"Occupational Health and Safety for Construction Workers and Safe Building Standards Must Be Guaranteed", 01 July 2019

We, as workers, communities, associations, trade unions, civil society organisations and human rights defenders working for the promotion of human and labour rights in Cambodia, extend our heartfelt condolences to the families of those who lost loved ones in the tragic deadly collapse of an under-construction seven-storey building in Village 3, Sangkat 4, Sihanoukville Province.

…, at least 28 construction workers were confirmed dead, including five women and rescue teams had pulled out another 26 injured. Amongst the injured were two 16-year-olds, a girl and a boy... The victims were migrant workers from other Cambodian provinces…

The building was being constructed by a Chinese company named Xi Gang Tang Gong Gou Ji Haisao which was publicly known as lacking legal authorisation to carry out construction activities from the authorities.

…, the Ministry of Land Management, Urban Planning and Construction (MLMUPC) found that there were many unauthorised construction projects in Sihanoukville Province and that illegal construction activities affect the public environment and beauty as well lead to poor construction quality. 

“Urban development must prioritise preventing environmental impact, as well as on sustainability and public safety which are the role of State. Any violations of laws or government instructions are illegal actions and the law must be strictly enforced for the perpetrator in order to make them accountable”, said Mr Sok Kin, president of Building and Wood Workers Trade Union Federation of Cambodia (BWTUC).

One day after the accident, the government established a committee to inspect and investigate the building collapse in Sihanoukville…

Having seen this horrific event, we call upon the Royal Government of Cambodia and private developers to take immediate action for a long-term solution to prevent similar tragedies in the future…