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COURT WATCH PROJECT
The Court Watch Project ("CWP") of the Center for Social Development has been monitoring court proceedings in Cambodia since 2003. CWP Monitors observe proceedings to assess the courts' compliance with Cambodian laws as well as international fair trial standards such as the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
Based on this trial monitoring, CWP issues reports that highlight possible breaches of fair trial rights. With respect to each area of concern, the reports describe the legal framework, explain CWP's factual findings and give examples of well-conducted trials, and suggest recommendations for reform. These recommendations are directed at specific actors who are in a position to affect change. CWP’s reports are published in the Court Watch Bulletin, which is issued every quarter, the Annual Report, Fair Trial Handbook, CSD’s Voice of Justice Program, and on CSD’s website: www.csdcambodia.org
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The overall objective of CWP is to assist relevant actors, including the Council for Legal and Judicial Reform, the courts of law, and NGOs community, in identifying shortcomings and in reforming legal and judicial system of Cambodia. CWP also aims to provide public in general with information on their judicial system and the rights that attach to any person coming into contact with criminal justice system.
Nine (9) courts are currently monitored by CSD, namely the Supreme Court, the Appeals Court, the Municipal Court of Phnom Penh, and the provincial courts of Kandal, Kampong Cham, Battambang, Siem Reap, Sihanouk Ville, and Kampot. CSD created five provincial branch-offices in Battambang, Kampong Cham, Siem reap, Kampot and Sihanouk Ville.
The majority of cases monitored are criminal in nature; some trials on land dispute are also monitored because of the criminal component of these land deals. Recently CWP expanded its activities to cover the prosecution of human trafficking cases. The aim of this expansion is to assist the National Taskforce against Trafficking in persons.
 Cambodian Courts Structure
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