Cambodia

Both brands and workers’ representatives are pushing the government of Cambodia to step up its efforts in the investigation of a major demonstration last year in which at least 5 people were killed by police. On January 17 of last year, representatives from over 20 major apparel brands sent a letter to Prime Minister Hun Sen demanding an investigation and for those responsible to be brought to justice. A representative with Cambodia’s Interior Ministry said that the investigation was underway, but refused to provide any further details. Workers’ activist groups are also pushing for compensation for the families of the victims. (VOA Khmer)
 
Garment workers in Cambodia have erected a statue of Chea Vichea, former head of Cambodia’s Free Trade Union of Workers, in honor of the 11th anniversary of his death. He was assassinated on January 22, 2004 in Phnom Penh shortly after being fired from a garment factory for trying to start a union. Taking place nearly a year after the incident, the trial of the two men accused of the killing was viewed by many international observers as highly flawed. (Associated Press)