USAID has launched a new five-year, $9 million program to support Cambodia civil society organisations.

“The [Cambodian Civil Society Strengthening] project will help civil society organizations by demonstrating how to establish proven management structures such as boards of directors, organizational lines of communication, standard operating procedures, and human resource management systems,” the announcement reads.

Small grants will be allocated for natural resources, gender and other issues.

In regards to the announcement’s timing, US Embassy spokesman Courtney Woods said: “The US government has been supporting Cambodia’s civil society for over 20 years. This support is a key element of USAID’s democracy, human rights and governance strategy. This award is a continuation of our long standing support.”

The US government wants to “see a Cambodian civil society that is able to engage in the country’s democratic processes by representing citizen concerns and connecting citizens with those who represent them”, Woods said.