The Advocacy and Legal Advice Centre (ALAC): Results

Press Release

Corruption in Judiciary, Police and Public Sector are major
concerns of victims and witnesses of corruption, the Advocacy
and Legal Advice Centre (ALAC)’s data revealed

Phnom Penh, 9 January 2016 – The Advocacy and Legal Advice Centre (ALAC) of Transparency International Cambodia (TI Cambodia), today, released its latest data on number of complainants and cases, which ALAC has provided support to both victims and witnesses of corruption in Cambodia. In total, 191 corruption cases have been reported to ALAC. The reported cases are different forms of corruption, which occurred in five primary sectors—public sector, public service fees, judiciary, police and education.

Significantly, the data revealed that extortion, bribery and embezzlement/fraud are the most prevalent forms of corruption, which frequently occurred, representing 41%, 38% and 16% respectively. The judiciary, the police and public sector remain to be the most corrupt institutions in Cambodia.

Since its inception in late 2013, ALAC has provided legal advice to 547 Cambodians and foreigners living in Cambodia despite an absence of a comprehensive law on the protection of reporting persons. ALAC also occasionally provided general information related to public service fees.

“ALAC’s data represents real life voices and concerns of victims of corruption. The finding has reconfirmed that corruption in judiciary, police and public sectors is still affecting many ordinary Cambodians and remains to be the greatest obstacle to development of democracy and rule of law. We strongly urge the Government and relevant anti-corruption institutions to undertake genuine reforms in these sectors and enforce the anti-corruption laws more effectively”, said Mr Preap Kol, Executive Director of TI Cambodia.

In order to create an environment conducive to a more extensive reporting, TI Cambodia strongly encourages a fast adoption of the Law on the Protection of Reporting Persons and Whistle Blower that meets internationally acceptable standards.

About ALAC

TI Cambodia’s Advocacy and Legal Advice Centre (ALAC), which was launched in 2013, is part of Transparency International’s global project and has it presence in more than 100 chapters worldwide. ALAC provides free and confidential legal advice to witnesses and victims of corruption by offering a credible and viable mechanism for citizens to pursue their corruption-related complaints. ALAC empowers citizens to take actions in the fight against corruption. ALAC also plays a critical role in identifying corruption hotspots that demand reform or official action. Harnessing the powerful, real life data gathered by ALAC on the consequences and mechanisms of corruption, Transparency International Cambodia compiles all the reports to engage in strategic advocacy to bring about positive changes.

TI Cambodia is committed to engaging with the government and all relevant stakeholders to work towards further reforms and to promote greater transparency, integrity, accountability and sustainable democratic development in Cambodia.

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Transparency International is the civil society organisation leading the fight against corruption

Media Contacts:
Mr. Kol Preap, Executive Director, (+855) 12 877 833, kolpreap@ticambodia.org

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