South Korean officials have paused an international water‑management project in Cambodia after a sharp rise in crimes against Korean nationals in the country.
The joint effort, driven by the United Nations Development Programme and South Korea, is designed to boost resilience in communities along the Mekong River that face climate and disaster risks. It aims to give riverside towns a reliable, renewable‑energy‑powered water supply.
In a pilot run, Korea’s Science & Technology Policy Institute (STEPI) worked with local partners and South Korean firms to set up a new water‑management model in Cambodia. Last week, STEPI cancelled the ceremony that would transfer the program to Cambodian authorities this year. “The hand‑over is on hold for now, but similar projects will continue elsewhere,” the institute said.
South Korea runs several aid programs in the region that could feel the ripple effect of these security concerns. The uptick in violence came after the death of a Korean college student last August—reportedly tortured by a criminal ring linked to online scams. The incident sparked nationwide outrage and prompted Seoul to intensify diplomatic and investigative efforts.
In a recent show of force, a South Korean response team was dispatched to Phnom Phèn. The mission helped secure the release of over 60 Koreans who had been detained by criminal organisations. They safely returned to Korea Saturday.
The suspension of the Mekong water project comes as Seoul works to protect its citizens abroad while ensuring that development aid continues to benefit communities in Cambodia and the wider region.
Source: ianslive
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