Chhunny Chhean

I am Cambodian-Chinese, born in Long Beach, California and now working in New York City.

Email Chhunny Chhean

Latest posts by Chhunny Chhean

Cambodia: End of first Khmer Rouge Tribunal deemed a relative success

Many in the international community are calling the first Khmer Rouge Tribunal trial of Kaing Kek Iev, or Duch, a relative success as the trial closed. However, there are indications that Cambodian officials may not participate in future cases making it difficult to conduct a fair trial for the four Khmer Rouge members awaiting trial

28 November 2009

Cambodia: Award honors sex slavery survivor

Sina Vann from Cambodia is an activist with the Somaly Mam Foundation helping fellow survivors of slavery as well as those still working in brothels. For her work, she was honored with the Frederick Douglass Award.

22 October 2009

Cambodia, Thailand: ilovethailand website sparks controversy

The recently launched website ilovethailand.org is causing a stir online. Thailand's Prime Minister announced that the website is intended to restore the country's image and unify the nation in light of recent unrest. The controversy stems from the website's claims about Thailand's “lost territory” — territory that is present day Cambodia.

22 July 2009

Cambodia, Thailand: Preah Vihear dispute continues

The ancient Temple of Preah Vihear rests on the Cambodian and Thai borders. Exactly which country can claim Preah Vihear has been a source of contention between the neighboring countries. Since the July 2008 inscription by UNESCO, there has been violence in the region between Cambodian and Thai soldiers.

20 July 2009

Cambodia: Report outlines Khmer Rouge Tribunal's latest troubles

A report details the latest issues to plague the Khmer Rouge Tribunal. The report, released in late May 2009, states the Tribunal's legitimacy is threatened by charges of corruption and political interference. The Cambodian government has denied interfering with the Tribunal, including preventing judges of the court from interviewing witnesses who are current government employees.

22 June 2009

Cambodia: Doubts over the Khmer Rouge Tribunal

The Khmer Rouge Tribunal is now weeks into its first trial with the prosecution of Duch for crimes against humanity and war crimes. But as the trial continues, many wonder how effective the Tribunal will be in achieving national reconciliation in Cambodia.

25 April 2009

Cambodia: Evidence at the Khmer Rouge Tribunal

Former Khmer Rouge rebels doubt there will be sufficient evidence to convict the five leaders waiting to stand trial at the Khmer Rouge Tribunal. Because the events occurred 30 years ago, evidence and witnesses could be hard to come by.

31 March 2009

Cambodia: Trial begins for Khmer Rouge leader

The Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia began the first public hearing of Kaing Guek Eav, known as Duch. During the Khmer Rouge regime, Duch headed the infamous Tuol Sleng prison in Phnom Penh where thousands died.

31 March 2009

Cambodia: Rice politics

Rice is more than a staple of the Cambodian diet. It also implicates land rights, trade and international relations. Some Cambodians are frustrated over land leases to neighboring Vietnam. They are concerned the leases will evolve into ownership changes, resulting in a reduction of Cambodian territory.

23 March 2009

Cambodian Public Opinion Survey

A survey of Cambodian public opinion was conducted by the International Republican Institute from October-November 2008. The survey found that 82 percent of Cambodians see their country as moving in the right direction, 59 percent of Cambodians said border issues and demarcation as the most concern followed by the prices of goods, and 85 percent of respondents wanted to elect their own village chief rather than having one imposed by the government.

2 March 2009

Cambodia: Report accuses elite of theft

Global Witness, a non-governmental organization based in London released a report which warns that Cambodia risks descending into a kleptocracy, alleging that large sums of monies paid to the government are benefiting the ruling elite instead of the people of Cambodia

7 February 2009