Team Cambodia

Our Team

International Bridges to Justice is led by a group of over 65 employees, interns and volunteers throughout the world. Browse through the staff working at our headquarters office in Geneva and our seven regional offices situated in Asia and Africa.

Cambodia Team

41. St 488 Sangkat Psardoemthkov, Khan Chamkarmom, Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Ouk Vandeth – IBJ Fellow and Country Manager

Joining IBJ in 2007, Ouk Vandeth is currently the IBJ Fellow and Country Director of the program in Cambodia. Vandeth is responsible for the operation, coordination and success of IBJ’s legal aid services, Street Law activities, Roundtable forums and Lawyer Training. Vandeth is also responsible for strengthening relationships to both local and foreign governments as well as private funders to ensure IBJ’s growth in Cambodia.

Vandeth survived the Khmer Rouge, and served as the Police Commander at refugee site two camp. He was a Police Official from 1985 to 1994, a time when it was socially acceptable for the police to obtain confessions by means of torture. After this experience, he was trained by Karen Tse and became one of Cambodia’s first public defenders. Vandeth was also one of IBJs first Fellows. In 1996, Vandeth was named Head of Kandal Provincial Legal Aid Office, the first Legal Aid office of Cambodia reconstructed after the Khmer Rouge. In 2004 he then became the Director of Legal Aid of Cambodia.

He is now nationally recognized as one of the leading public defenders in Cambodia and currently sits on the board of Development and Partnership Action in Cambodia. Vandeth joined IBJ to facilitate change both attitude and culture of the Cambodian civil and judicial society towards legal rights and the use of torture as an investigative tool. His extensive legal aid experience means he understands the needs of the accused and more importantly the strategies required to successfully defend peoples’ basic human rights. He accepts that early intervention by a lawyer, citizen legal education and justice community discussions have positive impacts on preventing torture, excessive pre-trial detention and disproportionate sentencing practices. Mr Vandeth has therefore resolved to devote attention to preventing these injustices in Cambodia.

Hok Meng Eam – Provincial Lawyer

Hok Meng Eam joined IBJ in February 2010. Currently working as a lawyer for IBJ’s Phnom Penh office, Eam is responsible for defendant advocacy and basic legal rights protection, achieved through the provision of legal aid representation and legal consultation during investigative and trial phases.

Eam’s work has focused on criminal defense, strengthening the rule of law, good governance and human rights in Cambodia. She has extensive expertise as a lawyer, specifically in violations of the rights of children, children in the justice system, and women’s rights. Eam also provides advice and representation on issues of domestic violence, divorce, marriage and land disputes.

Before joining IBJ, Ms Eam worked for five years as a lawyer for Legal Aid Cambodia in the Women’s Justice Program and the Juvenile Unit. She has gained experience across the Cambodian court system, representing clients in Cambodia’s Provincial Courts, Appellate Court and the Supreme Court.

Eam holds both a Master of Law and Bachelor of Law from the Royal University of Law & Economics, Phnom Penh.

Through her work at IBJ, Eam remains committed to working towards eliminating torture, excessive pre-trial detention and disproportionate sentencing practices in Cambodia.

Chan Reaseypheak – Provincial Lawyer

Pheak joined IBJ in February 2010. Currently working as a lawyer for IBJ’s Phnom Penh office, Ms. Pheak is responsible for court advocacy for the effective enforcement of Cambodian Criminal Penal and Procedures Codes. Pheak also provides legal aid representation during the investigative and trial phases across Cambodia.

Pheak has focused her career on access to justice promotion in Cambodia. She has extensive experience as a legal aid lawyer, focusing on representing indigent clients who otherwise have limited or no access to legal representation on domestic violence. Pheak also provides advice on divorce, assault, sexual and narcotic offences. Prior to joining IBJ, Pheak worked as a lawyer for three years at Legal Aid Cambodia. There she gained experience defending clients in criminal matters before the Provincial Courts, Appellate Court and the Supreme Court.

Pheak holds both her Master of Law and Bachelor of Law from the Royal University of Law of Economics, Phnom Penh.

