Transformative learning through an NGO’s rights-based approach in Cambodia: a multi-scalar analysis

ABSTRACT

This case study, by using transformative learning underpinned by critical realism, explores how a contextualised and non-confrontational rights-based approach by a Cambodian non-governmental organisation (NGO) has influenced rural citizens’ agency in fulfilling their rights to development. The NGO, by working closely with the government, has widened the democratic spaces made available through decentralisation to create spaces conducive to the citizens’ rights-claiming. It has also used multi-pronged and process-oriented confidence and capacity development approaches to enhance their agency to claim their rights. However, the principle of working with government is not a panacea for all the rights-based operations and their contexts.

KEYWORDS:

• NGO
• Cambodia
• rights-based approach
• transformative learning
• critical realism

Acknowledgements

This paper is based on my doctoratal thesis from the University of Sussex in the UK. I am particularly grateful to the staff and beneficiaries of Life with Dignity (LWD) who made their time available for my research.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author.

Correction Statement

This article has been republished with minor changes. These changes do not impact the academic content of the article.

Notes

1. There is a five-tier administration system in Cambodia: national; provincial; district; commune; and village.

2. Sangkat is equivalent to a commune in towns and cities.

3. Concessionaires normally offered US$100–200 per hectare as compensation (LICADHO 2010). Hence US$50 was indeed a low offer.

Additional information

Funding

This work was partly supported by Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University under Academic Research Subsidy.