"Global Brands Statement on Cambodia", 10 September 2024

The following brands sourcing from the apparel, footwear, and travel goods sector of Cambodia have serious concerns over the timing of the Ministry of Interior’s investigation into CENTRAL after their report, “Barriers to Representation: Freedom of Association in Cambodia – an assessment of Better Factories Cambodia’s FOA compliance monitoring.” It appears that the government’s investigation and document requests of CENTRAL is in reaction to their … report.

As global brands sourcing from Cambodia, we respectfully urge the Cambodian government in the strongest possible terms to immediately cancel the audit of CENTRAL and refrain from taking any measures that could be perceived as restricting civil society space or freedom of speech. Towards this end, we also urge the immediate dismissal of the criminal complaint against Khun Tharo, the program manager of CENTRAL. A vibrant civil society, guaranteed in part by freedom of speech, is a key part of what makes Cambodia an important sourcing partner for the apparel and footwear industry.