THE CIVIL REGISTRATION IN KINGDOM OF CAMBODIA Table of Contents I-Background II-Policy, legal framework 1-Policy of Royal Government of Cambodia 2-Legal framework for civil registration III-Civil registration system from 2002 to present IV-Some experiences from 2002 to present V-Challenges and issues VI-Strategic plan of Civil Registration
I.BACKGROUND : Before civil war, Cambodia had the civil code and proper civil registration system for providing service to its citizens. But the civil registration was not implemented nationwide. At the time some people still did not have the civil registration document, esp. the people living in remote area.
In 1970 because of war, the civil registration was implemented only in the urban area esp. in Phnom Penh. Around 1975 to 1979, the civil registration was completely eliminated and all the documents related to civil registration was completely destroyed. Around Around 1979 to 2002, the civil registration started to process all over the country. But the formality was not uniform and the procedures were differences from one place to other.
In December 2000, by the sub decree 103, the Ministry of Interior, RGC, created the legal framework for civil registration system in the country. The sub decree was enforced on 01 st August 2002, and the objective of the Government was to bring its entire population under the new and uniform civil registration system by August 2005.
II. Policy, legal framework Base on sub decree 103, CR is a collective tie linking nationality to state and person s s concrete status in their family, in society and create person s s right and duty. CR certificate records KoC citizenship and foreigner living legally in Cambodia. A person s s CR is aimed at three status: Birth marriage and death. 1-Policy of RGC : In Cambodia CR has defined to record
three main legal events : Birth, marriage & death Birth : RGC has defined that the parents must bring baby to register at commune or sangkat of their permanent address on time during 30 days after birth. It will be free of charge. Marriage : Cambodian law provided complete right & freedom to man & woman having suitable qualification to marriage without imposing. Death : Cambodian policy has encouraged the death registration to the deceased in order to complete the individuality of that person & to the state or relation or person interested to manage & to protect the interest of the deceased.
2 Legal framework for CR Recently, Cambodia has been a new civil code, but this code have not been implemented yet. However the new CR system have suitable legal base to implement. Those legal bases are : Law on nationality Law on marriage and family Law on immigration Sub decree No.103 on civil registration Sub decree No.29 on asking adopted children to abroad
III- Civil registration system from 2002 to present CR system in Cambodia is based on simple principle, easy, clear and economic. CR documents are issued by mandated officials at commune/sangkat level. The CR system allows the State to know the exact number of its population, to protect its citizens and to do socio-economic development planning. The responsibility of recording birth, marriage and death has been given to CC and commune chief is the assigned official for this purpose.
The The registrants are recorded in two identical books. After After closing the books, one is first sent for legal use and the other is sent to district for safekeeping. The The books are to be opened on first Jan. of the current year and closed on the last day of the year.
Government Organization previous Administration Management Structure Four-tiered government structures: Central Government Central Government extþ Provinces Rsuk Districts XuM Communes Rkug Municipalities xnð Khan sgáat; Sangkat 20 Provinces and 4 Municipalities 171 Districts and 14 Khans 1,510 Communes and 111 Sangkats (1,621 C/Ss)
Current administration management structure Four-tiered government structures: Central Government Capital City 01 Provinces 23 Khan 08 Municipalities 26 Districts 159 Sangkat 76 Sangkat Sangkat Communes 1417 128
Structure of CR management Center : Ministry of Interior, Department General of Local Administration, Department of General Administration, Office of Statistic & Civil Registration. Province : Provincial Cabinet, Office of Statistic & Civil Registration. District : Office of General Administration. Commune : Commune office.
IV-Some Experiences from 2002 to present Before the national mobile civil registration about 5% of the birth certificate issued During the national mobile civil registration, birth and death certificate are delivered free of charge. Moi conducted a public information campaign directed to population on importance and benefits of birth, marriage and death registration documents. Over 90% of birth certificate issued Start computerizing CR data[2002-2006]in 2006]in 2009.
V. Challenges and issues Legal framework Institutions & procedures of CR Human resource, Training, Capacity Building & Public awareness Supported mean, equipment, budget for serving CR CR use for health system planning & Linking CR with social economic development Need more funds from Govt. and partners in order to sustain the system.
VI. Strategic plan for Civil Registration Ensure that all Cambodians have access to CR documents for use. Strengthen CR system with quality, effectiveness, sustainability. Children s s rights & protection of Cambodian children through birth registration after birth. Contribute to protecting Cambodians living legally abroad. Strengthen rule of law, enhance the right & obligation of people through civil registration. Cooperate with MoH for birth and death registration, esp. to find out the cause of death.
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