Publication

This paper provides background information on the current social situation in Cambodia and the role of the United Nations Transitional Authority in Cambodia (UNTAC), as well as a preliminary assessment of the contribution of UNTAC to the process of economic and social rehabilitation and reconstruction. Furthermore, it gives an overview of the major achievements and failures of the United Nations "peace-making" operation and identifies the principal constraints that prevented UNTAC from achieving much in the field of rehabilitation and reconstruction. The author warns of the danger that Cambodia may follow a path that does not address priority needs and is not in the best interests of its people.