Vietnam Rubber Group – a state-owned firm that has been accused of holding 15 times the legal amount of economic land concessions in Cambodia – has reportedly introduced an “unprecedented” scheme for communities affected by its developments to lodge formal complaints.

According to watchdog Global Witness, which slammed Vietnam Rubber Group for land grabbing and illegal logging last year, the firm committed itself last month to resolving issues raised by communities and responding directly within 30 days.

“The test now will be whether communities receive a fair resolution to their complaints.

This should include financial compensation as well as alternative livelihoods to those lost as a result of VRG’s operations,” said Global Witness’s Megan MacInnes. Vietnam Rubber Group could not be reached for comment.