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Association Statutes

Official statutes of Sahakum Khmer - Non-profit Association for Cambodians in Sweden

Purpose

Sahakum Khmer is a non-profit association established to support Cambodians living in Sweden in their integration into society. The association strives to build a welcoming and inclusive community by helping individuals adapt to Swedish society, pursue meaningful careers, and maintain a strong connection to their Cambodian heritage. Through cultural exchange, educational initiatives, and shared activities—such as traditional cooking, cultural exhibitions, language practice, and workshops—Sahakum Khmer promotes both personal development and collective empowerment.

Mission

To empower the Cambodian community in Sweden—especially women in intercultural marriages and students—by promoting cultural integration, personal growth, and career development.

Vision

To build a strong and inclusive Cambodian community in Sweden that celebrates cultural heritage, supports integration, and empowers individuals to thrive socially and professionally fulfilled.

Example Activities

  • Khmer New Year celebrations
  • Traditional cooking workshops
  • Cultural exhibitions and performances
  • Swedish language support and tutoring
  • Community gatherings, workshops and networking events
  • Support the newcomers, including sharing experiences related to education, career opportunities, and adapting to life in Sweden

Statutes

§1 Name

The name of the association is Sahakum Khmer.

The association's registered address is: Törnerosgatanattan 4B, 633 43 ESKILSTUNA

§2 Purpose

Sahakum Khmer is a non-profit association established to support Cambodians living in Sweden in their integration into society. The association strives to build a welcoming and inclusive community by helping individuals adapt to Swedish society, pursue meaningful careers, and maintain a strong connection to their Cambodian heritage. Through cultural exchange, educational initiatives, and shared activities—such as traditional cooking, cultural exhibitions, language practice, and workshops—Sahakum Khmer promotes both personal development and collective empowerment.

§3 Membership

3.1 Membership is open to individuals aged 18 and above who support the association's purpose and statutes.

3.2 No annual membership fee is required at present. Voluntary contributions may be introduced for specific activities, subject to approval by the board.

3.3 Membership applications must be submitted through the association's official web application form at https://www.sahakumkhmer.se/en/join and approved by majority decision of the board.

3.4 Members must respect the association's rules and values, including adherence to Swedish anti-discrimination law and a zero-tolerance policy against discrimination, harassment, or prejudicial treatment based on gender, ethnicity, religion or belief, disability, sexual orientation, age, transgender identity or expression, or any other protected characteristics.

3.5 Members who violate these statutes or the association's values may be excluded by majority decision of the board after being given opportunity to respond.

3.6 Excluded members have the right to appeal in writing within 30 days. The board shall review the appeal and make a decision within 30 days of receiving it.

3.7 Membership terminates upon death, resignation, exclusion, or dissolution of the association.

§4 Board of Directors

4.1 The board shall consist of at least three (3) members: a chairperson and at least two (2) other members.

4.2 The board may also include up to two (2) deputy members.

4.3 Board members are elected at the annual meeting for a term of one (1) year.

4.4 The board is responsible for the association's activities, finances, and administration according to these statutes and decisions made by the general meeting.

4.5 The board shall meet when needed, but at least twice per year. Additional meetings may be convened when necessary.

4.6 The board has quorum when at least half of the elected members are present.

4.7 Board decisions require simple majority. In case of tie, the chairperson has the deciding vote.

§5 Volunteers

5.1 All volunteers shall be approved by the board.

5.2 Individual board members are not authorized to appoint volunteers or assign tasks without the board's collective decision, to ensure fairness and transparency.

5.3 Volunteers must support the association's purpose and comply with these statutes.

5.4 The board may assign volunteers to specific projects, events, or ongoing activities as needed.

5.5 Project leaders or event coordinators may be designated by the board to supervise volunteer activities.

5.6 Volunteers may be reimbursed for pre-approved expenses directly related to their volunteer work, subject to proper documentation and receipts.

5.7 The board reserves the right to reassign or terminate volunteer arrangements with reasonable notice if performance expectations are not met or if statutes are violated.

