CIPO is a newly established and registered organization (2014), is an IP-led organization that combines the best knowledge of IP and Cambodian society context with the ability to creatively respond to the needs for support of the IPs in Cambodia; the organization executes and operates by different ethnic groups of the young generation and under active support from the eldest group who as the advisory board. CIPO has a governance board consisting of leaders from local and international organizations. CIPO was established to build the capacity and empower the IPs to take the lead and own the development processes of IP communities in Cambodia. 

CIPO has a clear vision to see IPs have self-determination on development and conservation within the multicultural society of Cambodia. And its mission is to strengthen the capacity and support the strategic initiative of the IPs in land and natural resources management, conservation of identity and culture, and socio/economic development. 

The core values that lead our action are: 

• Leadership. We believe in the potential of others (especially women and youth) to develop and define their own direction. 
• Integrity and Accountability. We value integrity, and we believe in holding ourselves accountable to all stakeholders. 
• Non-discrimination. We value equitable relationships between people regardless of culture/tradition, ethnicity, status, hierarchy, gender, age, political trend, or background. 
• Solidarity and Sacrifice. We value solidarity and sacrifice for a common spirit, collective benefits, and commitment to developing and sustaining the IP community. 

This project aims to change the perspective of policymakers to pay more substantial attention, show commitment, and accept recommendations from Indigenous Peoples (IPs) and their institutions on the revisions of the current laws that affect IPs’ identity and their community. It is intended to see the IP alliance join their collective action to raise their voices in public and in consultation forums without intimidation and harassment. Leading by CIPO, the collective demand of 7 IP organisations (1. Cambodian Indigenous Women’s Association (CIWA), 2. Cambodian Indigenous Youth Association (CIYA), 3. Indigenous, 4. IP Human Rights Defenders (IPHRD), 5. Conserve Indigenous Peoples Languages (CIPL), 6. Indigenous Agriculture and Development in Cambodia (IADC), and 7. Organization for the Promotion of Kui Culture (OPKC) and their alliance are reflected in the adopted laws that affect their communities.

Key actions of the joined alliance to address these issues include:

1). Establish an indigenous legal team capable of addressing policy gaps in the draft laws, composed of community experts on the expected impact, technical legal specialists (indigenous and non-indigenous), and Indigenous Law students.

2). Produce an in-depth analysis of the legal gaps in the revised draft laws that affect IPs’ identity and community and produce a joint statement as evidence-based documentation that can be used for advocacy based on guided advocacy strategies.

3). Organize formal and informal advocacy dialogues/campaigns to have their recommendations and inputs incorporated into the amended or new policies/laws.

4). Mobilize indigenous communities to provide testimonies about existing laws’ effects and provide context, evidence, and information for advocacy with legislative bodies.

5). Support advocacy campaigns/initiatives organized by affected communities for awareness-raising (for instance, through the media) and addressing the issues. And last but not least, seek valuable support from important international and regional actors (AIPP, ILC, UN agencies, etc.) to influence relevant stakeholders in the policy-making process.