A powerful coalition of 216 Cambodian confederations, unions, organisations, associations, and communities released a joint statement today, November 17, condemning the brutal gang rape of a Cambodian migrant worker, allegedly perpetrated by members of the “Thai Thahan Phran” (Black Army) forces along the Cambodia-Thailand border.
The unified front, representing formal and informal workers, youth, women’s rights advocates and concerned citizens from across the kingdom, decried the assault as a “grave violation of human rights, women’s rights and the rights of migrant workers”.
They emphasised that these rights are enshrined and protected by a comprehensive framework of national laws, the Cambodian Constitution, ASEAN instruments, international law and the CEDAW Convention.
“This cruel and unacceptable case of abuse is not only an inhumane act against the victim but also a breach of the humanitarian principles of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), which aims to promote and ensure human rights in the region,” said the statement.
They expressed concerns over what they described as “the culture of impunity and lack of respect for women’s rights associated with the Thai Thahan Phran” and warned that such an environment poses a severe threat to the safety and fundamental rights of female Cambodian workers and other vulnerable migrant groups.
This incident has ignited widespread outrage and calls for immediate and thorough investigations to bring the perpetrators to justice and ensure accountability. The 216 organisations stand united in their demand for an end to impunity and robust protections for migrant workers.
