IBJ is pleased to announce the opening of two new offices in Cambodia, a head office in Phnom Penh and a Defense Ressource Center in Takeo. We would like to let members of the Phnom Penh Head office who will be assisting IBJ’s first Senior Fellow Ouk Vandeth, introduce themselves.

As IBJ’s Cambodia Program Coordinator, Chantouch is responsible for IBJ’s Cambodia country program budgets and logistical planning. Chandyna is responsible for the day-to-day administrative tasks at IBJ’s Phnom Pehn office.
We would like to welcome both them to the IBJ’s Family!

Khay Chantouch
Program Coordinator
(IBJ in Cambodia-Phnom Penh)

My name is Khay Chantouch and I am 29 years old. I was born in Kyork village, in the Porpus commune of Prey Veng district and Prey Veng Province. I have two daughters. My parents lived with my grandmother in the village for several years and moved to live at Svay Orntour commune in Prey Veng province. In 1988, 52 houses in the area burned down including my family’s house. My parents were only able to retrieve a few belongings from the house and afterwards, their property was seized by the authorities and they were banned to live there. How could my family live? Where is the justice? Why didn’t the government pity homeless people like my family? So my parents didn’t have anything more and were forced to move to Phnom Penh city to live with my grand-aunt.
In Phnom Penh, my parents struggled and tried their best to live from hand to mouth and overcame all difficulties and obstacles here. However, they didn’t make me hopeless and sent me to school to study. I studied at Santhor Mouk Primary and Secondary School. Until 1997, I finished high school there also. Then I began my studies at Norton University to get a BBA degree in accounting. During my studies, I worked part time at CCI Group Co. Ltd. to get experience and money to support my studies. After graduating in 2001, I worked for O.D Paints Co. Ltd. In 2002, I started an MBA program at Norton University and finished in 2004. In 2008, I worked for Cambodia Delta Trading Co. Ltd. as an Accounting Officer.
After working in the private sector for many years, I realized that I was working only for a small part of society instead of the whole of society. I want to live in a society of peace, democracy and justice. I won’t have a peaceful moment if Cambodian people still cannot get justice. Working at an NGO has been my main desire since I was young but there was no chance for me until now. It is the best opportunity for me to work with IBJ because working at an international organization can help common and poor people who can not afford justice know their rights and not be abused and tortured in justice system. Particularly, I want to strengthen and update my skills, knowledge and awareness about law and the justice system in my country. Anyway, I want to spread legal rights awareness for all people in Cambodia.

Ouk Chandyna
Office Assistant
(IBJ in Cambodia-Phnom Penh)

My name is Ouk Chandyna and I am 32 years old. I was originally born in Battambong province. I have five sisters and one brother and I am the oldest. My parents then moved to the Norng Chan Border in 1980 and then in Side 2 Camp in 1982. I finished high school in 1991 and after my family returned to Battambang province. In 1993, my parents moved to Takmao district in Kandal province.
In Kandal province I couldn’t study at university to get a bachelor’s degree but I had studied other skills including English and Thai languages. In 1996, I worked as a police officer for two years. Then I worked as a secretary at H.E Vibol for the Election Committee for one year. I married in 1999 and have two daughters and one son. I worked for Legal Aid of Cambodia as a receptionist and assistant lawyer until 2007.
I left my work there and joined IBJ to get new experience here. Working for IBJ means helping the poor get a lawyer and protect them in the court. IBJ also helps poor Cambodians know about the law and to protect themselves.