5.8 Volunteers are expected to represent the association professionally during projects and events.

§6 General Meetings

6.1 The annual meeting is the association's highest decision-making body.

6.2 The annual meeting shall be held once per year, no later than June 30

6.3 Notice of annual meeting must be sent to all members at least four (4) weeks in advance

6.4 Extraordinary meetings may be called by the board or upon written request by at least one-third of the members.

6.5 Notice of extraordinary meetings must be sent at least two (2) weeks in advance.

6.6 All members have equal voting rights. Decisions require simple majority unless otherwise stated in these statutes.

6.7 For valid decisions, at least one-third of the members must be present (quorum).

§7 Annual Meeting Agenda

The annual meeting shall address:

  1. Opening of the meeting
  2. Election of meeting chairperson and secretary
  3. Approval of notice and agenda
  4. Annual report from the board
  5. Financial report
  6. Decision on discharge of liability for the board
  7. Election of board members and any deputy members
  8. Election of auditor (if required)
  9. Budget for the coming year
  10. Membership fees and contributions (if any)
  11. Other matters submitted to the board in writing at least two weeks before the meeting
  12. Closing of the meeting

§8 Financial Management

8.1 The association's financial year follows the calendar year (January 1 - December 31).

8.2 The board manages the association's finances responsibly.

8.3 All financial transactions shall be conducted through the association's bank account.

§8.4 Inward Remittances

8.4.1 All inward remittances must be approved by unanimous agreement of all board members before being accepted as association income and must be supported by proper documentation and a written proposal.

8.4.2 Board members must be notified of all incoming transfers and given reasonable time to review and approve.

8.4.3 Inward remittances must align with the association's purpose and comply with applicable laws.

8.4.4 Board approval must be documented in meeting minutes or written resolution.

§8.5 Outward Remittances

8.5.1 All outward remittances, including donations and grants, require board approval prior to disbursement and must be supported by proper documentation and a written proposal.

8.5.2 Each outward remittance must be supported by proper documentation and a written proposal detailing:

  • The purpose and recipient
  • The amount and justification
  • How the transfer aligns with the association's mission

8.5.3 Board approval must be documented in meeting minutes or written resolution.

§8.6 Expense Approval Procedure

Expense claims, such as transportation or train tickets, must be accompanied by valid supporting receipts.

Amount Range (SEK)Initiated ByApproval Required
1 - 500Finance OfficerChairman (1)
500 - 3,000Finance OfficerChairman (1) and one Board member
Over 3,000Finance OfficerEntire Board including the Chairman

8.7 The association's funds shall be deposited in a bank account in the association's name.

8.8 Annual financial accounts shall be presented at the annual meeting.

8.9 The Finance officer, or a person appointed by the board, shall prepare and update the monthly account statement.

8.10 The statement must be completed no later than the second day after the end of each month.

8.11 The statement shall be presented to the Chairperson.

8.12 The statement shall be made available to the board, and to members upon request.

§9 Auditing

9.1 If the association's annual turnover exceeds 3 million SEK, or if requested by members representing at least 10% of the membership, an auditor shall be elected.

9.2 The auditor's term is one year.

9.3 The auditor shall review the association's accounts and administration.

§10 Amendments to the Statutes

10.1 Proposals for amendments must be submitted in writing to the board at least four (4) weeks before the annual or extraordinary meeting.

10.2 Amendments require a two-thirds (2/3) majority vote of the members present at the meeting.

10.3 Amendments take effect immediately upon adoption unless otherwise decided.

§11 Dissolution of the Association

11.1 Dissolution can only be decided at two consecutive general meetings with at least two months between them.

11.2 Each meeting must approve dissolution with a two-thirds (2/3) majority vote.

11.3 Upon dissolution, the association's assets shall be donated to a non-profit organization with similar goals, as decided by the final meeting.

11.4 All documentations shall be preserved according to applicable laws.

§12 Conflicts and Interpretation

12.1 Disputes regarding the interpretation of these statutes shall be resolved by the board.

12.2 If a member disagrees with the board's interpretation, the matter may be brought to the next general meeting for final decision.

§13 Compliance with Law

13.1 The association shall comply with all applicable Swedish laws and regulations.

13.2 These statutes are supplemented by Swedish association law where not otherwise specified.