MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the situation in Cambodia

9.3.2021 - (2021/2579(RSP))

with request for inclusion in the agenda for a debate on cases of breaches of human rights, democracy and the rule of law
pursuant to Rule 144 of the Rules of Procedure

Thierry Mariani
on behalf of the ID Group

B9‑0182/2021

European Parliament resolution on the situation in Cambodia

(2021/2579(RSP))

The European Parliament,

 

–  having regard to Rule 144 of its Rules of Procedure,

 

  –  having regard to the entry into force of the EU-Vietnam agreement on 1 August 2020

 

  –  having regard to the trade sanctions imposed on Cambodia with effect from 12 August 2020,

 

 

 

1. Whereas numerous trials took place in Phnom Pehn in January 2021 due to the events of November 2019

 

2. whereas Cambodia considers having faced an attempted coup d'état on November 9, 2019

 

3. whereas Kem Sokha's trial was adjourned due to the pandemic at the request of his own lawyer;

 

4. whereas Cambodia has accepted almost 90% of the recommendations of the Universal Periodic Review concerning the respect of human rights;

 

5. whereas power-critical medias such as Radio Free Asia or Voice of America are present in Cambodia;

 

1. Considers that Cambodia challenges the political nature of trials that took place in January 2021;

 

2. Recalls that elected representatives of the opposition activists are citizens havingt the same rights and duties as the others; recalls that being part of a coup is not a democratic way to promote one’s ideas;

 

3. Affirms that instrumentalization of human rights leads to the weakening of their credibility and that the rights of Kem Sokha were respected when he asked for the adjournment of his trial;

 

4. Notes that the EU granted Vietnam with a controversial free trade agreement - which gives to the country a privileged access to the EU market although its human rights standards are lower than its neighbor's;  underlines in this regards the incoherence in the policy towards Vietnam and Cambodia;

 

5. Notes that Cambodia is expressing its will to improve its relations with the EU and is more open that other Asian countries that are not under EU sanctions;

 

6. Believes that the EU shall encourage the progress of Cambodia towards higher human rights standards rather than isolating this country;

 

7. Acknowledges that Cambodia is open to critical foreign media covering its political life;

 

8. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Vice-President of the Commission/High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, the Council, the Commission, the governments and parliaments of the Member States and the President, Government and Parliament of Cambodia.