"The shrinking space for civil society in Cambodia, in particular the case of the labour rights organisation CENTRAL", 28 November 2024

Parliament calls for an immediate end of repression and harassment of civil society ... in Cambodia, as well as their release, in a resolution adopted ... MEPs demand the EU to increase its support, including financial assistance, for Cambodian civil society.

They urge Cambodian authorities to amend the Trade Union Law and the Law on Associations and Non-Governmental Organisations (LANGO), in order for it to align with international human rights and labour standards to ensure the protection of workers and civil society.

MEPs emphasise that respect for human rights and safeguarding civil society freedoms must be prerequisites for economic cooperation, trade, and investment. They call on companies operating in the EU that source from Cambodia to conduct thorough human rights due diligence in their supply chains. The resolution also highlights the need to assess Cambodia's eligibility for preferential trade tariffs under the "Everything but Arms" scheme based on the government's compliance with human rights standards.

The resolution was adopted by 492 votes for, 5 against, and 102 abstentions…