jiǎn pǔ zhài

柬埔寨

de

的

yuè nán

越南

zú rén

族人

miàn duì

面对

qí shì

歧视

hé

和

wú guó jí

无国籍

wèn tí

问题

Cambodia has many people of Vietnamese descent.

Civil society organizations estimate that there are about 400,000 to 700,000 of them, including about 75,000 who are stateless.

Without identity documents, it is very difficult for them to go to school, receive medical care, get married, find work, or travel.

The two countries experienced wars and conflicts in the past, which has led some Cambodians to hold negative views of people of Vietnamese descent.

Some people were born in Cambodia and have had family members living there for many generations, yet they still cannot obtain citizenship or a passport.

They say that they are insulted when speaking Khmer and are often treated as “illegal immigrants.”

An elderly man’s greatest wish is for his children to be able to attend school and have a safe, stable home.

Aid organizations hope the government will allow these long-term residents to register their births and apply for citizenship. They also hope society will show them more respect and understanding.

Only then can they live normal lives and contribute to Cambodian society.