with diplomats, development partners, civil society organisations and Cambodian youth.
4.3
Collaboration with the Anti-Corruption Unit (ACU)
TI Cambodia and the ACU have signed a MoU and Cooperation Agreement. This collaboration aims to raise public awareness of integrity, transparency, and the causes and effects of corruption on society and to engage citizens in the fight against corruption. With close collaboration from the ACU, a number of awareness raising activities have been initiated. As a result of these activities and campaigns in 2012, particularly the National Anti-Corruption Day on 9 December 2012, at least 2,900 people from 39 ministries, relevant institutions and the public are more aware of the causes and effects of corruption on the nation. However, it must be noted that the political campaign and deadlock before and after the election has caused delay in the implementation of several planned activities. Please see below for further information on the successful collaboration activities with the ACU:
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Installation of ACU Questioning Facility Equipment With the financial support of TI Cambodia, ACU questioning room equipment was installed in order to help the investigation team record questioning sessions. With the questioning room fully functioning, the investigation unit can carry out their work professionally and effectively. Production of Educational Promotional Spots Two educational anti-corruption spots were produced with financial support from the international NGO, PACT Cambodia. The promotional spots were broadcasted with support from National Television Kampuchea three times a week at prime time starting from December 2012. It has been agreed with the ACU and PACT Cambodia that TI Cambodia will financially support the broadcast of the adverts in order to reach out to larger audiences through radio and television. Composition of Anti-Corruption Songs and Slogans Two educational songs with anti-corruption messages have been broadcast on National Television Kampuchea. Both songs were broadcast 16 times from 1 January 2013 to 30 April 2013 and were heard by an expected 8 million people. In addition, a painting and poetry competition was organised in 2012. Artists from across the country were invited to submit their work for the competition, judged with close collaboration from the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport (MoEYS). The judging committee comprised of art experts from the Royal University of Fine Arts, the ACU and the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts. 39 artworks (22 poems and 17 paintings) were submitted to the competition. Three poetry finalists and two painting finalists were selected as the winners and they were given awards by the head of the Anti-Corruption Council on the National Anti-Corruption Day on 9 December 2012. Publication of Educational Anti-Corruption Materials 15,000 printed posters, 120,000 stickers and 150 banners were printed with technical and financial support from TI Cambodia. 30,000 brochures, 2,300 t-shirts and 2,200 hats were also produced for National Anti-Corruption Day on 9 December 2012. 200 posters and stickers were disseminated to 39 ministries, national institutions and provincial departments across the country. Banners, posters and stickers were also posted on the main streets in Phnom Penh and at the compound of the ministries and other national institutions. Establishment of Anti-Corruption Curriculum The Curriculum Working Group within the ACU has been established with the goal of incorporating anti-corruption curriculum into the public education system. The Curriculum Working Group consists of staff members from both the ACU and MoEYS—with additional collaboration provided by TI Cambodia. The curriculum will be developed for three grades and 12 classrooms: six classes of primary school, three classes of
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secondary school and three classes of high school. The draft curriculum content includes classroom activities, key word explanations, large and small group discussion themes, textbook readings and homework. The curriculum is currently being drafted and once finalised it will be reviewed by the presidents of the ACU and the National Council Against Corruption. TI Cambodia has been informed that the process of approval will take longer than expected due to the fact that both the National Council Against Corruption and the MoEYS will need to agree on the content and grant formal approval before the curriculum can be introduced to schools and teachers. National Anti-Corruption Day The celebration of Cambodia’s first National Anti-Corruption Day on 9 December 2012 was highly successful and the event was well received by the general public. At least three million viewers watched the event live on SEA TV—which featured anti-corruption message exhibitions, comedy skits and songs sung by famous celebrities. In response to the public’s enthusiasm, the ACU and TI Cambodia are now planning to organise an even larger event in order to engage more members of the public. The National Stadium—with a seating capacity of 50,000—is currently under consideration for the venue of next year’s event. In order to prepare for National Anti-Corruption Day in 2013, TI Cambodia has developed a comprehensive fundraising strategy that will be proposed to the ACU for approval and further action. Through the planned strategy, it is hoped that companies will become engaged in the fight against corruption and develop a greater understanding of corporate social responsibility. A positive response has already been received from Canadia Bank and more are expected to respond by the end of September 2013.
