May 23, 2000
May 23, 2000
Contact HRF Communications (212) 845 5245 media@humanrightsfirst.orgHuman Rights First Urges Cambodia Donors to Focus on
Rule of Law and Labor Rights in World Bank Meeting
New York – Human Rights First called on Cambodia’s donors to concentrate on the rule of law and labor rights in Cambodia. The donors will gather in the World Bank-chaired Consultative Group meeting in Paris on May 25-26.
In a letter addressed to Ambassadors taking part in the World Bank meeting, the Committee highlighted that the current negotiations between the UN and Cambodian authorities regarding the establishment of a tribunal to try Khmer Rouge leaders have clear implications for Cambodia’s donors "Ultimately, the greatest significance of the proposed Khmer Rouge trials may be their impact on the development of the rule of law in Cambodia," said Robert O. Varenik, Director of Protection at Human Rights First. "The Khmer Rouge tribunal offers a unique opportunity for Cambodia’s donors to directly influence the long term stability of Cambodia’s judicial system. They should focus on ensuring that this tribunal is a successful example of a fair and impartial judicial process," continued Varenik.
The letter also highlighted the problems faced by factory workers in Cambodia, especially in its rapidly growing garment industry. "The boom in the Cambodian apparel industry and the benefits enjoyed by international and local corporations must not be at the expense of fundamental rights protecting the health, safety, freedom and provision of fair wages for workers," said Varenik. "Human rights and workers’ rights abuses must not be accepted as a cost of economic growth."
The Paris Meeting Consultative Group meeting is a follow up to a meeting held in Tokyo in February 1999. The meeting brings together all the major donors to Cambodia to discuss potential aid and development programs.