Canada
Dozens of villagers involved in a land dispute with Chinese company Union Development Group protest outside the Koh Kong provincial hall on February 3, 2020. (Adhoc)

Long-Absent Human Rights NGO Director Resigns

The director of human rights group Adhoc has resigned after five years living abroad following the arrests of his staff members, a decision seen as both an “opportunity” for new leadership in civil society and a new chapter for the NGO.

A container filled with plastic waste at the Sihanoukville Autonomous Port

Ministry Sticks to Trash Containers’ Origin Story After Canada’s Denial

Environment Ministry spokesman Neth Pheaktra on Monday reiterated earlier government statements that 83 shipping containers packed with plastic refuse and left at the Sihanoukville port since last year came from the U.S. and Canada — despite Canada saying on Friday that the containers weren’t theirs.

Officials unveil a container full of plastic trash in Sihanoukville in July 2019.

Waste-Filled Containers at Sihanoukville Port Not Ours, Canada Says

The environment department of Canada on Friday said none of the about 1,600 tons of plastic waste exported to Cambodia since last year originated from its shores, contradicting earlier statements by Cambodian officials who said 83 trash-filled shipping containers came from Canada and the U.S.

Containers filled with plastic waste at the Sihanoukville port on July 16, 2019

Plastic Waste Shipped Out, but Destination Unclear

The first 14 out of 83 containers of plastic waste imported to the country, supposedly from the U.S. and Canada, have been sent back to their countries of origin, the customs department said.