The Urban Resource Centre (URC) is a Cambodian non-governmental organization (NGO), working with urban poor communities in Phnom Penh. They assist communities to develop their own ideas for development giving technical assistance and management advice when required. They also look at the wider issues of development in the city, taking part in various form and editing a newsletter on urban community issues. URC was set up in April 1997 under an Asian Coalition for Housing Rights (ACHR) programme and is supported by Danchurch and Oxfam GB.

Phnom Penh has a relatively small population of just over one million. However 170,000 urban poor are living without basic housing and facilities. With a young population, 50% are under the age of 15 and a strong urban migration, this figure could double or treble within a generation. In the absence of affordable land and housing, poor people have occupied land informally and have built their own houses. These settlements are often congested without adequate water, sanitation and lack basic infrastructure. The areas become breeding grounds for disease and ill-health.. 

A reason for this situation is the lack of communication between government authorities and communities. URC and other groups intend to bridge the gap between authorities and the urban poor so that the voice of the communities is heard and provided for. The lack of clear land law and development policy also creates this situation, and groups like URC can bring attention to these issues and push for positive legislation and policy. Above all, communities need to take up these issues and find solutions themselves. International assistance sometimes acts against this process by handing out quick solutions and remedies that are not sustainable. URC recognises the need to build-up and strengthen communities and assist them to make their own choices.

• Participation in various workshops and seminars related urban poor issues of development, health, land law and education. 
• Publication of Lotus' a newsletter on urban poor initiatives and issues which highlights the issues faced by the communities.
• Publication of 'fact-sheet'  on topical issues facing the urban poor.  
• Eviction Watch
• Publication and studies on: Study on the relocation of urban poor communities in Phnom Penh, urban environment projects for 7 Khans of Phnom Penh.
• Continued maintenance, administration and strengthening of the Cyclo Centre.
• Support to the Young Professionals Programme which promotes the participation of students and recent graduates in development activities with urban poor communities. 
• Representation in CDMC.  

1. to provide technical and management support to community federations to equip them to plan, design, mapping, implement and maintain settlement improvement programme.
2. to increase dialogue on key urban issues between the various interested parties through formal talks workshops and forums.