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

What changes

• The resolution condemns the shrinking civic space in Cambodia and calls for the release of political prisoners and cessation of harassment targeting civil society actors.
• The Cambodian authorities are called upon to dismiss politically motivated charges against CENTRAL and its members, halt audits and smear campaigns, and respect the role of civil society organisations.
• The Cambodian authorities are urged to amend the Trade Union Law and the Law on Associations and Non-Governmental Organisations (LANGO) to align with international standards.
• EU companies sourcing from Cambodia are urged to conduct human rights due diligence and leverage their influence to promote workers' rights.
• The Commission and Member States are to assess changes to tariff preferences under the Everything but Arms scheme based on Cambodia's human rights record.
• The EU and Member States are urged to explore multilateral instruments on business and human rights.
• The EU and international community are called to take action, including targeted sanctions, against those responsible for political repression in Cambodia.
• Member States and the EEAS are to increase support for Cambodian civil society and provide protection for human rights defenders.

Expected impact

• The Cambodian authorities are urged to amend the Trade Union Law and the Law on Associations and Non-Governmental Organisations (LANGO) to ensure alignment with international human rights and labour standards.
• The European Commission and Member States are to assess changes to tariff preferences under the Everything but Arms scheme based on Cambodia's cooperation on human rights violations.
• Improving human rights and safeguarding civil society freedoms are stated as preconditions for economic cooperation, trade, and investment with Cambodia.

Limitations

• The document is a resolution from the European Parliament and does not contain specific legislative text that would be subject to amendment or repeal in the same way as a directive or regulation. Therefore, 'changesSummary' focuses on the calls to action and urged amendments.
• The document does not provide specific details on the 'Everything but Arms' scheme beyond its potential use as leverage for human rights improvements.
• The document does not specify the exact nature or scope of the 'multilateral instruments on business and human rights' to be explored.
• The document does not detail the criteria or process for implementing 'targeted sanctions'.