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CLEC Hosts Annual Youth Reflection Workshop for Land and
Environmental Rights
From January 7th to 11th, 2026, the Community Legal
Education Center (CLEC) successfully hosted a dynamic annual reflection
workshop bringing together 50 dedicated youth representatives from 30
communities. Spanning across Phnom Penh and four provinces—Ratanakiri,
Mondulkiri, Kampong Speu, and Kampot—these young leaders gathered to strengthen
their frontline work in social work, land rights advocacy, and natural resource
protection.
Building Legal Empowerment Through Youth Action
This five-day gathering is a direct reflection of CLEC’s
Legal Empowerment Program (LEP), which strategically aims to increase the
active participation of youths, community-based paralegals, and communities that depend heavily on land and natural resources (LNR). Because these young
advocates are actively involved in safeguarding their local environments, the
workshop provided a critical space to update participants on key grassroots
achievements and openly address the ongoing challenges they face in the field.
Bridging Past Success with Future Strategies
While this event officially marked the final reflection
meeting of a comprehensive two-year project cycle (running from late 2023 to
early 2026), the focus was entirely forward-looking. The sessions were designed
to collaboratively strategize for future action, serving as a vital bridge to
ensure continued, long-term impact. By facilitating this venue for reflection
and networking, CLEC ensures that these young activists have the tools and
solidarity needed to hold decision-makers accountable and secure LNR tenure
security for vulnerable communities.
The Power of Partnership
In line with CLEC's organizational commitment to collaborative advocacy and mobilizing support from all civil society actors, this successful initiative was a joint effort. CLEC proudly partnered with the Affiliated Network for Social Accountability Cambodia (ANSA Cambodia), which served as the Lead Grantee, alongside the Cambodian Human Rights Action Coalition (CHRAC).
With Gratitude to Our Donors
We extend our deepest appreciation to the United Nations Democracy Fund (UNDEF), whose generous financial support proudly made this project possible. Donors are the most appreciated partners in our work, and this collaboration directly translates into measurable community empowerment.
By continuing to educate and unite the next generation of environmental and human rights defenders, we are taking actionable steps toward CLEC's ultimate vision: ensuring that the Cambodian people live in a society under the rule of law, in peace, and in beautiful social harmony.
