Cambodia Indigenous Youth Association (CIYA)

Cambodia Indigenous Youth Association (CIYA) was established by a group of Cambodian Indigenous Students in Phnom Penh in 2005 and was officially recognized by the Royal Government of Cambodia in 2008 with support from BHF. It is the first organization established for indigenous youth and the third indigenous organization established in Cambodia. The original purpose of the development of CIYA was to mobilize indigenous youth as a strong group in which the members could help support each other by acting as a social network in the city, as well as to build their capacity towards working as indigenous community development workers in the future. As the number of indigenous students in Phnom Penh increase, the members of CIYA also increase which also expands out to the provinces, particularly in North and Northeast Cambodia. CIYA has more than 100 members, approximately 30 of which are involved in all CIYA activities and the remainders are based and work in the provincial areas. Its mission is to consolidate all indigenous youths of both sexes studying in Phnom Penh and other provinces towards building a strong network. This will help strengthen their solidarity and allow them to build strong capacities, empowering them as the future generation of the indigenous communities they represent. Also, helping indigenous communities in ensuring the protection and security of their land and natural resources; improving their access to health care, the maintenance of their livelihoods, particularly their identities such as custom, tradition, beliefs, and languages.