Socfin Cambodia – Independent mediation

Cambodia – Independent mediation in the Commune of Bousra (2018 to present)

Timeline

• 2016–2017: Pre-mediation phase (capacity building and engagement with local communities)
• 2018–2021: Mediation process
• 2018 to present: Implementation of mediation outcomes

Context

In 2009 and 2010, the Cambodian State granted several Economic Land Concessions (ELCs) to Socfin-KCD in the commune of Bousra, Mondulkiri Province. Subsequently, in 2013, a third ELC was granted to Coviphama. These concessions partially overlapped with areas traditionally used by the Bunong Indigenous communities.

This situation led to land-related disputes, which were widely publicized, and to persistent misunderstandings between the parties.

The CLAIM Mediation Process (Cambodian Land Dispute Independent Mediation), supervised by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR)

In 2016, an independent mediation process was launched with the support of the Mekong Region Land Governance (MRLG) program.

The mediation was conducted by the Independent Mediation Group (IMG), with the participation of local authorities and the support of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR).

5 of the 7 Bunong communities participated directly in the process: Pu Teut, Pu Raing, Bousra, Pu Char and Pu Lu. The 6th community did not hold land within the concession area, and the seventh chose to pursue judicial proceedings.  The CLAIM Mediation Evaluation Report (MRLG, 2022) describes this process as:

“…one of the most advanced examples of land mediation involving Indigenous communities and a private company in Southeast Asia.”

Final agreement and implementation

The process resulted in the signing of 26 agreements and the publication of a Joint Statementon 27 September 2022 by all stakeholders, formalizing in particular:

• Support for the registration of collective community land located within the Group’s ELCs;
• Recognition and protection of Bunong sacred forests and cultural sites;
• Maintenance of traditional agricultural practices in areas along waterways;
• A negotiated resolution of legacy situations related to Family Rubber Plantations (FRP);
• Construction of infrastructure (roads, wells);
• Establishment of community development projects, subject to independent monitoring (MRLG field visit in July 2025).

The MRLG report highlights a significant reduction in tensions, a restoration of trust, and the creation of a replicable model for the region.

Today, the commitments arising from this agreement continue to be implemented and constitute the reference framework for local relations.