Cambodia Allegedly Carries Out Forced Evictions at the Angkor Wat Unesco Site

The Cambodian government has faced accusations of using both direct and subtle threats to forcibly evict thousands of families residing near the Angkor Wat Unesco World Heritage Site. Amnesty International, a human rights organization, has determined that this action breaches international law. However, a government spokesperson has denied these allegations and insisted that the relocations are voluntary. The families are being relocated to a new community located 15 miles away from their previous homes. Cambodian authorities argue that these families are squatters who are creating informal settlements that harm the environment. They claim that their actions align with the rules set by Unesco, the United Nations' heritage body, which bans any structures or people residing on the site. Nevertheless, Unesco has stated that it never supported or requested this program, and they have urged the Cambodian authorities to take corrective measures in response to Amnesty International's report. The Apsara National Authority, the group responsible for managing the temple complex, has been accused by Amnesty International of using Unesco as justification for the forced relocations. According to one resident, Cambodian authorities explicitly stated that Unesco wanted them to leave, or else the site's world heritage status would be endangered. Reports have surfaced of at least seven villagers around Angkor Wat being sued by Apsara for allegedly inciting and obstructing public work. Amnesty International's Montse Ferrer warned that, unless Unesco takes decisive action, conservation efforts may be increasingly exploited by states at the expense of human rights. Angkor Wat, which gained Unesco World Heritage status in 1992, has become Cambodia's most popular tourist attraction, drawing in two million visitors annually. This has also given rise to a local economy, with vendors selling food and souvenirs. The temple complex, constructed by Khmer King Suryavarman II in the 12th century, is believed to be a mortuary temple representing the setting sun and death. It has earned the nickname "Hydraulic City" due to its intricate water management system, as described by French archaeologist Bernard Philippe Groslier.