The European Parliament has called on the Commission and the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy to verify that Cambodia is meeting its human rights obligations and, if it is not, to suspend the EU tariff preferences it enjoys.
In the joint resolution from the ECR, Greens/EFA, GUE/NGL, S&D, ALDE and EPP Groups, MEPs note that respect for fundamental rights is a prerequisite for Cambodia’s continued involvement in the EU’s preferential Everything but Arms system and call on the high representative and the trade commissioner “immediately” to review the country’s obligations (see EUROPE 11908). Parliament makes clear that, “if Cambodia is acting in violation of its obligation under the EBA regulation, the tariff preferences it currently enjoys must be temporarily withdrawn”.
Expressing their concerns at the dissolution of the main opposition party, the Cambodian National Rescue Party (CNRP), and the banning of 118 of its members from political activity for a period of five years (see EUROPE 11907), MEPs call on the European External Action Service and the Commission to prepare a list of individuals responsible for the dissolution of the opposition and other serious human rights violations “with a view to imposing possible visa restrictions and asset freezes on them”.
Expressing “grave concerns” about the conduct of credible and transparent elections in Cambodia in 2018, Parliament welcomes the EU decision to withdraw all electoral assistance “until Cambodia engages in reforms in line with international electoral standards in order to advance democracy and protect civil society space”. It calls the high representative and the EU special representative for human rights to use all means available to protect the fundamental rights of the Cambodian people to elect and be elected, to guarantee pluralism and democratic principles strictly in line with Cambodia’s constitution. MEPs urge the government to release opposition parliamentarians from prison “immediately and unconditionally”. (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)