Through her work at IBJ, Pheak holds the Police, Investigative Judge and Trial Judge accountable in upholding the Cambodian Criminal Penal and Procedures codes.

Kin Vibol - Provincian Lawyer

Kin Vibol was working in IBJ's office in Takeo province (DRC1) since August 2011. He moved to IBJ's office in Phnom Penh in December 2012. As a lawyer Vibol provides legal services to persons accused of crimes who cannot afford to pay for a lawyer themselves. He also organizes Street Law and Rural Education campaigns for indigent Cambodian citizens. Vibol is passionate about his work and is committed to helping the poor in rural areas who have limited knowledge about their legal rights. Prior to joining IBJ – between 2005 and 2008 – Vibol worked as a legal assistant for a local government official. He graduated in 2002 with a Bachelor's Degree of Law from the Faculty of Law and Economic Sciences, and in 2005 with a Master's Degree of Law from the Build Bright University. Vibol was born in the Banteaydey district in Pursat province.

Sim Dalis – DRC Coordinator

Dalis is the Program Coordinator at IBJ's office in Phnom Penh. She is responsibilities include the coordination of various reports, management of information on the IBJ intranet, collection of data for monitoring and evaluation and assisting the Senior Country Fellow with planning of activities. Her desire to work for IBJ is because the organization strives to protect due process and achieve fair trials for the accused throughout the world. Like IBJ, she is dedicated to protecting the basic legal rights of ordinary citizens in developing countries.

While working for IBJ She would like to gain more experience in law, especially criminal law, so she can help other people to know the rights. Previously, Ms Dalis worked as a consultant in Kandal Court. At the Court she compiled monthly Court statistics using data from the Court's register, trained and assisted other Court personnel to update the Court's and Prosecutor's office registers, conducted regular audits to ensure accuracy of the information contained in the registers. Ms Dalis has also worked as an administrative assistant at World Vision. She entered data for recording overall project expenditures, assisted the Administrative Officer and Accounting Officer in overall project administration, and provided support services to project staff, developed and maintained filling project records, assisted in the preparation of meetings, training and workshop, and assisted the coordination of monitoring activities for various projects. Ms Dalis graduated with the bachelor degree of Law major in Royal University of Law and Economics in 2009. She also holds an English literature degree the Human Resources University.

Long Savoeun – Finance Officer

Long Savoeun joined IBJ in October 2011. Savoeun currently holds the position of Finance Officer, and facilitates the financial operations in Cambodia. Savoeun has more than four years experience in finance, initially working for Legal Aid Cambodia, providing assistance in accounting and financial management.

Savoeun has a Bachelors Degree in Accounting and a Bachelors Degree in Forestry Science. Savoeun also has a Masters Degrees of Audit and a Masters Degree of Integrated Management of Agriculture and Rural Development. Savoeun has a strong work ethic and is committed to working honestly, giving confidence to donors and supporters of IBJ.

Ouk Chandyna – Administrator Officer

Chandyna is responsible for the day-to-day administrative tasks at IBJ's Phnom Pehn office. Chandyna joined IBJ in 2008 to pursue her interest in helping the indigent accused in court and raising public awareness of individual rights.

Prior to IBJ, she worked as an assistant lawyer and as a receptionist for Legal Aid of Cambodia. Before that she was a police officer for two years. Besides Cambodian, she speaks English and Thai.

Kong Chanratha - Lawyer's Assistant

Chanratha joined the team in July 2012 as an intern after having graduated a Bachelor degree of Law at the Build Bright University. He also has completed courses in Computer Office, English, Secretary and Administration Affair and in Newspaper translation. Prior in 2010, he joined an Advocacy Skill Workshop with USAID, and he did social work with PHD in the gender field.

Chanratha started to work as a lawyer assistant in December 2012. He was motivated to work with IBJ in order to develop his skills and legal knowledge but first of all because he wanted to be part of IBJ’s objective to guarantee all citizens the right to legal representation. As a lawyer assistant in the Phnom Penh office, he mostly works at the Court of Appeal in meeting Court officials, following up cases and assisting lawyers in their tasks. In the future, he would like to become a lawyer, after having gained experience with IBJ.

