EP resolutions

The European Parliament adopted by 496 votes to 11, with 36 abstentions, a resolution on Cambodia: the case of opposition leader Kem Sokha. The text adopted in plenary was tabled by the EPP, S&D, Renew, Greens/EFA, ECR, The Left groups and Members.

Kem Sokha, the former Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) president was arrested in 2017 over accusations of conspiracy to overthrow Prime Minister Hun Sen and held in arbitrary pre-trial detention until his conditional release into house arrest on 10 September 2018. On 3 March 2023, following a trial deemed by UN experts to have 'failed to meet the standard of either Cambodian or international human rights law', Phnom Penh Municipal Court sentenced Kem Sokha to 27 years in jail, which he is temporarily allowed to serve under house arrest, and indefinitely suspended his political rights to vote and to stand for election.

The European Parliament adopted a resolution on Cambodia: notably the dissolution of the Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP).

The text adopted in plenary was tabled by the EPP, S&D, ECR, ALDE, GUE/NGL, Greens/EFA and EFDD groups.

As a reminder, in 2017 the human rights situation in Cambodia further deteriorated, with an increasing number of arrests of political opposition members, human rights activists and civil society representatives being carried out.

The Cambodian parliament passed two sets of repressive amendments to the 'Law on Political Parties' in 2017, which contain numerous restrictions tailored to create obstacles for opposition parties. [...]

Parliament regretted the absence of an independent and impartial judiciary in the country and called on the Government of Cambodia to repeal all recent amendments to the 'Law on Political Parties' and electoral laws limiting freedom of speech and political freedoms. [...]

The European Parliament adopted a resolution on Cambodia, notably the case of Kem Sokha.

The text adopted in plenary was tabled by the EPP, S&D, ECR, ALDE, and Greens/EFA groups.

Members called for the immediate release of Cambodian opposition leader Kem Sokha of the Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP), who was arrested on 3 September 2017on charges that appear to be politically motivated. They wanted all charges against him to be dropped, and for an end to threats of arrest against other opposition lawmakers. [...]

Members highlighted the importance of EU and international election observation missions and their contribution to fair and free elections, and also reminded the Cambodian Government that it has to fulfil its obligations and commitments regarding democratic principles and fundamental human rights, which are an essential element of the Cooperation Agreement. [...]

The European Parliament adopted a resolution on Cambodia.

The text adopted in plenary was tabled by the EPP, S&D, ECR, ALDE, GUE/NGL, Greens/EFA and EFDD groups.

Parliament expressed its deep concerns about the worsening climate for opposition politicians and human rights activists in Cambodia. It condemned all acts of violence, politically motivated charges, arbitrary detention, and deplored the escalation of politically motivated charges, judicial harassment, and in particular the politically motivated charges, sentences and convictions relating to the legitimate work of activists, political critics and human rights defenders in Cambodia.

The European Parliament adopted by 567 votes to 27, against 36 abstentions, a resolution on the political situation in Cambodia.

The text adopted in plenary was tabled by the EPP, S&D, ECR, ALDE, GUE/NGL, Greens/EFA and EFDD groups.

Parliament expressed its deep concern about the worsening climate for opposition politicians and activists, and human rights, social and environmental activists in Cambodia. It condemned all acts of violence and politically motivated charges, sentences and convictions against opposition politicians, activists and human rights defenders in Cambodia.

The European Parliament adopted by 84 votes to 0, with 6 abstentions, a resolution on Cambodia's draft laws on NGOs and trade unions.

The resolution was tabled by the EPP, S&D, ECR, ALDE, GUE/NGL, Greens/EFA, EFDD groups.

Members recalled that the draft law governing trade unions would violate the right to organise and would severely limit the rights of independent trade unions, including existing unions. [...]

Members urged the Government of Cambodia to withdraw the draft Law on Associations and Non-Governmental Organisations (LANGO) and urged it to recognise the legitimate and useful role played by civil society, trade unions and the political opposition in contributing to Cambodia's overall economic and political development.

The European Parliament adopted by 52 votes to 0 with 2 abstentions a resolution on the situation of rights defenders and opposition activists in Cambodia and Laos.

The resolution was tabled by the EPP, S&D, ALDE, Greens/EFA, ECR, GUE/NGL, and EFD groups.

Cambodia: Parliament condemned the disproportionate and excessive use of force by security forces in Cambodia, on 3 January 2014, at peaceful demonstrations of textile industry workers for increased wages, killing five people and injuring more than 30. [...]