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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-10-2024-0206

on behalf of the ECR Group · Rapporteur: Joachim Stanisław Brudziński, Adam Bielan, Veronika Vrecionová, Assita Kanko, Ondřej Krutílek, Alexandr Vondra, Waldemar Tomaszewski, Sebastian Tynkkynen, Şerban-Dimitrie Sturdza

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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.

The resolution condemns the crackdown on civil society in Cambodia, especially the harassment of the labour rights organisation CENTRAL, and urges Cambodian authorities to drop charges and stop harassment. It calls on Cambodia to meet its international obligations, asks the EU Delegation to increase support and dialogue, and encourages the EU to monitor human rights and consider sanctions if violations continue.

Key points

  1. Condemns the ongoing crackdown on civil society in Cambodia, specifically the harassment and intimidation faced by CENTRAL and other similar organisations.
  2. Expresses deep concern over the Cambodian government’s broader crackdown on fundamental freedoms.
  3. Urges Cambodian authorities to immediately drop all charges that are not in line with international standards.
  4. Urges Cambodian authorities to immediately cease all forms of harassment against CENTRAL and other civil society organisations, repeal restrictive laws, and respect their independence.
  5. Calls on the Cambodian government to adhere to its international obligations.
  6. Urges the EU Delegation to Cambodia to increase civilian support mechanisms and engage in dialogue with the Cambodian government.
  7. Encourages the EU to monitor and report on human and labour rights in Cambodia.
  8. Calls on the Council to consider targeted sanctions under the EU Global Human Rights Sanctions Regime and to extend the suspension of EBA trade preferences if Cambodia continues to disregard human rights obligations.

Who is affected

  • Civil society organisations in Cambodia, particularly CENTRAL, face harassment and restrictions.
  • Cambodian authorities are urged to drop charges and cease harassment.
  • EU Delegation to Cambodia is urged to increase support and dialogue.
  • Council is called on to consider sanctions and extend EBA suspension.

Figures and deadlines

  • At least 94 people, including children, have been arbitrarily arrested since late July 2024.