Governing the Gun in Cambodia is one of the first research reports to closely examine contemporary problems with gun misuse in urban areas. As such, it tries to shed the conceptual confines of viewing Cambodian state and society in a solely a priori context and instead looks to modern day problems that give rise to incidents of gun misuse and the endangerment of community security. We have sought to explicate and raise awareness of new typologies of gun crime and the perpetrators of these actions. In adjunct to identifying new problems we have collaborated closely with the security forces, local government and judiciary who work at the proverbial coalface in governing the gun in Cambodia today. They have given both insight and detailed recommendations of how guns can better be controlled and local security can be enhanced. Therefore this research is based on a positive premise that not only explains what is wrong, but how the system can be improved in the future.

Through quantitative community surveys and a significant amount of qualitative data collection, this research has drawn a number of significant conclusions. The first confirms the success of on-going weapons collection schemes in drastically reducing the number of illegal weapons in the community. There is also a high awareness of sub-decree #38 which prescribes the legal basis for gun control in Cambodia. The negative side-effect of reduced gun ownership has meant an increase in the use of traditional weapons such as axes and knives in robberies and disputes. The second conclusion is that instances of armed robbery may be increasing in urban areas, particularly in relation to gangster activities and drug abuse. If we may take comfort from the old adage that things could always be worse, then the data strongly suggests that guns are now used to threaten rather than cause physical harm in these instances. The third theme examined in this report is the growing problem of legally registered guns that are misused. One of the key recommendations emanating from this issue is the need for better control over guns registered to the state and security apparatus.

In regard to the more technical questions of state and judicial responsibilities for controlling gun misuse, we have identified some recommendations to improve the current modus operandi. These relate to capacity building of the security forces in investigation procedures and the court system in administering justice in relation to the perpetrators of weapon misuse. These improvements will help to embed a stronger foundation of trust between the community and authorities in matters pertaining to security and the rule of law. To finally re-state, this research and the resultant recommendations come from stakeholders who have a vested interest in controlling and reducing gun misuse in urban Cambodia. It is through paying attention to their concerns and listening to their voices that Cambodia can continue along the road to building a peaceful and democratic state. For more...