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This
project, which started in 1999, is now run by 184
Citizen advisors, of whom 45 are women, operating
in 7 provinces: Battambang, Siem Reap, Kampong Thom,
Kampong Cham, Kratie, Prey Veng and Svay Rieng.
The
project aims to assist local people in remote areas,
where there is a poor knowledge of democracy and limited
respect for human rights, to address disputes related
to domestic violence, land issues, divorce, rape,
defamation, breach of contract, etc.
By
giving legal counseling free of charge to the community,
the “citizen advisor” promotes understanding
of the law and its administration, how to prevent
and resolve conflict, and how to promote peace building
in the community. Through their advice, the population
gain more knowledge about laws, their rights in the
family and society, their responsibility before the
law and their respect for the well-being of the community.
The
Institute plans to build up the capacity of the Citizen
Advisors to provide more efficient legal counseling
services.
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