In Cambodia, indigenous families are being displaced from their territories due to the production of sugar cane.

Cambodian indigenous women demanded stop the activities of the Chinese multinational corporations Rui Feng and Lan Feng. They indicate that cultivation and extraction of sugar cane is displacing indigenous peoples from their territories.

According to the portal ruom.net, the Indigenous Peoples’ crops have been burned, their animals have been slaughtered, and their houses have been destroyed. Also, it is reported that thousands of indigenous people have been left destitute. Even, those who raised their voices of protest have been imprisoned.

The indigenous who are displaced are forced to work for these companies, obtaining an average wage of $2.50 per day. In many cases, it is also reported that children are working on sugar plantations.

According to activist group in favor of human rights Adhoc, about 3000 families in the region of Preah Vihear, were affected by the activities of these multinationals.

Through a statement issued last Friday, Cambodian Indigenous Women demanded the implementation of mechanisms to protect the rights of indigenous peoples, and in particular, of indigenous women.

Also, they demanded the effective application of free, prior and informed consent, as well as revocation of land concessions in the region of Bunong.

The complaint is being done within the framework of the celebrations for the Human Rights Day, date in which it is urged to take the Universal Declaration of Human Rights as a common standard of achievement for all peoples and all nations.

Photo: licadho-cambodia.org

Source: http://en.mujerindigena.com/indigenous-peoples-sugar-slaves/