1 November 2018

… The EU's review focuses attention on the larger political picture in Cambodia and especially … But Cambodia's deteriorating respect for the rights of workers also will be an important part of the EU's review process.

… Lately, however, progress on workers' rights in Cambodia has slowed significantly… 

A number of labour union and human rights leaders have been targeted for official harassment, and some have been arrested or criminally charged…

What should global apparel and footwear companies do? …

…, we participated in a delegation to Cambodia, led by the American Apparel & Footwear Association, an industry group, and the Fair Labor Association, a non-governmental organisation that brings together leading companies, universities and labour-rights organisations to improve workers' rights. 

Among the delegates were American and European companies such as adidas, New Balance, Nike, Puma, Under Armour and VF. 

The group met with Cambodian government officials to express concern about the shrinking space for independent trade unions and rights activists and communicated a desire to work with the officials to improve these conditions.

The group called on the government to drop the criminal charges in the cases of several labour leaders, ... 

The delegation urged changes to the laws ... The companies also advocated for the independent funding and operation of the Cambodian Arbitration Council, …

Global brands, …, can demonstrate corporate leadership by publicly urging governments to protect the rights of workers and support meaningful reforms…