"Unionists honour Vichea’s legacy", 22 January 2020

Union leaders and workers … paid tribute to prominent workers’ rights activist Chea Vichea in front of his statue at Wat Langka pagoda in Phnom Penh.

Vichea, who led the Free Trade Union of Workers, was shot dead ... No one has been arrested for the murder. Every year, union members and workers come to Wat Langka, where the unionist was murdered, to celebrate his legacy.

…, about 100 people gathered in front of the statue erected to honour the man, demanding that more is done to find and prosecute his killer.

Cambodian Labour Confederation president Ath Thorn who participated in the ceremony said finding Vichea’s murderer was essential to safeguard the lives of union leaders in Cambodia.

“The authorities must ensure that unions are allowed to carry out their work and that workers’ rights are respected. Laws that cut back benefits for workers must be stopped,” he said, adding that the government must do more to end violence against union leaders.

Cambodian Confederation of Unions president Rong Chhun said human rights activists in Cambodia still face violence and persecution.

“The government must work to protect the rights and freedoms of union leaders and workers and recognise the difficulties they face,” Chhun said…

Ministry of Interior spokesman Khieu Sopheak told … that the authorities are working hard to answer unionists’ demands, guarantee the safety of activists, and find Vichea’s killer…