The International Labor Organization reiterated its concern over violence in Cambodia after reports of another violent confrontation with protesting workers over the weekend.
“The ILO urges all parties to refrain from further violence, and to take all steps necessary for the release of the trade union leaders and workers detained for having participated in the strike over the minimum wage,” the ILO said in a statement released Tuesday following an incident Jan. 26.
The Business & Human Rights Resource Centre (BHRRC) reports that on Jan. 21, Cambodian police briefly detained 11 activists, composed of union leaders and land rights advocates, as they were delivering a letter to the U.S. Embassy asking for help in securing the release of 23 others detained after the crackdown on striking garment workers. They were reportedly released the same day after they were made to declare that they would not take part in further demonstrations, according to BHRRC, a non-profit that monitors the impact corporations have on human rights in more than 180 countries.
The ILO continues to urge the Cambodian government launch an independent inquiry to determine the circumstances of police action and the deaths, assaults and arrests of workers during strike action earlier this month.
“The inquiry should determine responsibilities and punish those responsible where appropriate, as well as outline the steps to prevent the repetition of such acts,” ILO said.
In an open letter Jan. 6, executives from Columbia Sportswear, Adidas Group and Puma SE condemned the Cambodian government for its use of deadly force against protesting garment workers and urged factory owners and trade unions to work together to help the government improve its annual minimum wage review process.
The ILO said Tuesday that it stands ready to provide assistance to all parties to work towards the resolution of this conflict through dialogue.
