22 October 2024
World Bank urged to act on reprisals in Cambodia
Swedwatch and over 150 organizations have called on the World Bank to take immediate action against the escalating crackdown on human rights defenders in Cambodia.
Democratic space in Cambodia has been steadily shrinking over the past decade, with a significant deterioration in recent months. This is exemplified by attacks on two leading human rights groups; Center for Alliance of Labor and Human Rights (CENTRAL) and Equitable Cambodia. In both cases, the reprisals are linked to the groups’ legitimate human rights activities, and in particular to their efforts to ensure human and labor rights protections in projects supported by the World Bank Group.
Together with over 150 organizations, Swedwatch has signed a statement sent to the World Bank president Ajay Banga demanding him to take action against the worsening situation for human rights defenders in Cambodia.
“We demand Ajay Banga to condemn the reprisals and use all the Bank’s leverage to make them stop, consistent with the IFC’s* stated commitment to zero tolerance for retaliation against civil society and project stakeholders”, says Malena Wåhlin, coordinator for civic space issues at Swedwatch.
The recent arrest and sentencing of ten Right Livelihood laureates from Mother Nature Cambodia further underscores the urgent need for action. Swedwatch demands their immediate release and urges Cambodian authorities to respect human rights and environmental justice.
Swedwatch also calls on business actors sourcing from or operating in Cambodia, such as H&M, to act.
“Businesses should use their joint leverage to put pressure on the Government. Human rights and environmental due diligence of these companies will not work unless defenders can report risks and impacts on environment, human rights and labour rights without fear of retaliation”, says Malena Wåhlin.
*IFC, International Finance Corporation, is a member of the World Bank Group and is the largest global development institution focused on the private sector in emerging markets.