He was born in Phnom Penh.

Sok Sopheak - Lawyer's Assistant

Sopheak has worked in the Phnom Penh office as a Legal Assistant, with responsibility for Appeal Court work, since June 2012. Sopheak's motivation to work for IBJ is to gain more experience of the judicial system, contribute to access to social justice and the advancement of human rights, and improve his legal awareness in general. Sopheak is a passionate believer in the accused's right to legal representation and a fair trial.

Sopheak worked as a translator for the Asian Development Bank project from June 2009 to March 2010 and performed a similar role for IBJ from April 2010 to April 2011. From August 2011 to November 2011, he was a Trial Monitor for the Cambodian Center for Human Rights (CCHR) at Banteay Meanchey's Court of First Instance. Prior to joining IBJ's Phnom Penh office, he was also a Human Rights Violation Monitor for LICADHO in Kampong Cham province.

Sopheak was born in Kampong Cham province's Cheung Prey district. Sopheak graduated from the Royal University of Law and Economics with a Bachelor's degree in Law in 2008 and a Master's degree in Public Administration in 2011.

Seang Chanratana - Office Assistant

Chanratana joined IBJ in December 2012 as an Office Assistant, after a three months internship as a IBJ's Legal Assistant. Prior to joining IBJ, she worked seven months as a Legal Assistant for a law office in Phnom Penh. She was motivated to work for IBJ because she wants to contribute significantly in the development of a social justice system, promoting the right to a fair trial. She strongly believes in human rights and wants to work with an organization preventing false arrest, illegal detention and unfair trial.

Born in Kampong Chhnang province, Chanratana holds a Bachelor Degree of Law from the Royal University of Law and Economics. She also completed numerous courses such as International Relation, Administration and Secretary, Financial Accounting and English.

Ouk Rachana - Finance Assistant

Ouk Rachana is working as a Finance Assistant in IBJ's office in Phnom Penh city since December 2012. Prior to work in Phnom Penh IBJ's office she was the Office Administrator in DRC6 (Battambang province) since June 2012. She checks all receipt and other supporting documents, checks and records financial reports from provincial offices into Quick Book, assists the Finance Manager to review the consistency accuracy and transparency of all finance supports and documents, she responsible for travelling to the tax department, National Social Security Fund of Cambodia (NSSF) and to the bank. Before joining IBJ, Rachana worked as an accounting clerk at Suntex PTE LTD and as a junior accountant for the organization ACTED-PSF.

In 2013 she is studying a master degree in Auditing at the Vanda Institute of Accounting in Phnom Penh. In 2011, Rachana graduated a Bachelor's degree in Accounting from the same Institute. She also holds certificates in Financial Accounting, Computerized Accounting Software, and Microsoft Word and Excel. She holds a further certificate in English Language from Pannasastra University.

She wanted to work for IBJ because it is a legal organization which works to help poor people and she wants to gain more experiences in the organization particularly in creating budget line for proposals and projects.

Charlène Buisson-Suhner - Intern

Charlène joined IBJ Cambodia in November 2012 as a volunteer. After graduating from the Higher European Studies Institute (Institut de Hautes Etudes Européennes) in Strasbourg, France with a master degree in Human Rights, Humanitarian Affairs and International Cooperation, she did an internship at the Human Rights Council of the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) in Geneva. During her studies, she worked as a volunteer with the humanitarian organization Solhimal which provides help in Tibetan refugees’ camps in Nepal and organizes child sponsoring. Then, she joined the association Plaider les droits de l'homme (PLDH) in Strasbourg where she provided classes for Master degree students and took part on the organization of a Moot Court ECHR contest (simulation of a trial case in the European Court of Human Rights).

Boosted by this experience, she wanted to have the opportunity to concretely work on the ground with an international organization specialized in Human Rights and justice. In working with IBJ Cambodia, she can apply practically her theoretical legal knowledge, gain new experience and realize concrete projects. It appears to Charlène fundamental to work and to get personally involved in using her skills and knowledge defending a fair cause.

