Christine Milne (Tasmania, Australian Greens) Share this | Hansard source

I move:

That the Senate—

(a) notes:

(i) that on 3 January 2014, a peaceful protest of garment factory employees in Cambodia for increased wages became violent when government security forces opened fire on the demonstrators, killing five people and injuring more than 30,

(ii) that a number of incidents followed, in which peaceful protesters were forcibly arrested, and reportedly beaten and tortured, resulting in a ban on demonstrations,

(iii) that this decision is reflective of a broader suppression of those who speak and act in defence of human rights in Cambodia, including the Cambodia National Rescue Party leaders Mr Sam Rainsy and Mr Kem Sokha, and

(iv) the ongoing dispute over the July 2013 election and electoral processes, including alleged voter fraud and corruption;

(b) condemns the use of violence and excessive force by the Cambodian Government, and implores it to protect and strengthen human rights, including a repeal of the ban on demonstrations; and

(c) calls on the:

(i) Cambodian Government to accept an international, independent investigation into allegations of fraud and corruption during the July 2013 election, and

(ii) Australian Parliament to affirm its commitment to the protection of human rights and democracy in Cambodia.