National Anti-Corruption Day on 9 December 2012 Annual Report 2012-2013
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4.4
Media Engagement
Radio The best way to disseminate anti-corruption messages in Cambodia is via radio— especially to those who are living in rural areas. As a result, TI Cambodia and CCIM initiated a one-year joint radio campaign entitled “Clean Road.” Over the first nine months, the talk show has attracted great interest from the general public and it is estimated that “Clean Road” has already reached more than 5 million listeners nationwide. “Clean Road” seeks to inform the public about the causes and consequences of corruption, while providing a platform for listeners to raise their voices. Over the first nine months, 77 callers were randomly selected to ask questions, interact with speakers and raise their concerns about corruption. In total, 35 radio spots were produced and broadcasted every Thursday morning on Sarika FM radio from 11:05AM - 11:55AM. In addition, each radio spot was also rebroadcasted on Saturdays from 3:00PM – 3:55PM and Sundays from 4:00PM 4:55PM with podcasts of the radio spots made available on the Sarika FM website. YouTube and Facebook During the past five years, social media outlets in Cambodia such as YouTube and Facebook have experienced a significant growth in popularity. In order to utilise this powerful advocacy tool, TI Cambodia created the Cambodia Citizen Journalist YouTube Channel in August 2013. Four videos have been posted thus far and they have received approximately 790 views. Furthermore, TI Cambodia also created a Facebook page, entitled “I AM CLEAN.” The page was created in July in order to encourage Cambodian citizens to post and share information, photos, videos and poetry related to integrity, transparency and corruption. As of August 2013, over 1,000 people were viewing the page’ postings on a weekly basis. In addition, an agreement with the TI Secretariat on the People Engagement Programme was signed 17 January 2013 and was implemented through 31 May 2013. During this time, three interns were recruited to administer three Facebook pages devoted to AntiCorruption in Education, Anti-Corruption in Health and Anti-Corruption in Traffic. To date, there are about 500 fans on each Facebook page, which is about 150 per cent over the target.
4.5
Youth Engagement Initiatives
Over the course of the fiscal year, approximately 5,330 citizens from 20 provinces participated in projects organised by TI Cambodia: Annual Report 2012-2013
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Youth Camps Over the past year, two youth camps on “Youth Empowerment for Transparency and Integrity”(YETI) were organised with the aim of educating and empowering young people to take action against corruption. In total, almost 200 young leaders from 18 different provinces were successfully trained. Following the training, YETI youth camp participants were also given the opportunity to demonstrate acquired knowledge by initiating their own educational projects. With the financial support of TI Cambodia, 26 youth to youth initiatives were developed in the participants’ local communities. Due to the youth to youth initiatives and youth camps, a combined network of 3,932 youths were engaged with TI Cambodia through the social media network Facebook.
