BHRE CENTER

Civil Society Organizations Unite in Solidarity to Support Trade Unions’ Proposal for Minimum Wage Increase to USD 250.66 for 2027 As minimum wage negotiation in Cambodia for garment, textile and travel goods sectors are happening, we the undersigned national and international civil society organizations, hereby express our unequivocal support for the trade unions’ joint letter dated September 14, 2026. We endorse its proposal to establish a minimum wage of USD 250.66 per month in 2027 for workers engaged in Cambodia’s garment, textile, footwear, travel goods, and bag sectors.

On 17 July 2026, Center for Business and Law Organization joined an open letter with 15 other national and international NGOs addressing to the Prime Minister of Cambodia. The open letter is to express deep concern over the recent court decision sentencing two journalists, Phon Sopheap and Pheap Pheara to 14 years’ imprisonment each. The two journalists were convicted of supplying a foreign state with information prejudicial to national defence and were sentenced to 14 years’ imprisonment by the Siem Reap Provincial Court on 17 December 2025. The Battambang Appeal Court upheld the conviction on 26 March 2026, and the Supreme Court has now affirmed that decision.

On 8 June 2026, Center for Business and Law Organization joined with other national and international NGOs to express our deep concern over the tragic transport accidents on 23 May 2026 in Kampong Chhnang and Svay Rieng provinces. According to the Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training, a total of 93 garment workers were affected, including 14 workers killed and 79 injured, many of them women. We acknowledge the government’s immediate response in providing medical support and compensation in accordance with national social security mechanisms. However, emergency response alone is not sufficient. Preventing future loss of life requires addressing the root causes of unsafe transportation.

On 1 May 2026, Center for Business and Law Organization joined with trade unions and NGOs to commemorate the 140th anniversary of International Labour Day 2026. We hereby submit this joint petition to the Royal Government of Cambodia and international partners. We call for the removal of barriers that continue to obstruct the full and effective exercise of trade union rights and freedoms. The theme for this year’s 140th International Workers’ Day is: “Restoring and Removing Barriers to the Exercise of Freedom of Association.” This reflects the urgent need to address these challenges effectively and without delay.