Cambodia

The Khmer Krom face difficulties acquiring birth certificates and Cambodian nationality. The Khmer Krom are an Indigenous group from a territory that was ceded to Vietnam in 1949 as part of the withdrawal of the French Protectorate in Indochina. The Khmer Krom are seen as Vietnamese in Cambodia, and Cambodian in Vietnam. They are legally entitled to Cambodian citizenship, but the government often fails to recognize them. Many are unable to meet the documentary requirements for obtaining an identity card and citizenship. Some Khmer Krom have not been allowed to record their true name and place of birth on their documents. Some local authorities delay the process of Khmer Krom people obtaining citizenship, and deny renewal if their ID cards have expired. Multiple treaty bodies have recommended that Cambodia ensure the Khmer Krom are able to access birth certificates and nationality. In 2024, an estimated 20-30% of the Khmer Krom faced challenges in obtaining a Cambodian identity card.