Rights groups push for Khmer Krom ID cards

[geovalin]

Pech Sotheary

Two minority rights organisations have asked the Ministry of Interior to ensure its officials issue national identity cards to Khmer Krom, who they say are facing discrimination from provincial officials.

Indigenous Khmer from southern Vietnam, the Krom have long had issues getting identity cards given that authorities either identify them as Vietnamese or they lack permanent addresses in Cambodia.

The letter, submitted yesterday by the Minority Rights Organisation and Khmer Kampuchea Krom for Human Rights and Development Association, notes that Khmer Krom living in certain provinces, such as Kampong Chhnang and Siem Reap, have been denied renewal of their ID cards by authorities, and asks for an approval letter from the ministry.

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