*First Lady Michelle Obama’s Historic Visit to Cambodia* Published: 15-Mar-15 09:43AM | By William E. Todd [image: 500_amb] Before I begin discussing the central theme of this week’s column which is the upcoming visit by the First Lady of the United States to Cambodia, I would first like to comment on the significant amount of discussion on the street and reporting in the media about the proposed amendments to the National Election Committee (NEC) Law and the Law for the Election of the National Members of the Assembly (LENMA). The fact that there is free and open discussion and active reporting is occurring about potential changes to two important laws is a good thing; it is a sign that there is currently the political space and freedom of speech to have healthy debate. One common theme that I heard this week is that many ordinary citizens and members of civil society are very concerned about the proposed changes and they truly do not understand how the new laws are improvements over existing laws or are positive reforms. The discussion and concern that people have relates to how the imposing new changes to the law that would potentially restrain speech, limit the right to assemble, and silence civil society could be improvements to the current election process. Many have stated they fear that these changes could make the electoral system less responsive and democratic, rather than more. I must admit that I am also concerned and do not understand how these limitations are improvements. I hope and I strongly urge that as the National Assembly considers these two new pieces of legislation over the next week that they consider carefully the impact that these changes will have on future elections, especially the impact on the fundamental rights of Freedom of Speech and the Right to Assemble; all of which are needed to maintain the political space necessary for the advancement of democracy.
On a different subject, by now I am sure that most readers have heard about First Lady Michelle Obama and her historic trip to Cambodia later this month. Mrs. Obama’s visit will be the first time that a sitting First Lady of the United States officially travels to Cambodia, following on President Obama’s trip to Cambodia in 2012, during which he became the first sitting U.S. President to visit the country. Two former First Ladies have also taken the opportunity to visit Cambodia in the past. As a cultural ambassador, former First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy came to Cambodia in November 1967 and was hosted by His Royal Highness King Norodom Sihanouk. Former First Lady Hillary Clinton took multiple trips to Cambodia while serving as the U.S. Secretary of State. In the lead up to this visit, I would like to acknowledge how gracious and hospitable the people of Cambodia have been in helping us prepare to welcome Mrs. Obama. As we get closer to the date of her arrival, many people throughout the country want to know more about the upcoming visit. A number of people have asked about the purpose of her visit and how they might participate. I am delighted that so many Cambodians are engaging with me and with each other about the First Lady and her groundbreaking visit; everyone at the U.S. Embassy shares your anticipation. With all of the world’s nations to choose from, Mrs. Obama’s strong desire to visit Cambodia is indeed noteworthy and demonstrates the high regard that the United States has for the Cambodian people. Since becoming First Lady, Mrs. Obama has gained worldwide recognition as a strong advocate for improvements in education, health, and equal rights for women and girls. In her work, she has continued to stress the importance of three key areas – education, access, and opportunity – as a means of empowering women and girls and building stronger communities. Just like all nations, including the United States, Cambodia's future hinges on what is being done to guarantee quality education, equal access, and opportunity for women and girls. The First Lady’s visit is recognition of the advancements that have been made in Cambodia in these areas. However, it also serves as a call to action so that we can commit ourselves to doing even more on this front in close partnership with the government, civil society, and educators.. As part of this commitment, Michelle Obama is coming to Cambodia to promote Let Girls Learn, a worldwide education initiative launched by the White House earlier this month. The objective of Let Girls Learn is to help adolescent girls worldwide attend and complete school and pursue their broader aspirations. There are approximately 62 million girls around the world – half of them adolescents – currently not in school, which not only diminishes future economic opportunities but also increases their vulnerability to HIV/AIDS, trafficking, and violence. In his speech announcing the Let Girls Learn initiative, President Obama was clear about the urgency to improve education for girls: “This is not just a humanitarian issue, it is a political and security issue, and that’s why it needs to be a foreign policy priority.” All of us have a responsibility to address this crisis by giving women and girls better opportunities to succeed. This is why Let Girls Learn utilizes a government-wide and community-based approach to empower girls around the world, bringing together existing efforts by the Cambodian people and several organizations including the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), the Millennium Challenge Corporation, and the Peace Corps. Cambodia is the only Asian country among eleven nations worldwide which will be involved with the Let Girls Learn Initiative in its inaugural year. Working with the Peace Corps, this initiative will support community-based girls’ education projects throughout the country. Collaborating at the grassroots level is something our Peace Corps volunteers do each and every day, but now an even greater emphasis will be placed on serving as catalysts of community-led change on behalf of adolescent girls’ education. In addition to this, Let Girls Learn will also support USAID’s work with all levels of Cambodian society to focus on increasing access to quality education, keeping girls in school, reducing barriers to success, and empowering girls and young women. With a quality education, girls are more likely to improve the quality of life for themselves and their community, which in turn leads to a more prosperous and democratic Cambodia. In addition to her focus on education, access, and opportunity for women and girls, the visit of the First Lady will help promote greater cultural understanding between the United States and Cambodia. While in Siem Reap, Mrs. Obama will have a chance to appreciate the amazing history and culture of Cambodia. As many readers already know, the United States has played a key role to preserve and protect Cambodia’s history and culture. A significant amount of U.S. assistance has been provided for cultural preservation in Cambodia over the past decade, including more than $2.4 million that the Ambassador’s Fund for Cultural Preservation and other sources have granted towards the conservation of Phnom Bakheng. The United States serves as a member of the International Coordinating Committee for PreahVihear Temple and collaborates with different countries and organizations to safeguard, preserve, and renovate this majestic site in a sustainable fashion. Last year, the U.S. government assisted in securing and repatriating the Duryodhana, Bhima and Balarama statues to Cambodia, after they had been illegally taken and trafficked on the international art market. The First Lady’s visit is an extension of our respect and admiration of Cambodian history and culture, and shows the value of cultural exchange between the United States, Cambodia, and other countries. Mrs. Obama’s visit, the Let Girls Learn initiative, and efforts to promote cultural understanding are all examples of the United States’ commitment to the people of Cambodia. We hope that you will continue sharing your thoughts and experiences regarding the development of Cambodia, as this helps us to better understand and support the needs of the average citizen. Efficient governance is not possible without the voice of the people, and when government and civil society organizations work together to engage with the public, more can be accomplished for women’s and girls’ education and other issues. Young people in Cambodia can also take advantage of opportunities like our Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative, education and professional exchange programs, and English language learning programs to have an even stronger voice in the country and around the world. Everyone has a role to play, not only in welcoming the First Lady, but also in moving Cambodia towards a better future. In closing, I would again like to express my gratitude for everyone that has been involved in the lead up and welcoming of First Lady of the United States Michelle Obama. For the latest details regarding her visit, please continue to follow us on Facebook and our other media platforms. While we are all excited for this historic event, please do not forget that there is important work to be done well after the visit is over. I hope that you join us in these enduring efforts, working together to strengthen cooperation and mutual understanding between the United States and Cambodia. I would like to thank you for reading my column this and every week. Please send me your questions in English or Khmer at [email protected] and follow my blog at http://blogs.usembassy.gov/todd/. *William E. Todd is U.S. Ambassador to the Kingdom of Cambodia.* -- Best Regards, *Khmer Forum* *A place for sharing community events and public news.* -- -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Cambodia Discussion (CAMDISC) - www.cambodia.org" group. This is an unmoderated forum. Please refrain from using foul language. Thank you for your understanding. Peace among us and in Cambodia. 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