"International NGOs Urge World Bank to Condemn Cambodian Government’s Alleged Harassment of Two Local NGOs ", 23 October 2024

The International Federation for Human Rights (IFHR) called on World Bank president Ajay Banga to condemn the Cambodian government’s alleged assault on human rights groups, including reprisals against World Bank project stakeholders…

Some 163 international NGOs in Europe and the United States issued a joint statement via IFHR highlighting a “worrying” escalation ... This includes attacks on two human rights groups, Center for Alliance of Labor and Human Rights (CENTRAL) and Equitable Cambodia (EC), they said…

The NGOs, which signed the statement, also urged World Bank‘s Ajay Banga to make it clear to the Cambodian government that the bank would enforce its policy of zero tolerance for retaliation.

This meant that before new investments are approved, the bank’s board should check whether “legal harassment” against CENTRAL and EC have stopped and if the staff are able to continue to freely engage in their legitimate human rights activities…

CENTRAL executive director Moeun Tola said Cambodian leaders should consider addressing deteriorating human rights issues, including the harassment of civil organizations.

“The key is with the government, if they are concerned about the economy. I think it is time to build our economy,” he said, …

…, a World Bank Group spokesperson said they will work with appropriate parties to address the complaints, including allegations of reprisal in connection with World Bank Group projects, which are brought to their attention.

“Both the World Bank and IFC have shared public statements outlining our position against reprisals,” the spokesperson said via email ...

Additionally, the spokesperson said, the World Bank Group takes the specific allegations raised by civil society “seriously” …