Cambodian workers weigh the cost of EU’s stand on human rights

The European Union is planning to end its special trade status with Cambodia over human rights abuses in the garment and sugar industries. That would be a double-edged sword for Cambodian workers.

The European Union is planning to end its special trade status with Cambodia over human rights abuses in the garment and sugar industries. That would be a double-edged sword for Cambodian workers.

For years, the 59 year old and hundreds of others across the country have accused sugar companies of forcing them off their land – just one of a litany of human rights abuses, including child labour, blamed on the enterprises. About 40 per cent of the sugar produced in Cambodia is exported to the EU.

Last month, the EU announced its intention to suspend its Everything But Arms agreement with the Kingdom, under which it waives tariffs for underdeveloped countries such as Cambodia.

Read the full story: https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/economics/article/2172219/cambodian-workers-weigh-cost-eus-stand-human-rights

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