One man who dared to speak up was an American friend of one of our group who had a chance to meet with the Australian Prime Minister at a function in Rome. He asked his Aussie friend if there were any issues he could raise with the PM and we emailed him a copy of our Embassy meeting notes / briefing material relating to Group 78 and forced evictions in Cambodia.
In a stroke of brilliance attributed to his wife, he transformed these notes into a personalised advocacy package for the PM replete with a photo of Bonhoeffer's statue (whom Rudd has claimed to admire most in the history of the 20th century) and a quote from Rudd himself - "The purpose of the church is not to be socially agreeable; it is to speak robustly to the state on behalf of those who cannot speak effectively for themselves".
His prayerful approach was surely inspired by the Holy Spirit and combined with the package, this American Catholic Deacon who dared speak up was told by our PM "You've pricked my conscience"(for the details see his article).
Since this time, we have been working on how to convert a "pricked conscience" into the political will to do something. However, today time ran out for Group 78.
On Monday, the Court of Appeal heard the Group 78's appeal (assisted by Community Legal Education Centre) for an injunction to prevent the Phnom Penh Municipality from evicting them before a decision has been made about the legality of the eviction. The appeal was unsuccessful.
On Wednesday, the community protested outside the Canadia Bank who has provided loans funding the development. They then met with the World Bank who has provided $38.4million since 2002 towards the Land Management and Administration Project designed to "establish an efficient and transparent land administration system".
It was their last hope because Friday (today) was the scheduled date for their eviction.
I have been following the events from afar - enjoying annual holidays in Thailand actually. Only able to "speak" with the highest of powers, I have sleeplessly wondered how the residents of Group 78 were holding up.
Today's emails tell me that all but one family has finally accepted the offered package. They were witnesses to the strong arm tactics when their neighbours were evicted and were not keen to watch the violent destruction of their own homes with bulldozers and axes, aided by tear gas and a strong police presence.
The one remaining family is standing firm, rightly claiming the offer is neither just nor fair. Surrounded by police, media and monitors, the man of the house is calling out "You all come here with weapons. My family, we have no weapons. You can use your weapons to tear down my house, but I do not agree."
Please join with me and pray for this one man who dares to stand up to the authorities - praying that his voice is heard before it is hushed. Pray also if there is some opportunity where you can speak robustly for the 150,000 others around Cambodia still facing eviction.
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