Featured Mission

World Vision - Cambodia: Peace and Justice Program

Cambodia is located in South East Asia bordering Thailand, Laos and Vietnam. Cambodia is now a free kingdom that not too long ago suffered through the famous "Killing Fields" genocide. The country was so-called "cleansed" from those who were part of the old political system. Anyone who had any ties with the former political system, educators, doctors, those with any form of education (even those who wore reading glasses) were executed by Pol Pot's regime. While the regime only controlled Cambodia from 1976-1979, Pol Pot's regime maintained strongholds and continued his terror until his death in 1998. The last of the Khmer Rouge turned over their guns in 1999. Since then there has been peace and two successful elections for government.

However, corrupt leadership and politics are much to blame for Cambodia's present day problems. There are injustices taking place that we in America could not imagine in our own country. "World Vision Cambodia commits to the aggressive pursuit of strategies to work with Cambodian children and adults, in communities and within the government, to address and improve issues of peace and justice that affect the poor, the oppressed and the marginalized."

The following is taken from WVC Peace and Justice Program highlights:
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From 2006-2010, WVC Peace and Justice Program will seek to address four identified critical roadblocks to achieving peace and justice. These are:

1. Violence Against Children
2. Worst and Hazardous Forms of Child Labor
3. Breakdown of Morality, Family Values and Sense of Community
4. Power Abuse and Exclusion that Hurts the Poor and Vulnerable

Violence Against Children:
Significant time and resources will be expended towards combating violence in identified communities as well as making sure that boys and girls who are survivors of violence in target areas receive effective care and healing services. Key Target Groups: Boys and girls who are survivors of violence (e.g. rape, physical and mental abuse, neglect).

Worst and Hazardous Forms of Child Labor:
Specific and tested interventions that contribute to the elimination of worst and hazardous forms of child labor will be identified and implemented. Survivors of child labor often have a distorted view of themselves and the environment in which they exist. Their need for caring, restoration and reintegration into their communities will be at the heart of all program activities. Key Target Groups: Vulnerable children within WV target areas which include children working in factories (e.g. brick factories), child domestic laborers, scavengers, trafficked children, survivors of commercial and sexual exploitation, etc.

Breakdown of Morality, Family Values and Sense of Community:
Intentional efforts towards transforming the breakdown of morality, family values and sense of community will be employed so that boys, girls and adults in target communities have transformed values, attitudes and actions resulting to increased trust, respect and co-operation leading to more peace. Key Target Groups: Boys and girls in peace clubs and children's clubs, parents, teachers, village chief, police and religious groups/leaders.

Power Abuse and Exclusion that Hurts the Poor and Vulnerable:
Program implementation will employ purposive actions that counter power abuse and exclusion that is detrimental to the quality of life of vulnerable children and their families. The goal is to enable people in target communities to harness their collective capacity to analyse local power abuse problems, identify solutions, and mobilize themselves to protect their rights and curtail the threats posed by abusive persons in authority. Key Target Groups: Communities in WV target areas, children and youth clubs, teachers, local authorities, persons in positions of authority, national agencies (especially those who have a mandate related to human rights violations).

World Vision is an international Christian relief and development organization working to promote the well-being of all people - especially children. World Vision seeks to serve people who are poor worldwide, regardless of race, religion or ethnic origin.
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