People & Power’s investigation into the mass evictions of residents at Angkor Wat, Cambodia’s famous UNESCO World Heritage Site, has revealed a contentious situation. Angkor Wat, known as the “City of Temples”, holds great cultural and historical significance as the largest religious structure in the world and a symbol of Cambodia. However, reports of forced evictions of thousands of residents from traditional communities within Angkor have raised concerns.
UNESCO designated Angkor as a World Heritage Site in 1992, recognizing not just the ancient stones but also the importance of the living communities surrounding it. The Cambodian government, however, argues that the evictions are necessary as these residents settled illegally in Angkor and have voluntarily moved. They also claim that UNESCO supports these relocations.
People & Power’s investigation delved into the reality on the ground in Cambodia, where locals accuse the government of disregarding their rights and forcibly removing them from their homes. The issue raises questions about the preservation of cultural heritage sites and the rights of the communities living within them.
As the controversy surrounding Angkor Wat’s evictions continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how the Cambodian government, UNESCO, and the affected residents will address the situation. The future of Angkor Wat, a treasured landmark and symbol of Cambodia, hangs in the balance as discussions about conservation, tradition, and human rights take center stage.
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Photo credit www.aljazeera.com
