NGO narratives of human rights and rehabilitation in Cambodia: A transnational advocacy and policy framework for appropriating identity amidst a quest for transitional justice

This research applies a critical hermeneutic orientation to participatory field inquiry in Cambodia in order to explore the nature of human rights advocacy as war-related trauma continues to weaken civil society. Specifically, it seeks to understand how human rights advocacy and organization, in preparation for an Extraordinary Chambers tribunal, and landmine abatement and rehabilitation work, touch upon concerns of personal and political identity through development initiative in Cambodia.; This study recognizes not only that many Cambodians have courageously moved on from the Khmer Rouge era to rebuild their lives, but also that the emergence of Cambodian civil society is fragile and ambiguous in nature, involving a necessary partnership with international non-governmental humanitarian aid organizations. Narratives of this partnership are explored, particularly from prominent organizations which attempt to ameliorate effects of post-war trauma that still tragically sabotage Cambodian identity. In doing so, this study anticipates how Cambodians might be further liberated into a new critical consciousness which embraces and generates a more preferable future.; The data of this research is generated from recorded conversations with a variety of extraordinary participants, many of whom are experts in the field of international development, politics, or religion. Still others provide a compelling embodiment of the Cambodian voice. These conversations have been analyzed through the theoretical foundations of philosophers working in sympathy with 20th century Continental philosophy.; The findings of this research expose the anatomy of Cambodia's evolving humanitarian crisis and identify specific policy implications for how human rights advocacy might more effectively rebuild lives and civil society. Effort is made to delineate nine themes of a transnational advocacy and policy framework which provide guidance for educators and advocates working around the world with immigrant communities who have suffered war-related trauma.; Additionally, this research reveals the hidden role of American political intransigence in relation to opportunities for full reconciliation with Cambodia, seeking to clarify how US foreign policy toward Cambodia continues to shield Dr. Kissinger from possible war crimes responsibility and ignore making reparations for killing some 600,000 civilians. American intransigency continues to haunt both Cambodian and American political identity over 35 years later.