Cambodia has mobilized a campaign to tell the stories of hope from Cambodia’s refugees and migrants that were welcomed by the world 40 years ago, in a similar time of crisis. These migrants and refugees recovered and are bringing light back to Cambodia. With it’s history over the past 40 years, Cambodians have a direct connection to the current refugee crisis through the many personal stories of Cambodian refugees of the ‘70s, ‘80s, and ‘90s. Domestically, this is an identity that connects Cambodians across current social and political divides.

The intention of the campaign was to mobilize Cambodia’s diverse community (Cambodians and foreigners) to join hands and send a message to the rest of the world about the human imperative to welcome refugees through an online petition/letter of support & personal storytelling (both online and offline).

JuiKnia was launched on 31 March 2017 in partnership with Bophana Center, Cambodian Living Arts, Khmer Arts, Phare Ponleu Selpak, Politikoffee and Khmerican. The campaign lasts for one month with a target of collecting 10,000 signatures.

We are thrilled to report that in just one month, the campaign has gathered 47,685signatures, exceeding the goal of 10,000 signatures by almost five times. Oxfam has already sent the letter with all of the signatures to embassies based in Cambodia.

Oxfam Cambodia would like to express our sincere thanks to you and your organization for your partnership and participation in the JuiKnia campaign to urge the world to keeps its doors and hearts open for refugees. Here's an op-ed by Solinn Lim, Oxfam Country Director, published on Phnom Penh Post: Keeping our hearts and doors open to refugees.

Campaign summary

In just over the 1 month that the campaign has run, we have:

  • Actively engaged 172,696 Facebook users in Cambodia that have clicked, liked, shared and contributed their comments on the campaign
  • Over 30 Cambodian figures have shared their personal stories and messages on their journey as a refugee. Special thanks to Sok Siphana, Arn Chorn Pond, Him Sophy, Phatry Derek Pan, Monika Tep and Nuon Sivin
  • In partnership with Bophana Center, we hosted the first screening in Cambodia of the international film “8 Borders, 8 Days” about the current Syrian refugee crisis
  • In partnership with Politikoffee and Bophana Center, we hosted the screening of the film, “The Roots Remain”
  • In partnership with Cambodian Living Arts, throughout the campaign we engaged the audiences of their show at the National Museum on the campaign and its message
  • In partnership with Phare Ponleu Selpak, throughout the campaign we engage the audiences of their show in Siem Reap and Battambang province of the campaign and its message
  • Mobilized a fleet of Tuk Tuk’s to raise awareness throughout Phnom Penh, Siem Reap and Battambang province
  • 6 media agencies including Cambodia Television Network (CTN), Radio Free Asia (RFA) (Apr 2nd, Apr 5th), ThmeyThmey News, Voice of America (VOA), Women Media Center (WMC) and Vayo radio have participated and disseminated the message to public audiences. Please click here for a translation in English.

Forty years ago, when terror and mass destruction was occurring in Cambodia, and there was no place safe enough to survive, Cambodians were forced from their home country to seek survival and a new life outside. Right now, more than 65 million people are on the same harrowing journey.

With 47,685 signatures and many, many more voices, Oxfam urge World Leaders, to keep the doors and hearts open for refugees and migrants in need of a temporary home during their time of crisis. Together, we are sending the message to world leaders to continue to “Open Hearts, Open Doors” for refugees and migrants.

All creative content produced during the campaign are available here:

These migrants and refugees recovered and are bringing light back to Cambodia.

Watch the full individual stories in our YouTube and website channel:

Join us! sign our open letter and tell us your story

We closed this campaign but you are welcomed to join hands and send a message to the rest of the world about the human imperative to welcome refugees by signing the petition throught the link below. Your voice will be counted and used in the global campaign.

  • in English: https://actions.oxfam.org/cambodia/en/actions/JuiKnia/
  • in Khmer: http://bit.ly/2qVNzdl


For more information, please contact: Asisah.Man@Oxfam.org 

 

JuiKnia, Oxfam and partners logos. Photo:Oxfam