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Cambodia, as soon as a nation of hope and resilience, is now quickly sliding into an entrenched autocracy beneath Hun Manet’s regime.
The state of affairs, which has steadily deteriorated for the reason that dissolution of the Cambodia Nationwide Rescue Social gathering in 2017, now calls for shut worldwide consideration to assist restore democratic governance and shield human rights. As the US veers in the direction of more and more isolationist insurance policies, it’s time for Europe to step up and fill this void.
Over the previous a number of years, tons of of activists and human rights defenders have been imprisoned, opposition and civil society leaders have been pressured into exile, worldwide NGOs have been pushed in a foreign country, and impartial media shops have been silenced.
The 2023 elections, organised with out acknowledged opposition and extensively condemned as sham workouts in legitimacy, have solely deepened the nation’s slide right into a hereditary dictatorship, changing the long-ruling former Khmer Rouge senior commander Hun Sen together with his son, Hun Manet.
These actions haven’t solely dismantled Cambodia’s democratic establishments but additionally emboldened the regime in Phnom Penh to pursue its critics at residence and overseas — as tragically exemplified by the assassination of former CNRP lawmaker Lim Kimya in Bangkok earlier this yr.
The choice by the Trump administration to freeze USAID has left a gaping gap in lots of programmes in Southeast Asia, together with Cambodia’s demining efforts. Coupled with the continued tariff struggle between the US and China, the US is steadily retreating, leaving the area open to China’s affect.
This might in the end imply much less scrutiny of instances of democratic backsliding, human rights abuses, and transnational repression by burgeoning autocracies.
The European Union — lengthy a beacon of democratic values and human rights — has a chance to step ahead with concrete measures to counter this alarming development and defend Cambodia’s fledgling democracy.
A latest decision by the European Parliament, which requires a evaluation of Cambodia’s tariff privileges beneath the Every part However Arms (EBA) scheme and sanctions in opposition to key figures within the regime, is a vital first step. However there’s nonetheless extra to do.
Security of civil society actors non-negotiable
In 2020, the EU made the dedication that “ought to there be no important enhancements, the EU stands able to provoke the process for the momentary withdrawal of the remaining tariff preferences” for Cambodia. The state of affairs has solely worsened since.
The Fee should uphold its pledge from 2020 by absolutely suspending the EBA commerce scheme for Cambodia. By suspending these privileges, the EU can ship a transparent message: financial cooperation is contingent upon respect for human rights and democratic governance.
This measure would underscore the precept that enhancing human rights and safeguarding civil society freedoms stay the premise for financial cooperation, commerce and funding.
Focused visa sanctions and asset freezes are additionally instruments within the EU’s arsenal. In 2021, the EU imposed focused sanctions on 4 Russian people for human rights abuses. They had been accused of arbitrary arrests and detentions of opposition members, together with Alexei Navalny and peaceable protesters, and the systematic repression of rights.
As comparable techniques of arrest, exile, and intimidation are utilized by the elites inside Cambodia, it’s clear that these accountable for orchestrating Cambodia’s systematic erosion of democratic norms can, and should, be held accountable.
Imposing such sanctions beneath the EU International Human Rights Sanctions Regime wouldn’t solely deter additional abuses but additionally forestall the laundering of ill-gotten beneficial properties by means of worldwide monetary channels.
ADVERTISEMENTEqually regarding is the plight of brave people like environmental defenders Leng Ouch, Sovadhanak Hun, Heng Sros and Choub Sreynuth. Pressured into exile in Thailand after exposing unlawful logging and corruption, these activists now face the true hazard of repatriation and subsequent persecution.
Their security is non-negotiable. The EU should work to offer these defenders with asylum and be sure that they’re resettled in international locations the place they’ll proceed their very important work free from persecution.
I’ve formally communicated these issues and coverage proposals in a letter to Excessive Consultant of the Union for Overseas Affairs and Safety Coverage, Ms Kaja Kallas, who I hope to satisfy quickly alongside representatives of the European Fee, Council and the Parliament.
I underscored the pressing want for the EU to take decisive motion in opposition to the Cambodian regime’s authoritarian practices. Such a dialogue is essential for growing a coordinated and sturdy response to Cambodia’s democratic backsliding.
ADVERTISEMENTBrussels should step up
The gravity of Cambodia’s regression into authoritarianism, compounded by its deepening strategic and financial ties with Beijing, calls for a strong and coordinated worldwide response.
Within the absence of a robust US presence within the area, the EU should step up and fill the void, main the best way in confronting the repressive measures of the Hun regime.
Europe has repeatedly demonstrated its dedication to defending democracy within the face of authoritarian aggression. Cambodia’s present trajectory will not be an remoted case — it’s a stark reminder that inaction solely emboldens repressive regimes.
The EU now faces a historic alternative to steer by instance, to face firmly for democratic values, and to guard the rights and freedoms which can be beneath assault in Cambodia.
ADVERTISEMENTThe world is watching, and historical past will decide our response. Allow us to be sure that the EU’s actions reaffirm our collective dedication to a future the place democracy and human rights will not be solely preserved however are allowed to flourish.
Mu Sochua, a former Cambodian politician and Nobel Peace Prize nominee, is president of the Khmer Motion for Democracy (KMD).