IBJ Cambodia – Takeo Provincial Defender Resource Center (DRC 1)

#168, Phsar Nat Village, Roka Knong Commune, Don Keo City, Takeo Province, Cambodia

Ly Kosal - Provincial Lawyer

Kosal started to work for IBJ in December 2012 as a provincial lawyer in Takeo (DRC1) where he is providing legal services to the accused of misdemeanor or felony crimes who cannot hire a lawyer for themselves.

Born in Kandal Province, he graduated Diploma Associated Degree of Law in 2003 and continued in graduating a Bachelor Degree of Law from the Royal Phnom Penh University of Law and Economic in 2005. In 2007 he joined the Lawyer Training Center (LTC) and worked as a trainee lawyer for Legal Aid of Cambodia in 2008. He also completed numerous courses including Computer, Administrative and Secretarial, Marketing and English.

In 2009, Kosal worked as a lawyer for Legal Aid of Cambodia in Koh Kong province where he provided legal representation and consultation to rural poor people.

Chan Vanny – Provincial Investigator

Since joining IBJ in January 2011, Vanny has worked as a Provincial Investigator in IBJ's DRCs in Takeo Province. Vanny was motivated to work for IBJ by the opportunity his position provides to apply his knowledge of law that he developed as a student and want to get more experience from the law sector.

The most rewarding aspects of his job are helping citizens in remote areas to learn about the law and their rights, and it makes him very happy when the lawyer he works with is able to get justice for a person IBJ is representing. In the future, Vanny would like to continue his legal education to work in Legal organization in Cambodia. Prior in 2010 Vanny worked as Legal Intern in IBJ Phnom Penh city; he assisted to lawyer with some tasks at the court and in the office. In 2009 Vanny worked as Legal Intern at Cambodian Center for Human Rights (CCHR) in trial monitoring project. In 2008 Vanny worked as Volunteer at Star Kampuchea Organization in advocacy program. Vanny holds a Bachelor of law from the Royal University of Law and Economics in Phnom Penh.

He was born in Kampot province, and completed his certificate at Samdech Cheasim high school in Kampot province.

Khut Sreymom – Office Administrator

Since joining IBJ in January 2011, Sreymom has worked as an Office Administrator in IBJ's DRCs in Takeo.

Sreymom was motivated to work for IBJ because she think that with working in IBJ , she can develop her skills and knowledge. Moreover she can put her knowledge into practice in this position. Prior to joining IBJ, she worked as a teacher of English at UK Language School from June, 2010 and she worked as a Cashier at Midland Hotel from Sep, 2010. Presently Sreymom was studying Bachelor degree of Accounting at Vanda Institute of Accounting in Phom Penh from 2008 to 2011.

She was born in Takeo, and completed her certificate at Hun Sen Slakou High School in Takeo province.

IBJ Cambodia – Pursat Provincial Defender Resource Center (DRC 2)

#36, Group 2 , Pur Ondort Village, Ror Leap Commune, Pursat City, Pursat Province, Cambodia

Roth Chantol - Provincial Lawyer

Chanthol joined IBJ in January 2013 as a lawyer in Pursat Province. He wanted to work in a legal organization in order to directly help poor citizens. He strongly believes in the necessity of the effective establishment of the rule of law in Cambodia in order to reinforce democracy and the respect of Human Rights.

Born in Takeo province, he graduated a Bachelor Degree of Law from the Phnom Penh Royal University of Law and Economics in 2005. In 2006, he graduated the Certificate of Aptitude in the Legal Profession (CAPA). In 2011 he graduated a Master Degree in Law from the Phnom Penh Royal University. Chanthol focused his studies in Democracy and Human Rights and has graduated numerous certificates such as a Certificate of Morality, a Certificate of Youth Participation in Democracy at YCC, and a Certificate of Human Rights and Law at ADHOC.

In 2007 he joined the Lawyer Fellows Program of EWMI and provided legal support for children and women. He then worked for four years as a lawyer for the Cambodian Defender Project (CDP) in Phnom Penh and in provinces and two years for Legal Aid of Cambodia (LAC) as a provincial lawyer in Kampong Cham province. In this way, he gained experience as a lawyer, both in Phnom Penh and in several provinces. Though his work at IBJ, Chanthol remains committed to provide legal aid to poor citizens in order to promote the rule of law in Cambodia.

