"Observers Concerned Over Possible EU Sanctions on Cambodia", 23 July 2023

While the election was not attended by potential opposition parties, observers raised the risk of a decline in democracy and human rights in Cambodia, as well as the possibility of Western sanctions.

Observers of the political and social situation have expressed concern about the possibility of further EU sanctions after the seventh national election, held without opposition, as political freedoms, civil society and the independent press continue to be severely restricted.

LICADHO Director General for Public Affairs Am Sam Ath told … ahead of election day that he was still EU fears withdrawal of preferential tariffs amid repeated warnings and demands for Cambodian government to open Space of political freedom.

"As a civil society organization working on human rights, we have already insisted that Cambodia should look at what we can improve, for the sake of human rights and democracy in Cambodia," he said.

Central Program Manager Khun Tharo said he was concerned that the EU would take further action against the Cambodian government as the space for democracy and human rights in Cambodia narrowed. He added that if additional sanctions were imposed, it would affect workers' livelihoods.

“Of course it will affect the lives of workers in Cambodia and some factories will face suspension or closure of the production line because all these problems will have a negative impact. "Unemployment will have serious consequences for the economy."

The observer urges the Cambodian government to respond to the European Parliament's request…