Statement on developments relating to restrictions of the political space in Cambodia

On 3 September 2017 the EEAS Spokesperson made a statement on developments relating to restrictions of the political space in Cambodia.

Subsequently, on 16 November 2017, Cambodia’s Supreme Court struck a further blow to democratic rights in the country when it ordered the dissolution of the main political opposition, the Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP).

'Respect of fundamental human rights is a prerequisite for Cambodia to continue to benefit from the EU's preferential Everything But Arms scheme'.

In a statement the EEAS said 'The decision ... to dissolve the Cambodian National Rescue Party (CNRP) is a significant step away from the path of pluralism and democracy enshrined in Cambodia's constitution and supported over more than two decades by Cambodia's international partners including the European Union'.

Chatham House: Expert Comment, 23.11.17: After Crackdown, Where Does Cambodia Go From Here? https://www.chathamhouse.org/expert/comment/after-crackdown-where-does-cambodia-go-here

EU: EEAS: Cambodia and the EU https://eeas.europa.eu/headquarters/headquarters-homepage/1006/cambodia-and-eu_en

EU: EEAS: Statement, 16.11.17: Statement by the Spokesperson on the dissolution of Cambodian National Rescue Party https://eeas.europa.eu/headquarters/headquarters-homepage/35751/statement-spokesperson-dissolution-cambodian-national-rescue-party_en

BBC News, 16.11.17: Cambodia top court dissolves main opposition CNRP party http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-42006828

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