Ouk Kalyan – Provincial Investigator

As Provincial Investigator, Kalyan will be assisting defenders by gathering evidence and researching cases.

She is passionate about working with the poor and providing them better access within the justice system. Prior to IBJ, Kalyan worked at Development Partnership in Action (DPA), an organization that advocates on behalf of Cambodia's rural poor.

Kalyan studied law at the Royal University of Law and Economics in Phnom Penh.

Choun Loeurm – Office Administrator

Choun currently studies at Build Bright University anticipating a Bachelor degree in Finance and Banking, and has studied numerous other skills including English languages, Computer Credit Leadership, and Development Community. She graduated from Ottabong High School in 2006 and prior to IBJ worked as a receptionist and secretary for six months. Choun looks to share her contributions widely through IBJ in an effort to help the poor to understand their rights when they cannot afford representation, and she also hopes to obtain a greater knowledge and awareness about law.

IBJ Cambodia – Prey Veng Provincial Defender Resource Center (DRC 3)

#56, Village 5, Sangkat Kampong Leav, Prey Veng City, Prey Veng province, Cambodia

So Bengtharun – Provincial Lawyer

Bengtharun works at IBJ's office in Prey Veng, where he is the only permanent legal aid lawyer in the entire Province. He also provides legal services to the poor in the adjoining Province of Svay Rieng. He enjoys working with IBJ because the organization is dedicated to protecting the basic legal rights of ordinary citizens in developing countries. By working at IBJ he hopes to significantly improve law enforcement practices in Cambodia.Bengtharun has several years experience working to educate people about the law and providing legal services to the poor.

Prior to joining the IBJ team in 2009, he worked as a legal trainer at a University. From 2007 until 2008 he worked as a lawyer at the Cambodia Defender Project, defending clients who were poor and vulnerable in both civil and criminal cases. From early 2005 until December of 2006 he worked as a lawyer at Legal Aid of Cambodia.Bengtharun has been a lawyer since 2005.

He began studying at the Lawyer Training Center in 2003 and completed the course required to become a lawyer two years later. In 2005 Sithann graduated with a Master Degree of Law and Political Science from Build Bright University.

He holds a Bachelor of Law Degree from the University of Law and Economic Science, which he completed in 2002.

Bengtharun graduated from high school in 1998 in Sihanoukville, the Province where he is from.

Leang Sina – Provincial Investigator

Leang Sina is 38 years old, from Tean Ploueng Village in the Smong Commune of the Kamchaymea District of the Prey Veng Province. He moved to the Prey Veng Province in Phnom Penh in 1980, finished high school in 1988, and has taken law related courses.

He served in the army as a soldier for seven years. He has also taken computer courses and has studied the English language. In 1995 he worked as an investigator in the Human Rights field in Cambodia for two years. In 1998 he worked as an Assistant to a Lawyer for Legal Aid Cambodia (LAC) in the Kandal Province until 2009. Sina desired to work at IBJ to gain increased experience and knowledge about the law. At IBJ he helps to dissiminate Rights Awareness Campaign materials, which serve to assist the Accused when they are taken to court.

He hopes to contribute to the implementation of justice throughout Cambodia.

Seang Sarika – Office Administrator

Seang Sarika is 22 years old and was born in the Kompong Chhnang Province in Cambodia. She completed her studies at Soramarith high school located in the Kompong Chhnang Province. In 2007 she graduated from the Center for Banking Studies (CBS) in Phnom Penh with a degree in Banking.

She also graduated with a Bachelors Degree in Business and Economic Science in Finance and Banking at the Cham Roeun University of Poly-Technology in Phnom Penh. In 2007 she completed a training course in Secretarial and Administrative affairs at the Asia Euro Organization, and also completed a computer course. Sarika wanted to work at IBJ because she desired to use her knowledge by working within the community. She hopes to improve the development of the nation and to serve people who need to have their legal rights protected. She recognizes that tribunals are often unfair and that lawyers are essential to protecting the rights of individuals.

