On the shrinking space for civil society in Cambodia, in particular the case of the labour rights organisation CENTRAL

B100206/2024

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 the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights,

having regard to the EU-Cambodia Cooperation Agreement,

having regard to Article 305 of the Criminal Code,

having regard to Rule 150 of its Rules of Procedure,

Whereas Cambodia is facing severe deterioration in democratic governance, fundamental freedoms, and the rule of law, driven by an increasingly repressive legal framework, extensive use of Article 305 of the Criminal Code, and systemic harassment of civil society organisations, trade unions, and human rights defenders; whereas at least 94 people, including children, have been arbitrarily arrested since late July 2024;;

Whereas the Cambodian League for the Promotion and Defence of Human Rights (LICADHO) and the Center for Alliance of Labor and Human Rights (CENTRAL) have faced harassment, intimidation, and arbitrary restrictions and detentions;

Whereas the Cambodian government’s persistent targeting of CENTRAL, including restrictions on its operations and public vilification of its leadership, represents a direct attack on the right to freedom of association and the ability of civil society organisations to operate independently;

Whereas Cambodia’s actions undermine commitments under international law and its obligations under the EU-Cambodia Cooperation Agreement;

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Condemns the ongoing crackdown on civil society in Cambodia, specifically the harassment and intimidation faced by CENTRAL and other similar organisations; Expresses deep concern over the Cambodian government’s broader crackdown on fundamental freedoms;

Urges the Cambodian authorities to immediately drop all charges that are not in line with international standards;

Urges the Cambodian authorities to immediately cease all forms of harassment against CENTRAL and other civil society organisations, to repeal any laws or regulations that unduly restrict their activities, and to fully respect their independence and ability to operate freely;

Calls on the Cambodian government to adhere to its international obligations;

Urges the EU Delegation to Cambodia to increase its civilian support mechanisms and to engage in dialogue with the Cambodian government to address these violations;

Encourages the European Union to monitor and report on the situation of human and labour rights in Cambodia; Further calls on the Council to consider targeted sanctions under the EU Global Human Rights Sanctions Regime and to extend the suspension of the EBA trade preferences, if the Cambodian government continues to disregard its human rights obligations, in order to hold accountable all persons responsible for serious human rights violations and the restrictions on civil society;

Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission, the Vice-President of the Commission/High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, the governments of the Member States, the Government of Cambodia, and the ASEAN Secretariat.