The Khmer Krom people have been a member of the UNPO since 2001. 

The Khmer Krom people are indigenous Khmer population of the Mekong Delta, with deep-rooted traditions, language, and Buddhist practices that distinguish them from the dominant Vietnamese culture.

The Khmer Krom face significant repression and exclusion from political decision-making processes by the Vietnamese government. Despite their rich cultural heritage, the Khmer Krom are denied the right to freely practice their culture, religion, and language, and they are often subject to land confiscation and economic marginalization. The autocratic regime in Vietnam suppresses any political movements advocating for greater autonomy or the rights of the Khmer Krom people, further setting their exclusion and discrimination, while denying them the right to free participation in decision-making processes. 

Recognition of their right to self-determination is not just a matter of justice; it is essential for the preservation of their culture and to guarantee their future as a distinct people. The international community, in coordination with Vietnam, must take concrete steps to recognize the Khmer Krom’s indigenous status and ensure that their fundamental rights are protected. This includes allowing the formation of independent civil society organizations, promoting education in their language, ensuring fair access to healthcare, and stopping the expropriation of their lands. 

The UNPO secretariat works for the rights of Khmer Krom people as a whole and might work with different civil society organizations, groups and representatives from Khmer Krom. However, the main organization representing the rights of the people of Khmer Krom within the UNPO membership and with voting rights at the General Assembly is the Khmer Kampuchea-Krom Federation (KKF). You can read more about the Khmer Kampuchea-Krom Federation here.

The Khmer Krom people, deeply rooted in the ancient Khmer civilization, embody a rich cultural heritage that is a vibrant mosaic of traditions, language, and beliefs. Their identity is marked by a resilient spirit and a profound artistic flair, evident in their traditional dance forms like the Apsara and their intricate architectural achievements, including the iconic Angkor Wat. Buddhism is a cornerstone of Khmer Krom identity, deeply influencing daily life through rituals and spiritual practices that have been passed down through generations.

Kampuchea-Krom, meaning “Southern Cambodia,” was historically an integral part of the Khmer Empire, located in what is now the southwestern region of Vietnam. The Khmer Krom, identifying themselves as the “Cambodians of the South,” have inhabited this region for millennia. Their history is marked by struggles to defend their territory from Vietnamese and Siamese intrusion, particularly during the 19th century. In the mid-1800s, French intervention led to the colonization of the area under the name French Cochinchina. Despite the Khmer Krom’s significant involvement in the region, France transferred this territory to Vietnam in 1949, rather than returning it to Cambodia. Since then, the Khmer Krom have faced continuous oppression under Vietnamese rule, with their rights to religious freedom and cultural preservation being systematically denied. 

The Khmer Krom community in Kampuchea-Krom faces severe challenges that have intensified under Vietnamese administration. The 1975 Land Reform Acts, which abolished private land ownership, have led to widespread confiscation of Khmer Krom ancestral lands, leaving many dispossessed and struggling to sustain their livelihoods. Environmental degradation, including salt deposits and flooding, has further diminished the fertility of agricultural lands, exacerbating poverty.

Cultural and linguistic repression remains a significant issue, with the Vietnamese government imposing strict limitations on the use of the Khmer language in education and public life. Those advocating for Khmer language preservation often face harassment and imprisonment. Religious freedom is also heavily restricted; Buddhism, central to Khmer Krom identity, is controlled by state-sponsored entities like the Patriotic United Buddhist Association, which stifles religious expression and targets monks who speak out for their rights.

The Vietnamese government’s suppression extends to media and freedom of expression, with strict censorship and blocking of digital platforms addressing Khmer Krom issues. A climate of fear is perpetuated through enforced disappearances, with activists like Venerable Thach Thuol being imprisoned or vanishing without a trace.

Education and healthcare services for the Khmer Krom are outrageously inadequate. Economic hardships force many children to abandon schooling, limiting their future opportunities. Discrimination in healthcare further aggravates their suffering, as they often encounter subpar medical care and are treated as second-class citizens.

The ongoing repression of the Khmer Krom by the Vietnamese government highlights the critical need for the recognition of their right to self-determination. Despite their unique cultural and historical ties to the Mekong Delta, the Khmer Krom are systematically denied the rights and recognition that should be afforded to them under international law. The refusal of the Vietnamese government to acknowledge the Khmer Krom as an indigenous people is a clear violation of their rights and an affront to their identity. This denial perpetuates a cycle of poverty, disenfranchisement, and human rights abuses, leaving the Khmer Krom marginalized and oppressed.