Working at IBJ Sarika will also have the opportunity to learn more about the law and to gain relevant legal experience.

IBJ Cambodia – Rattanakiri Provincial Defender Resource Center (DRC 4)

Ou Kontil Village, Boeung Kanseng, Banlong City, Rattanakiri province, Cambodia

Mao Sary – Provincial Lawyer

Mao Sary is a lawyer at IBJ's office in Rattanakiri. He started working IBJ in October 2010. He is currently the only permanent legal aid lawyer in Rattanakiri province. Sary was motivated to work for IBJ because it is an organization that will help poor people who do not have ability to hire the lawyer to represent their cases in the court and he want to help charged person who are charged in offense. Moreover IBJ focus on represent the accused person who got detention in prison and IBJ provide lawyer to represent to charged and accused person.

Prior to working for IBJ, he worked as lawyer assistant at CDP for two year as part time job and he worked as judge assistant for 3 years as part time job as part as well. Sary studied at the Lawyer Training Center from 2005 to 2007.He worked as a Lawyer for LAC from 2007 to 2010. Sary graduated with a Bachelors of Law from Royal University of Law and Economics in Phnom Penh in 2004.

Phon Sophoes – Provincial Investigator

Since May 2011, Sophoes is an Investigator at IBJ's office in Rattanakiri province. Sophoes was motivated to work for IBJ to develop his knowledge of law and help citizens in remote areas to know about their rights and laws in Cambodia.

In the future, Sophoes would like to be a lawyer in Cambodia. From October 2010 to April 2011 he was a Lawyer Assistant Intern in Phnom Penh. Prior to intern at IBJ he has been a lawyer Assistant at BS lawyer office from 2008 to 2009. He was born in Phnom Penh. Sophoes completed his certificate at Chumpuvorn High School in 2006, and graduated bachelor degree of law at the royal university of law and economic in Phnom Penh in 2010.

Seang Sokly – Office Administrator

Seang Sokly joined IBJ in January 2012 as the Office Assistant in Rattanakiri. Sokly was keen to join IBJ to develop her accounting and administrative skills that she developed as a student. As a student at the Cambridge School on Writing Skills, Sokly developed skills in written and spoken English. Sokly has also completed a Certificate of Council in Microsoft Word and Excel, and a certificate of General Accounting, Takeo. In 2011, Sokly completed her Bachelors of Banking and Finance at Build Bright University, Takeo.

Sokly was born in Takeo province where she also completed year 12 at Hun Sen Slakou High School.

IBJ Cambodia – Mondulkiri Provincial Defender Resource Center (DRC 5)

Doemsral Village, Sangkat Monorom, Sen Monorom City, Mondulkiri province, Cambodia

Chheang Makara – Provincial Lawyer

Chheang Makara is a lawyer at IBJ's office in Mondulkiri. He started working IBJ in October 2010. He is currently the only permanent legal aid lawyer in Mondulkiri, a province in the remote and mountainous west of Cambodia.

Makara was motivated to work for IBJ because it is an organization that will help him to develop his skills and knowledge as a legal practitioner and to provide a valuable legal service to society. Prior to working for IBJ, he worked as an intern lawyer at Gold Service Law Firm for one year as part of his qualification to practice.

Makara studied at the Lawyer Training Center from 2008 to 2009. He worked as a Lawyer Assistant for Avocats Sans Frontieres from 2006 to 2008. Makara graduated with a Bachelors of Law from Build Bright University in Phnom Penh in 2005.

Cheang Sopheav – Provincial Investigator

Since joining IBJ in April 2009, Sopheav has worked as an investigator in IBJ’s DRCs in Pursat, Takeo and most recently Mondulkiri.

Sopheav was motivated to work for IBJ by the opportunity his position provides to apply his knowledge of law that he developed as a student. The most rewarding aspects of his job are helping citizens in remote areas to learn about the law and their rights, and it makes hm very happy when the lawyer he works with is able to get justice for a person IBJ is representing. In the future, Sopheav would like to continue his legal education and qualify to practice as a lawyer in Cambodia.

