ILO statement on Cambodia

Statement | 13 January 2014
The ILO deplores the loss of life and expresses its deep concern as regards the deaths, assaults and arrests of workers during the latest strike in Cambodia.

The ILO calls on the Government to launch an independent inquiry without delay to determine the justification for the action taken by the police, to determine responsibilities, punish those responsible and prevent the repetition of such acts. Authorities should resort to the use of force only in situations where law and order is seriously threatened.

As regards the allegations of arrests, the ILO recalls that the detention of trade unionists for reasons related to their activities in defence of workers’ interests constitutes a serious interference with civil liberties in general and trade union rights in particular.

The ILO therefore urges the government to ensure that adequate instructions are given to the police so as to avoid any further violence; and to take all steps necessary for the release of the trade union leaders and workers detained for having participated in the strike over the minimum wage.

The ILO stands ready to provide any assistance that may be helpful to bring the parties together and identify steps for resolution to this conflict.