ACT Alliance

LWD, as an associate program of LWF/DWS since January 2011, continues to use its four development approaches (community-based, integrated, rights based and empowerment) as they are effective, appropriate, relevant and applicable to the country context, form the philosophical framework and clearly define the focus of the program. Our approaches embody our values (justice, equity, people’s participation, and transparency and accountability) and are guided by the vision “People living in peace, dignity, and harmony in a democratic and just society, united in diversity and empowered to achieve their universal rights” and mission “To facilitate the empowerment of vulnerable rural people to claim their universal rights” statement.

The Overall Goal of LWD is “To contribute to the poverty alleviation of Cambodia through rights based empowerment of rural communities, the strengthening local leadership and improvement of governance”. LWD sets its strategy to respond to the basic needs of communities. It reflects the national and global struggles to alleviate poverty and increase respect for human rights. The eight CMDGs* to which LWD Program seeks to contribute are: Eradicate Extreme Poverty and Hunger; Achieve Universal Primary Education; Promote Gender Equality and Empower Women; Reduce child mortality; Improve maternal health; Combat HIV/AIDS, Malaria and Other Diseases; Ensure Environmental Sustainability; and De-mining, UXO and Victim Assistance.

LWD has worked with rural communities by empowering them to claim their universal rights. Rural communities have been empowered to be aware about human rights and advocacy strategies so that their rights are protected, respected and fulfilled. Advocacy networks have been established at local, sub-national and national levels to protect rural communities’ rights, advocate for a better social services and influence development policies in favour of the poorest communities. LWD is strongly connected to and supportive of network organizations such as NGOs Forum, Cambodia Cooperation Committee and MediCam, which coordinate, facilitate and organize advocacy actions at national and international levels.

*Source: Achieving the Cambodia Millennium Development Goals, 2005 update