Prior to joining IBJ he has been a Legal assistant for over a year learning much about court cases and legal issue analyses Sopheav holds a Bachelor of law from the Royal University of Law and Economics in Phnom Penh. He was born in Pursat, and completed his certificate at Boeung Kengkong High School in Phnom Penh.

Um Sovanna – Office Administrator

Since joining IBJ in January 2011, Sovanna has worked as an Office Assistant in IBJ's DRCs in Mondulkiri.

Sovanna was motivated to work for IBJ because she want to get more experience , she can support for her living and she can help to citizen who need legal assistant. Prior to joining IBJ, she has been worked in department of women 's affair for one year.

She was born in Mondulkiri, and completed her certificate at Hun Sen Mondulkiri High School in Mondulkiri province.

IBJ Cambodia – Battambang province Defender Resource Center (DRC 6)

Kamarkar Village, Svay Por Commune, Battambang City, Battambang Province, Cambodia

Poeung Kalyan - Provincial Lawyer

Poeung Kalyan has worked at IBJ's office in Battambang province since August 2012. Kalyan is committed to helping poor people in need of legal aid. She also enjoys the opportunities her role provides to experience the criminal courts in different areas of the country. She also actively promotes legal awareness through participation in IBJ's Street Law campaign.

Kalyan possesses extensive legal expertise. Her specialist areas include general criminal law, domestic violence, rape, human trafficking, the law on monogamy, family law, divorce, land disputes, criminal procedure and civil procedure. She has experience of advising and representing both defendants and victims.

From 2005-6 Kalyan worked as a trainee lawyer for AFESIP, an organization based in Siem Reap. In 2007-8 returned to the Cambodian Defender Project in Battambang and Kratie provinces, having interned with the organization between 2002 and 2004. In this role she represented both victims and defendants, and also gained experience in land disputes. From 2008-9 she worked for Legal Aid of Cambodia (LAC), providing legal services for female victims of crime in Kampong Speu province. Prior to joining IBJ, she worked for Cambodia against Child Trafficking (Cambodia ACT). Her clients at both LAC and Cambodia ACT were victims.

Kalyan obtained her Certificate of Aptitude in the Legal Profession from Legal Training Center in 2005, having graduated in 2004 with a Bachelor's degree in Law from Norton University in Phnom Penh. She was born in the Serey Sophorn district of Battambang province.

Houn Bunnith - Provincial Investigator

Houn Bunnith has worked as a legal assistant at IBJ's office in Banteay Meanchey province since June 2012. Prior to joining the DRC6 team, he volunteered from 2010 to 2011 as a legal assistant in IBJ's Prey Veng office.

Bunnith is motivated to work for IBJ both because he wants to improve his legal skills and knowledge and to help poor people through the provision of legal aid.

Bunnith was born in the Moung Rersey district of Battambang province. He was educated at Hun Sen Takhmao high school in Kandal province. He holds a certificate of proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel.

Moeu Sotheareth - Office Administrator

Sothearet joined IBJ as a volunteer accountant in Phnom Penh office in January 2012 and she started working as an office assistant in Battambang IBJ's office in December 2012.
Born in Pursat province, she graduated higher Diploma (Bac II) from Bakan High School in 2009. She is currently enrolled in a Bachelor degree in English literature (2nd year) at the Cambodia International Cooperation institute (CICI) and in Accounting and Finance (4th year) at the Economic and Finance Institute (EFI) after graduating.

Sothearet is particularly interested in accounting and computer and has studied numerous subjects including Computer skills, Accounting, Principles of Marketing and Management, Contract Law and Administration.

IBJ Cambodia – Banteay Meanchey Province Defender Resource Center (DRC 7)

Korethan Village, Ou Ambil Commune, Serey Sophorn City, Banteay Meanchey Province, Cambodia

Nop Kunthol - Provincial Lawyer

Kunthol started to work for IBJ in January 2013 as a provincial lawyer in Banteay Meanchey (DRC7).
Born in Kampot province, she graduated a Bachelor degree of law in 2008 from the Royal University of Law and Economics. She also completed numerous courses including secretary and administrative affairs, computer courses, general accounting and project management. She worked for 3 years with the National Authority for Combating Drug (NACD) at the Ministry of Interior where she performed legal and administrative tasks. In 2009 she worked 2 years as an office assistant for lawyers and then as a Lawyer for the Khmer Apsara Law firm House for 1 year.

