Sub-decree directs function of border affairs secretariat
CAMBODIA issued a sub-decree on the organisation and functioning of the Secretariat of Border Affairs to resolve issues with neighbouring countries, build complete and clear borders and negotiate land and sea demarcations.
Comprising 13 chapters and 37 articles, the legislation was signed by Prime Minister Hun Manet on February 6.
It states that the body is tasked with resolving issues on the basis of the Constitution, national and international laws and aims to build complete and clear borders to foster friendship, peace, stability, cooperation and development.
“We established technical standards on measurement works, geographic information systems, land and sea map production and applicable guidelines, in collaboration with relevant ministries and institutions,” stated the sub-decree.
It clarified that the working group has the role of defending border lines, posts and demarcations in agreed-upon areas. The group also has the role of maintaining the original status of disputed areas, in cooperation with relevant ministries and institutions and provincial administrations on the border.
Sok Touch, president of the Royal Academy of Cambodia, noted three important aspects
related to the legislation.
First, he said the country should finish the remaining 16 per cent of border posts with Vietnam, even if it involves calling in a second or third party to solve the issues; secondly, after finalising the remaining posts, he said the government should offer children, youth and students a chance to visit the border to learn about its historical significance; and thirdly, he stressed that the sub-decree reflects the country’s aims to turn the border into one of friendship, cooperation and trade.
“The [functioning] of the border affairs secretariat is essential,
but our focus shouldn’t be limited to just the secretariat. It’s important to raise awareness about [these issues] among the general public to prevent arbitrary interpretations by politicians. We should offer children and youth the chance to camp along the borders as a means of education,” Touch suggested.
The sub-decree said the working group has the role of resolving various other issues that arise along the border, noting that it needs to study and assess impacts stemming from border affairs, investment and development projects in border regions.
It added that the body is required to establish a centre for documents, maps and related data and must collaborate with relevant entities in both the public and private sectors to facilitate movement, construction and the development of communities and economies in border regions.
King Norodom Sihamoni issued a Royal Decree on October 8, 2023, promulgating a law on the establishment of the authority.
“The [secretariat] has the competence to lead and manage border affairs of the Kingdom, both on land and at sea,” stated the degree.