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MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION (2024/2952(RSP))

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

B-10-2024-0187

on behalf of The Left Group · Rapporteur: Isabel Serra Sánchez

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✦ In short · AI summary of this text, generated 4 Sept 2026

Written by a language model from the full text only; every figure comes from the text. The paragraph links open the paragraph a statement rests on — check the text itself before relying on it.

This resolution condemns the shrinking civic space in Cambodia and attacks on human rights defenders, particularly the labour rights organisation CENTRAL, and calls for action to protect labour rights and civil society. It urges Cambodian authorities to align laws with international standards, demands European brands ensure workers' rights in supply chains, and calls for EU action against companies violating human rights. It also calls for a shift in trade logic, regrets lack of progress since EBA suspension, and urges support for an international binding treaty on business and human rights.

Key points

  1. Condemns the shrinking of civic space in Cambodia and attacks against human rights defenders and dissenting voices.
  2. Calls on authorities to respect civil society's role in promoting labour rights, end criminalisation and prosecution of civil society, drop charges against CENTRAL, and cease harassment.
  3. Urges Cambodian authorities to bring Trade Union Law and LANGO in line with Article 21 of the Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
  4. Condemns employers exploiting workers, particularly women and children, and demands European brands protect workers' rights in supply chains.
  5. Urges Commission and Member States to act against companies failing to meet obligations on human rights and environmental damage in supply chains.
  6. Calls for shifting international trade logic to mutual advantageous cooperation that does not compromise labour, social, human rights, environment, or sovereign development.
  7. Regrets that Cambodian authorities have not taken meaningful steps to protect civil society since EBA withdrawal.
  8. Urges EU and Member States to commit to an ambitious international Binding Treaty on business and human rights.

Who is affected

  • Cambodian authorities and civil society organisations, particularly CENTRAL and its members.
  • European brands sourcing from Cambodia, such as H&M and Inditex, and EU companies with supply chains.
  • Workers in Cambodia's garment industry, over 90% of whom are women.

Figures and deadlines

  • Almost one million people, over 90% of whom are women, work in Cambodia's garment industry.
  • EU was the second largest market for Cambodian exports in 2022.
  • Cambodia remained the second largest user of EBA preferences.