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UN rights expert appeals for calm amid daily and growing demonstrations in Cambodia
GENEVA (27 December 2013) – The United Nations Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Cambodia, Surya P. Subedi, today reiterated his call for calm and restraint as demonstrations are now taking place daily in Phnom Penh. “Demonstrations such as those of recent days and weeks are a new sight in Cambodia. I am pleased to see that the democratic space has increased to such extent that so many Cambodians feel comfortable to express themselves in the streets without fear of retaliation,” Mr. Subedi said.
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“Women and their Contribution to the Reduction in Use of Highly Hazardous Pesticides to Ensure Food Security and Safety” Banteay Meanchey, 27 December 2013
We would like to call upon all stakeholders to continue to support and to take part in the supervision of imports of agricultural materials, including seeds, fertilizers and pesticides as well as reduction in use of chemicals in order to maintain food security and safety. We would like to make the following suggestions and recommendations:
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IMF Keeps Cambodia’s Corruption in the Shadows
The IMF recognizes that corruption threatens market integrity, distorts competition, and endangers economic development, all while undermining the public’s trust in its government. Yet the IMF chief failed to mention this scourge, even obliquely, during her first visit to the country as head of the IMF. Lagarde emphasized inclusive growth, recognizing the gross inequalities in the country, and encouraged greater investment in education and jobs. But she ignored the misappropriation of state resources that siphons away desperately needed funds for education and other essential government services.
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CCHR expresses concerns over the call by the Garment Manufacturers Association in Cambodia to implement a zero-tolerance policy against illegal strikes
The Cambodian Center for Human Rights (“CCHR”) is greatly concerned by the statement released by the Garment Manufacturers Association in Cambodia (“GMAC”) on 18 December 2013, claiming that the Royal Government of Cambodia (the “RGC”) appears to be too patient in dealing with unions. GMAC represents more than 400 garment and footwear factories in the country and claims in its statement that “crafty” unions constantly use violent, non-procedural strikes and demonstrations to demand benefits from the employer.
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ADHOC Calls for Mid-Term Election to Solve Political Crisis
Phnom Penh, 20 December 2013 – The Cambodian Human Rights and Development Association (ADHOC) urges Cambodia’s two main political parties to resume dialogue and embrace an attitude of compromise for the sake of peace and stability in the country. Cambodia has been in a state of political deadlock since the 28 July 2013 elections to the National Assembly. ADHOC welcomes the commitment to peace so far expressed by both parties, as demonstrated not only in words but in the relative lack of political violence in the election and post-election period as compared to previous elections in the country.
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Joint Statement by ILO Director-General, Guy Ryder, and United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Navi Pillay, on the Occasion of International Migrants Day 18 December 2013
Today, the ILO and OHCHR pay joint tribute to 232 million migrants worldwide who have left their homes in search of a better and more dignified life for themselves and their families. Migrants make significant and essential contributions to the economic, social and cultural development of their host countries and their communities back home. But too often these contributions go unrecognized, and instead the public debate is dominated by xenophobic attitudes and discrimination, both in and outside the workplace.
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