Apr 27, 2008

UNPO Attends Khmer Krom Youth Conference in Philadelphia, US


On Saturday, 26 April 2008, some hundred Khmer Krom gathered in a Khmer Krom temple in Philadelphia, US, to learn about the work of the Khmer Kampuchea Krom Youth Committee (KKFYC), how to help the cause of the Khmer Krom people, and rediscover their roots, which was the theme for this year’s conference.

             Khmer Krom Youth Conference 2008 

New York, 27 April 2008 - On Saturday, 26 April 2008, some hundred Khmer Krom gathered in a Khmer Krom temple in Philadelphia, US, to learn about the work of the Khmer Kampuchea Krom Youth Committee (KKFYC), how to help the cause of the Khmer Krom people, and rediscover their roots, which was the theme for this year’s conference.

KKFYC is an international youth organization created for the purpose of developing activities and programs to fulfill the mission of KKF, an indigenous organization representing millions of Khmer Krom people in the Mekong Delta of Vietnam. The KKFYC works in collaboration with members of the KKF with the aim of helping the millions of voiceless Khmer Krom people in Kampuchea Krom achieve their long overdue basic human rights and fundamental freedoms. The Khmer Krom youth are dedicated individuals found across America, Australia, New Zeeland, Cambodia, Canada, Europe, Vietnam and around the world, who are involved in a wide range of activities and initiatives to increase the international awareness and attention surrounding the plight of the KK people.

A blessing dance performed by Khmer Krom youth marked the opening of the youth conference. The program also featured a Temponorum dance which was performed later on during the day.

                         Khmer Krom Traditional Dance

The Khmer Krom youth was addressed by a number of speakers including the KKF Chairman, Mr. To Kim Thong, who spoke about the importance of understanding and being proud of who the Khmer Krom are. He said that this is particularly important for the Khmer Krom since the Vietnamese government has been and is still trying hard to deny the history of Khmer Krom. Throughout the generations Vietnam has imposed a mentality of fear among the Khmer Krom, pushing them into poverty and nurturing a mentality of subordination by denying them education, etc. In order for the Khmer Krom to make a difference it is important to break this circle, he said, and this is why the youth is so powerful.

KKF President, Mr. Thach Ngoc Thach continued, speaking about the KKF and the importance of an active youth since it shows the Vietnamese government that they have to struggle with the Khmer Krom for another 50 years, after which their children will keep on with their work. In an effort to inspire confidence in the youth, Mr. Thach said that the French and the American never won over Vietnam because that land did not belong to neither of them, which is the same reason for which Vietnam will loose against the Khmer Krom; that land, the Mekong Delta in Vietnam, does not belong to the Vietnamese either.

Dr. Joshua Cooper, Director of the Human Rights Institute of Hawaii addressed the youth on how to understand and use the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples as a tool to realize the hopes and dreams of the Khmer Krom, to ease the hardship of their brothers and sisters in Kampuchea Krom. Dr. Cooper said that implementing the Declaration is not easy, that the Declaration is no guarantee at all, but people need to know what their rights are in order to be able to demand them. That is why it is so important to educate people on what their rights are. The Khmer Krom in Kampuchea Krom cannot speak that loud which is why it is so important that the people outside Kampuchea Krom talk even louder for them.

After a delicious Khmer Krom lunch served in a tent outside the temple, KKFYC Officers updated the audience on their work. Afternoon speakers also included KKF Vice-President, Mr. Sereivuth Prak, who addressed the youth on International Affairs, and lobbying strategies, how to get international attention for the cause of the Khmer Krom; Secretary of Khmer Krom Buddhist Association, Ven. TT Dhammo, speaking about the Khmer Krom Buddhism in the 21st century; and KKFYC Advisor, Dr. Thach Chang, President of KKF Women, Mrs. Son Thi Nit and KKFYC Advisor, Mr. Son Hua addressing the youth on the Khmer Krom identity and how to preserve it.