With her legal experience, Kunthol wanted to work for IBJ because she is well aware about the fact that numerous poor Cambodian citizens are abused or threatened and in the need of legal services. As a lawyer she felt she has to help them, to help the society in giving free legal assistance and prevent unlawful actions. In this way, IBJ perfectly meets her professional and personal expectations.

Chhim Rat - Provincial Investigator

Chhim Rat has worked at IBJ's office in Banteay Meanchey province since June 2012. He was born in the Dorntoung District of Kampot province. Rat graduated from Build Bright University in 2005 with a Bachelor's degree in Accounting and Finance. He has also completed certificates in computing, credit operation, management, Microsoft Word and Microsoft Excel. Prior to joining IBJ, Rat worked in marketing for a private company for approximately 10 years. After working for the private company for so long, he became interested in working for a legal organization and found IBJ. He is proud to work for IBJ because he is involved in spreading legal awareness to Cambodian citizens. Also, he is motivated by IBJ's mission to help less fortunate criminal defendants obtain better access to legal representation.

Kin Sreynuon - Office Assistant

Kin Sreynuon has worked for IBJ in Banteay Meanchey province since June 2012. Sreynuon was born in Takeo province, and she graduated in 2011 with a Bachelor's degree in Accounting. Additionally, she has obtained certifications in Financial Accounting, General Accounting, Computerized Accounting Software (Peachtree), Microsoft Excel, and Microsoft Word. Prior to joining IBJ, Sreynuon worked as a data encoder for VisionFund, from July 2010 to August 2011. With VisionFund, she was responsible for reviewing loan documents before entering them into the tracking system. She also handled various administrative tasks as directed by her supervisor, managed checking account repayment, and found timely solutions for problems encountered. From November 2011 to March 2012, Sreynuon worked in the recruitment sector of Amret, a microfinance institution. Now, she enjoys working for IBJ because it helps ensure a fair trial for poor citizens, and she is able to learn about the Cambodian law.

IBJ Cambodia – Kampong Thom province Defender Resource Center (DRC 8)

Village 7, Kampong Thom Commune, Steung Seng City, Kampong Thom province, Cambodia

Nou Chandeth - Provincial Lawyer

Chandeth joined IBJ in December 2012 as a provincial lawyer in Kampong Thom province with the wish to gain valuable experience, particularly in criminal representation for accused persons.
Born in Kandal province, he graduated a Bachelor Degree of Law from the Royal University of Law and Economics in 2007 and completed the Certificate of Lawyer Professional Attitude in 2010.
Prior joining IBJ, Chandeth worked for the Bar Association of the Kingdom of Cambodia as a legal assistant in providing legal services in numerous fields, notably in drafting commercial and labor contracts, and in filing litigation on labor, civil, or criminal cases.
He feels that working with IBJ is a great way to help poor accused persons and he is proud to be part of it.

Chan Tola - Provincial Investigator

Since joining IBJ in June 2012, Chan Tola has worked as a legal assistant in IBJ's office in Kampong Thom Province, having performed a similar role in the Phnom Penh office on a volunteer basis from 2010 to 2011. In the intervening years, Tola volunteered as a legal assistant with Legal Aid Cambodia. Tola is committed to facilitating access to justice for citizens living in the more remote areas of Cambodia.

Tola graduated from the Royal University of Law and Economics in 2008 with a Bachelor's degree in Law. He was born in Pursat province, attending Bakan high school

Lign Lida - Office Assistant

Lign Lida returned to IBJ in June 2012 as an office administrator in the Kampong Thom office, having previously volunteered as a finance assistant for six months. Other experience includes six months in the accountancy division of the company Sok Heng.

Lida obtained a Bachelor's degree in Accounting from Vanda Institute in 2011. She also holds an Association Degree in English Literature from Human Resource University (HRU). She attended high school in Kampong Thom province.