About Us « Cambodians for Resource Revenue Transparency

Background

Since the discovery of oil, gas and hard mineral resources nearly a decade ago, an enormous of amount of time and effort has been expended to create the legal and operational frameworks to support what promises to be a significant economic and environmental event in the country’s history. Much, however, remains to be accomplished if these sectors are to function efficiently, productively and transparently in Cambodia.

The actual value of the resources is still uncertain, but significant progress has been made in offshore and onshore oil and gas exploration as well as in the allocations of licenses for the exploration and exploitation of mineral resources.

The government has consistently reported its expectation that the first significant oil will be produced beginning in 2012.

H.E. Samdech Hun Sen, Prime Minister of Cambodia, previously noted that: “Whether oil and gas revenues translate into greater economic diversification and poverty reduction is the most salient issue in Cambodia’s medium term outlook”. We know from other countries that when a resource windfall is properly stewarded, it can stimulate economic growth, decrease poverty and fund improvements in infrastructure and the country’s social fabric. All too often, however, countries have suffered negative effects, including increased poverty and inequality, detrimental environmental impact and political and social instability. CRRT applauds the recent commitments made by the RGC to increase transparency related to revenues from the oil, gas and mining industries by consistently disclosing quarterly financial reports of government revenues and expenditures.

Since January of 2008, Cambodians for Resource Revenue Transparency has been working with the government, regulatory agencies and fellow members of civil society to encourage the creation of fair and equitable laws, policies and procedures governing the extractive industries that will benefit all of Cambodia for generations to come.

	An informed public should participate in open discussions to contribute to decision-making on the financial management of revenues from extractive industries.

	Information should be widely available on operations for exploitation of extractive resources and earned revenues to facilitate public oversight of the extractive industries sector.

	Revenues from extractive industries should be efficiently and fairly used for sustainable development for the benefit of current and future generations.

Founders

The Five Founding member of CRRT are Cambodian civil society organizations:

	Center for Social Development (CSD)
		In June 1995, the Center for Social Development (“CSD”) was established in Phnom Penh, Cambodia as a non-profit, non-governmental organization. CSD seeks to promote democratic values and improve the quality of life of the Cambodian people through training, seminars, research, publication, broadcasting, partnership with other like-minded organizations and institutions and dialogue with Cambodians from all walks of life. Contact CSD: Address: # 140, Street 371,Sangkat Toek Thla,Khan Sen Sok, Phnom Penh, Cambodia Tel: (855-23) 364 735 Fax: (855-23) 364 736 Email: info@csdcambodia.org Website: www.csdcambodia.org

	Development and Partnership in Action (DPA)
		In solidarity and partnership with Cambodian people and civil society, DPA applies community organizing and rights based approaches to support the rural poor, especially the poorest and marginalized, in their efforts to meet their own needs and to support activities which promote peace, freedom, and social justice. Having been localized in January 2006, DPA continues the work of its predecessor, CIDSE, which served the development needs of Cambodia for 25 years. Contact DPA: Address: #69z, Street 450, Toul Tumpoung II, PO Box 5 Phnom Penh, Kingdom of Cambodia Tel: (855-23) 216 369/ 216 945 Fax: (855-23) 217 342 Email: dpa.reception@dpacambodia.org Website: www.dpacambodia.org

	Economic Institute of Cambodia (EIC)
		EIC is an independent think-tank that provides essential information and a thorough insight into Cambodia’s socio-economic development. It bases itself on presenting reliable, accurate and research-based data and analysis of the country’s economic trends to participate in the formulation of sustainable economic development policies and strategies for Cambodia. Contact EIC: Address: #2012ABC, NR5, Sangkat Tuol Sangke, Khan Russei Keo, Phnom Penh, Cambodia P.O.Box: 1008 Tel: (855-23) 987 941 Fax: (855-23) 987 942 Email: eic@eiccambodia.org Website: www.eicambodia.org

	NGO Forum on Cambodia (NGOF)
		The NGO Forum is made up of local and international non-governmental organizations grounded in their experience of humanitarian and development assistance in Cambodia. The NGO Forum exists for information-sharing, debate and advocacy on priority issues affecting Cambodia’s development. The NGO Forum has an important role to highlight the impact of development processes and economic, social and political changes on Cambodians. Contact NGO Forum: Address: #9-11 Street 476, Toul Tompong, P.O. Box 2295, Phnom Penh, Cambodia Tel: (855-23) 214 429/213 482 Fax: (855-23) 994 063 Email: ngoforum@ngoforum.org.kh Website: www.ngoforum.org.kh

	Youth Resource Development Programme (YRDP)
		YRDP aims to support the development of Cambodian civil society by addressing the lack of critical and analytical thinking skills among university students. The organization provides non-formal education and capacity building in institutions of higher education to develop skills to empower students to reflect upon social issues and act for change. Contact YRDP: Address: #93, St.590, Sangkat Beoung Kok II, Khan Toul Kork, PO Box 462, Phnom Penh Cambodia Tel: (855-23) 880 194 Email: yrdp@citylink.com.kh Website: www.yrdp.org