Returning to France for the first time in a long time, over fifteen KKF representatives have continued their campaign to Paris just days after their successful three day conference in The Hague, Netherlands.
France as a country has generated mix feelings for many Khmer-Krom people abroad and in Mekong Delta. Colonising Kampuchea-Krom for over one hundred years, France had exclusive access and control of the rich fertile rice fields of Mekong Delta region.
Instead of uniting Kampuchea-Krom (French renamed to Cochin China) with its motherland, Cambodia, France illegally handed over Kampuchea-Krom to Vietnam without prior or informed consent of the Khmer-Krom people in 1949. Since then, the Khmer-Krom people have lived in great fear and discrimination under a Communist government that refuses to recognise that they are the indigenous owners of the Mekong Delta.
Interestingly enough for members of the Khmers Kampuchea-Krom Federation (KKF), France as a country also holds a special place in their hearts. In fact, the very seeds of the federation were planted in France over twenty years ago.
Lead by local resident and dedicated KKF representative in Europe, Mr. Thach Vien, a conference was held on Sunday 8th of October to enlighten the Khmer and Khmer-Krom communities about KKF’s mission to advocate for human rights for the millions of indigenous Khmer-Krom people of the Mekong Delta.
Over sixty participants across France flocked to the conference, some families travelling over five hours to learn and support KKF. Former members of the KKF were united with the current delegations, providing a rare moment of happiness and reunion.
Amongst the distinguished guests present was the honourable Mayor of Villepinte, members of the Cambodian Royal family and the President of the Khmer-Krom community in France.
“I feel hope for Khmer-Krom and the Khmer civilisation as a whole,” were the words of one royal princess who was amazed by the organisation’s visions and accomplishments.
Indeed many of the participants were brought to tears when enlighten about Khmer-Krom’s untold suffering and the light that KKF brings to dark oppressive world that the Khmer-Krom people face in Kampuchea-Krom.
Mr. Thach Ngoc Thach, KKF president reinforced the need for a strong sense of unity and purpose while Mr. Prak Sereivuth, Vice President spoke about the history of Khmer-Krom and the political aspiration of various countries including France, Cambodia and Vietnam to control Kampuchea-Krom.
Another history in the making, the conference in France has generated more friendships and a great sense of understanding and unity amongst the Khmer and Khmer-Krom community.
KKF would like to express their sincere thanks to Mr. Vien Thach and his family and the numerous Khmer-Krom members who have kindly dedicated their time, efforts and finances to make the conference successful. Special thanks also to many dedicated individuals who have kindly toured and hosted KKF in Paris.
