Statement
សាររំលែកទុក្ខ
It is with great dismay and deep sorrow that civil society organizations learnt about the death of environmental activist, Mr. Chun Vutty. Mr. Vutty was shot dead on the Thursday, 26.April 2012 around 12. 30 pm in the Mondul​Seima District in the Province of Koh Kong.

Mr. Vutty was the founder and director of the Natural Resource Protection Group (NRPG) and an outspoken activist strongly engaged in the protection of the forests of Cambodia against illegal logging. He was a dedicated supporter of various community networks, NGOs, Associations and local Communities struggling to protect Cambodia´s natural resources throughout the country. He was our good friend and partner.

Owing to his tireless efforts to counteract illegal logging, Mr. Vutty received threats in the past. As members of civil society in Cambodia we condemn in the strongest terms any form of violence used against citizens and activists. In this tragic episode a member of the military police was also killed. We call upon all relevant authorities to immediately investigate the circumstances of their deaths in a comprehensive and transparent manner and bring the perpetrator to trial.

At this time, Civil Society mourns the death of Mr.Vutty.We offer our sincere condolences to Mr Vuttys family, friends and colleagues.  At this sad time we also remember the bereaved family of the military police officer
His heroic efforts to protect Cambodian Forests will be remembered by and will always inspire Cambodian citizens and Civil Society.

For more information please contact:
Mr. Chithh Sam Ath, Executive Director of the NGO Forum on Cambodia, Tel: 012 928 585, email: samath@ngoforum.org.kh
Mr. Suon Sareth, Executive Secretary of the Cambodia Human Rights Action Committee (CHRAC), Tel: 092 344 357, email: chrac_2006@yahoo.com
Mr. Vorn Pao, President of the Independent Democracy of Informal Economic Association (IDEA), Tel: 012 534 796, email: ideacambodia@gmail.com
Mr. Seng Sokheng, Community Peace Building Network (CPN), Tel: 092 324668, email: seng.sokheng@mail.com