Participants of the second YETI Youth Advisory Group The Youth Advisory Group was established with the aim of reviewing existing youth activities in the fight against corruption and as a means to provide technical support to all youth initiatives of TI Cambodia. There were in total nine Youth Advisory Group members. They consist of representatives from youth organisations: Global Youth for Anti-Corruption, Khmer Youth Association and Khmer Youth and Social Development; young professionals from: the United Nations Development Programme the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation; media professionals from: Voice of America and BBC Media Action; and academics attending: Norton University and the Royal University of Law and Economics. Youth Forum The Youth Forum took place on 11 June 2013 and was attended by approximately 535 youths. During the forum, young Cambodians were encouraged to take the future into their own hands and foster change within their youth groups, schools, families and
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communities. In addition, the youth attending the event also learned from representatives of TI Indonesia and TI Bangladesh. The representatives discussed the role of citizens and youth in promoting transparency, accountability and better governance. Youth Training on Integrity In order to offer a more specialised training event, guests from the TI Secretariat, TI Indonesia, TI Bangladesh and TI Sri Lanka conducted a training on how to initiate anticorruption projects with an anti-corruption toolkit. During the training, youth participants discussed and practiced each step in the anti-corruption toolkit in order to ensure high levels of comprehension. 62 participants attended the training, 22 of which were students from Phnom Penh. The remaining students hailed from 18 different provinces throughout the country. Youth led Projects with CISA Through CISA, four training sessions on integrity, social accountability and good governance were conducted at the local community level. The trainings involved 297 youths and featured commune/ Sangkat Councils and local NGO partners as guest speakers. International Youth Day On 12 August 2013, 329 youths participated in International Youth Day at Panha Chiet University. Four notable media groups covered the event–Hang Meas TV, Radio Australia, Radio France International and Radio Free Asia. During the event, a debate was organised between eight university students to discuss the role of youth in the fight against corruption. The debate participants were bombarded with questions from curious and active attendees – demonstrating the enthusiasm of International Youth Day participants. Furthermore, the questions also showcased the youth’s high comprehension of the joint social approach necessary to combat corruption. The debate centred on the role of essential anti-corruption catalysts such as the Government, NGOs, private sector and individual family and community units.
Students listen to a presentation during International Youth Day
Students listen to a presentation during International Youth Day
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University Training In August 2013, the University of Management and Economics in Kratie province hosted a TI Cambodia led training on transparency, integrity and anti-corruption. 128 youths attended the training and according to pre training and post training evaluations, participants had successfully increased their understanding of corruption by the training’s conclusion. Furthermore, the director of University of Management and Economics also expressed interest in integrating anti-corruption topics into the university’s academic curriculum. More communication will be made between TI Cambodia and the university’s management team in the near future to move this action forward. Young Professional Journalist Training With technical support from the TI Secretariat, TI Cambodia hosted the Young Professional Journalist Training on Transparency, Integrity and Anti-Corruption in June 2013. The training was organised to empower professional journalists and social media practitioners with the necessary tools to effectively report corruption cases to the public. At the conclusion of the training, the 11 participants produced three video clips on the topics of corruption in education, health and employment. The video clips were screened to nearly 100 guests at the German Cambodian Cultural Centre, Meta House, on 18 September 2013. To date, the video clips have received 785 views on YouTube. As a result of the training, coverage of corruption in the media was increased and the former training participants disseminated corruption related news stories throughout notable media outlets such as Bayon TV, CNC TV, Hang Meas TV, the Phnom Penh Post, Thmey Thmey Online News, Radio France International, Radio Free Asia, Voice of America and Voice of Democracy. It is hoped that with this training, the public will become better informed about the causes and effects of corruption. Writing Competition As a valuable means to effectively monitor and evaluate the Citizen and Youth Engagement Programme, TI Cambodia ran the between August and September 2013. During this time, applicants were asked to submit a short story discussing the most significant change that occurred in their life from participating in an event hosted by TI Cambodia. Professional journalist, Phak Seangly, won first place in the competition. Seangly had been a former participant of the Young Professional Journalist Training and his entry discussed how the training provided him with a stronger understanding of how to combat corruption in Cambodian society. With the knowledge gained from the training, Seangly had dramatically increased the number of corruption related articles he wrote—from 20 articles per year to about 60 articles per year.
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Anti-Corruption Membership Card As part of its goal to engage citizens in the fight against corruption, the Citizen and Youth Engagement Programme began distributing anti-corruption membership cards. The cards display the phone numbers of the ACU corruption hotline and TI Cambodia’s ALAC –acting as a valuable means to disseminate corruption consultation services to Cambodian citizens. In addition, the organisation has partnered with 17 members of the private sector that have offered to provide discount prices to anti-corruption card holders ranging from 3-40 per cent. Private sector partners include universities, popular local restaurants and bookshops. To date, approximately 1,887 cards have been distributed to citizens hailing from 23 different provinces.
