MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the Shrinking Space for Civil Society in Cambodia, in Particular the Case of the Labour Rights Organisation CENTRAL

B10‑0201/2024

Motion for a European Parliament resolution on the Shrinking Space for Civil Society in Cambodia, in Particular the Case of the Labour Rights Organisation CENTRAL

(2024/2952(RSP))

The European Parliament,

– having regard to its previous resolutions on Cambodia,

– having regard to Rule 150(5) of its Rules of Procedure.

1. whereas following the dissolution of the main opposition party in 2017, the media and civil society are facing increased government hostility, coinciding with growing authoritarianism;
2. whereas labour rights, including freedom of association and collective bargaining, are fundamental human rights enshrined in international law, yet workers in Cambodia’s garment sectors continue to face exploitative conditions, low wages, and systemic violations of their right to unionise freely;
3. whereas civil society organisations, especially those focused on labour rights, play a critical role in safeguarding these rights and addressing systemic corruption in Cambodia, yet they face increasing threats and repression by the government;
4. whereas the report “Barriers to Representation: Freedom of Association in Cambodia” by the Centre for Alliance of Labour and Human Rights (CENTRAL) has highlighted widespread violations of freedom of association, the non-compliance with international labour standards and the government's efforts to silence independent voices;
5. whereas following the report publication, the government-aligned unions have launched a smear campaign against CENTRAL, culminating in an investigation and criminal complaints against CENTRAL’s program manager, Mr Khun Tharo;
6. whereas the Cambodian government's actions risk eroding the credibility of its commitment to international labour standards, including ILO conventions No. 87 and No. 98, and could damage its economic relations with key partners, including the EU;
7. whereas even international brands have stressed the importance of an independent civil society in maintaining Cambodia’s status as a reliable sourcing hub, underscoring the need for reforms that guarantee workers’ rights and foster a free environment for civil society engagement;

1. Expresses its deep concern over the escalating restrictions on civil society organisations, trade unions, and human rights defenders in Cambodia, particularly the ongoing harassment and criminalisation of those working to protect labour rights;

2. Calls on the Cambodian government to immediately cease its investigation into CENTRAL, drop all criminal charges against Mr Khun Tharo, as well as against the Executive Director of land rights NGO Equitable Cambodia and against Mother Nature environmental activists, release activists who are serving baseless sentences, and ensure that civil society members can operate without fear of reprisal or intimidation;

3. Urges the Cambodian authorities to take meaningful actions to uphold international labour standards and safeguard the freedom of association, which are essential to addressing the systemic abuses highlighted in CENTRAL’s report and ensuring workers' rights are protected; emphasises the need for greater collaboration with civil society organisations, trade unions, and international brands to foster a transparent, accountable, and fair working environment for Cambodian workers;
4. Calls on the European Commission and EU Member States to monitor developments closely in Cambodia, particularly its obligations under the EBA scheme, and to assess Cambodia’s eligibility under this scheme if violations of labour rights and civil society freedoms persist;

5. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Government of Cambodia, the European Commission, the European Council, the International Labour Organization, and other relevant stakeholders.