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It is as if the whole planet shrunk and everyone got closer together, not only physically because we can see them, but emotionally and spiritually because we could all empathize each other's suffering. For me, that was the most memorable, and privileged opportunity- to be able to share and connect with the indigenous family of the world, and most importantly to be part of the most dedicated and humble Khmer Krom seniors and youth who volunteer tirelessly around the clock for the championing of Human Rights for our family back in our homeland. During our conferences at the UN I had the pleasure of joining Soda, Sophac, Tha, and Sokun in representing the youth voices and concern of our people at the youth caucus where we were active participants in the indigenous youth movement for a more active youth role within the PFII conference. As Khmer-Krom youth delegates to the caucus we had great occasion of meeting many other youth from a lot of nations like Taiwan, Chad, Greenland, Philippine, Bangladesh and many more. Along with exchanging our stories, we also exchange phones and emails and became very good friends with them and exchange commitment to help with each others’ issues with publicity, awareness and research. One of the wonderful things that have resulted from that commitment was that the youth caucus started a website to monitor and discuss the events and issues of its members, you can learn more about this project at http://groups.takingitglobal.org/indigenous In addition to being youth delegates, we also took on importance task of establishing contacts and making friends with many relevant non-governmental organizations. In our work for human rights and justice for our people, it is important that we have alliances and supporters because they help to make our voices become louder. While it may seem like an easy job to collect speeches, shake hands, or pass out cards, it has important benefits for our cause because we are raising awareness and as Soda put it, we are messengers on behalf of voiceless millions of our struggling brothers and sisters. Knowing that gives us great joy in fulfilling those simple tasks. We are not only proud from fulfilling those tasks, but we also had the opportunity to develop as individuals. As youths and as beginners in being an activist were really shy, but through the courage that our elders gave us with their supports coupled with the knowledge that we were working for the right cause, we grew confident in ourselves. Because of this experience at the UN, I am no longer a shy person and I am confident in what I say and how I approach people. The most important growth and achievement we get is the one within ourselves, the change within is what makes the most differences in our work because in international arena, we can no longer carry the submissive attitude and shy character, we have to become strong, we have to demand and we have to stand for what is rightfully ours. Personally, this was what I learned. This lesson is important because there will always be people who will scold you and discourage you from your work. I had an unlucky run with such a person at the U.N. It was unfortunate, but because I knew I was doing the right thing, thus I did not cower to their words. We have to remember that there are some people who do not believe that we are endowed with equal rights and protection; we must not let them win by doing nothing. So with this letter I like to take the opportunity to appeal to all Khmer-Krom and Khmer youths to join hand and come together and work with us for the justice that our people so desperately need back home. I would also like to send my gratitude to the Khmer-Krom community that help financed our youths for an extra week of Human Rights training in Washington D.C with Dr. Cooper. The class was very enlightening and informative, with much lively discussion with guest speakers, some of whom were distinguished Human Rights defender such as Noble Peace Nominee Mrs. Rubiir of the Urgu people. Besides being inspiring and intellectual, it was a very fun class because we were given a chance to tour many historic and symbolic places in D.C such as the Supreme Court, The Constitutional Hall, the Capital Building and the Indigenous Museums and so many others. The youth that had the opportunity to take the class were Dyna Thach, Seila Sombath and me, I hope next year, now that everyone know about it, more youth with be able to come. With final ending words, I would like to give special thanks to all our dedicated Khmer Krom families who hosted us in Philadelphia, New York City, and Virginia, without all of your support and dedication, our youth could not have participated in the U.N forum or take the classes in D.C. Love All and Thank You All, |
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