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5. Internal Governance and Capacity Building Programme TI Cambodia was registered with the Ministry of Interior as a local non-governmental organisation on 6 July 2011. In order to fight corruption successfully, TI Cambodia must be equipped with the necessary skills and expertise. As a result, the Internal Governance and Capacity Building Programme works to build the capacity of the institution and core staff members. TI Cambodia’s Board of Directors have been mobilised with a clear set of roles and responsibilities. Board meetings have been regularly conducted on a quarterly basis to ensure quality governance of the organisation. The Board of Directors have successfully reviewed and approved the key documents of the organisation including TI Cambodia’s By-Laws, Financial Management Manual, Human Resource Policy, Procurement Manual, Results Frame Work, Annual Work Plan, Budget Plan and the Strategic Activity Plan. Throughout the fiscal year, the capacities of the Board, management and staff have been built through participating in regional and international events organised by the TI Secretariat and its partners. In addition, the TI Cambodia team has received training in leadership, management, programme strategy and implementation. In addition, TI Cambodia also has weekly Friday gatherings, monthly meetings and annual staff retreats. Although the chapter is still relatively new, the TI Cambodia office is now well equipped to carry out tasks effectively and its 21 staff members are able to fulfil donor requirements. The TI Secretariat in Berlin has approved TI Cambodia as a ‘Chapter in Formation.’ TI Cambodia is expected to become the fully accredited National Chapter of the TI Secretariat in 2014.
TI Cambodia staff meet with foreign donors in November 2012
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5.1 Financial Overview TI Cambodia’s Management is committed to ensuring efficiency, accountability, and cost effectiveness for our expenditures whilst at the same time ensuring the effective delivery of the expected outcomes and strategic goals. USD 806,674.30 was planned for the first year from October 2012 to September 2013 and USD 672,303.39, which is in equivalent to 83 per cent of the annual budget, has been spent from October 2012 to September 2013. The budget was underspent due to some delays in delivering outputs with the ACU. The 17 per cent of the annual budget, which is underspent, will be used in the second fiscal year.
Programme Research and Advocacy Programme Partnership and Coalition Building Programme Citizen and Youth Engagement Programme Internal Governance and Capacity Building Programme Total
Budget Y1 (2012-2013)
Actual Expense Y1 (2012-2013)
Variance
% Variance
91,537.90
90,968.05
569.85
1%
103,500.90
96,061.26
7,439.64
7%
367,550.90
242,856.09
124,694.81
34%
244,084.60
242,417.99
1,666.61
1%
806,674.30
672,303.39
134,370.91
17%
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6. Conclusions The overall goal and mission of the three-year strategic plan towards strengthening demand and participation from citizens and civil society in the fight against corruption have made significant progress in the first year. All major NGO coalitions in Cambodia have become part of the TI Cambodia movement through a formal partnership under the framework of the MoU. Additionally, thousands of youth activists have been mobilised and educated about corruptions, integrity and what they can do about it, making TI Cambodia a strong and solid movement against corruption. The publicity and credibility of TI Cambodia has been built through a regular media presence, which regularly brings its voice about corruption and proposed solutions. Millions of Cambodian people have been directly or indirectly influenced by the outreach and education conducted by TI Cambodia on the subject of corruption. As a result, there is clearly a much stronger demand from the public for solutions to corruption and an increased pressure for the Government and relevant authorities to tackle it as a matter of priority. The taboo of sensitivity on the word corruption has been broken and a significantly increased number of people are no long afraid to speak up against corruption. Although TI Cambodia is relatively a newly established organisation, it has positioned itself as the lead organisation in the fight against corruption in Cambodia, while at the same time playing an active role at the regional level and within the TI movement. This success and achievement of TI Cambodia has inspired many TI chapters in the region and from around the world and will serve as a model for the establishment of new presence of TI in other countries.
Political parties meet in the run up to the 2013 national elections to participate in the Anti-Corruption Pledge Signing Ceremony
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Together against Corruption.
Transparency International Cambodia #9B, Street 466, Sangkat Tunle Bassac, Khan Chamkarmorn, 12301 Phnom Penh, Kingdom of Cambodia Phone: (+855) 023 214 430 info@ticambodia.org www.ticambodia.org www.facebook.com/ticambodia