The opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and in no way represent the editorial position of Euroneus.
Once a country of hope and resilience, Cambodia is now rapidly slipping into a dictatorial regime that has now taken hold under the Hummane regime.
The situation that has steadily deteriorated since the dissolution of Cambodia’s National Rescue Party in 2017 now calls for close international attention to restoring democratic governance and protecting human rights. As the US is increasingly moving towards isolationist policies, it’s time for Europe to stomp and fill this void.
Over the past few years, hundreds of activists and human rights advocates have been imprisoned, opposition parties and civil society leaders have been forced into exile, international NGOs have been pushed out of the country, and independent media are silent.
Organized without acknowledged opposition and widely condemned as a false exercise of legitimacy, the 2023 election merely deepened the country’s slide into a genetic dictatorship, replacing longtime senior Kumer Rouge commander Hun Sen with his son Hun Manet.
These actions not only dismantled Cambodia’s democratic institutions, they also encouraged the Phnom Penh administration and pursued critics both at home and abroad, as tragically exemplified by the assassination of former CNRP MP Lim Kimia in Bangkok earlier this year.
The Trump administration’s decision to freeze USAID has left a huge hole in many Southeast Asia programs, including Cambodia’s subtle efforts. Coupled with the ongoing tariff war between the US and China, the US is steadily retreating, and the region is open to Chinese influence.
This could ultimately mean less scrutiny of cases of democratic backslides, human rights abuses and burgeoning dictatorship.
The European Union has long been a beacon of democratic values and human rights, and there is an opportunity to counter this surprising trend and advance concrete measures to defend Cambodia’s fledgling democracy.
A recent resolution by the European Parliament calls for a review of Cambodia’s tariff privileges, and sanctions on all arms (EBA) schemes and key figures in the regime are important first steps. But there’s still more to do.
The safety of civil society stakeholders cannot be negotiated.
In 2020, the EU made its commitment that “without any significant improvements, the EU is ready to commence steps to temporarily withdraw the remaining tariff preferences.” Since then, things have gotten worse.
The committee must support its pledge from 2020 by completely suspending Cambodia’s EBA trade scheme. By suspending these privileges, the EU can send a clear message. Economic cooperation relies on respect for human rights and democratic governance.
The measure highlights the principle that improving human rights and protecting civil society’s freedoms are the basis for economic cooperation, trade and investment.
Targeted visa sanctions and asset freezes are also tools in the EU arsenal. In 2021, the EU imposed target sanctions on four Russian individuals for human rights violations. They were accused of arbitrary arrest and detention of opposition members, including Alexei Navalny and peaceful protesters, and systematic repression of rights.
With similar tactics of arrest, asylum and intimidation being used by elites within Cambodia, it is clear that those responsible for coordinating the systematic erosion of Cambodia’s democratic norms must be accountable.
Implementing such sanctions under the EU global human rights sanctions regime not only prevents further abuse, but also prevents the washing of unfair profits through international financial channels.
Similarly, it is the light form of courageous individuals like environmental defenders Leng Ouch, Sovadhanak Hun, Heng Sros and Choub Sreynuth. These activists, forced into exile in Thailand after exposing illegal logging and corruption, face the real dangers of repatriation and subsequent persecution.
Their safety is unnegotiable. The EU must work to provide asylum to these defenders and ensure that they resettle in a country where they can continue their work free from persecution.
I have formally conveyed these concerns and policy proposals in a letter to Kaja Karas, a high representative of the diplomatic and security policy.
I highlighted the urgent need for the EU to take critical action against the authoritarian practices of the Cambodian regime. Such dialogues are important to develop a coordinated and robust response to Cambodia’s democratic backslides.
Brussels must step up
The gravity of Cambodia’s regression to authoritarianism is exacerbated by deepening its strategic and economic ties with Beijing, demanding a robust and coordinated international response.
Without a strong US presence in the region, the EU must step up and fill in the void and lead the way to stand up against the repressive measures of the Hun regime.
Europe has repeatedly demonstrated its commitment to defending democracy in the face of authoritarian attacks. Cambodia’s current trajectory is not an isolated case. It reminds us that inaction only blows away the oppressive regime.
The EU is now facing historical opportunities that lead by example, and to protect the rights and freedoms under attack in Cambodia, in order to stand firm in democratic values.
The world looks, and history judges our response. Let EU actions reaffirm our collective commitment to a future where democracy and human rights are not only preserved, but allowed to flourish.
Former Cambodian politician and nominee for the Nobel Peace Prize, Mu Sochua is the president of the Khmer Democracy Movement (KMD).
