In chapter "Corporate accountability concerning socio-economic rights in Cambodia," Černič deals with the legal and political conditions of Cambodia: One of the countries most affected by corruption and poor working conditions. In the CPI Ranking, Cambodia was ranked 161st and belongs to the 49 poorest countries in the world. In order to be competitive in the international market, factories in Cambodia impose absurdly low labour costs. Černič rightly recognizes that free-trade agreements for Cambodia, which practically eliminate customs costs, could improve the current conditions. As the free-trade agreement was originally planned as development aid, the EU's consideration of partially lifting the agreement is increasing the pressure on Cambodia's industry and government. The corrupt system, controlled by the factory owners and government elite, as Černič vividly describes, has, in the past, led to human rights violations and violations of socio-economic rights. Due to the international interdependence of companies and underdeveloped legal structures, it was hardly possible for the victims to find justice and hold the responsible companies accountable. In his examination of the Cambodian situation, Černič talks about how the judges are under the control of the ruling Cambodia Peoples Party, and how lawyers work for those who pay best. Cambodia is also pressured, influenced by, companies from China, Vietnam, Thailand, and Japan, which are those that make the most investments. The reason for this is that these companies escape stricter controls in their home countries, unlike EU investors—who tend to shy away from investments. This does not seem surprising given the legal structures in these countries. European companies are subject to rather thorough controls. One might even think that the countries that have the greatest influence on countries such as Cambodia do not, themselves, have developed legal structures that sufficiently protect human and socio-economic rights, let alone give the victims sufficient access to enforce them. China, for example, is a major investor in Cambodia, but its minimum wage is only slowly approaching the subsistence level. Another thing to consider is that development in Cambodia is partly based to the exploitation of natural resources. This has led to the violations of land law of indigenous peoples, as Černič states. A practice that can be observed throughout human history. It is all the more astonishing that this is still practiced today without consequences. Černič points out that the government in Cambodia has ratified some international conventions on human and socio-economic rights, but unfortunately this has not been enough. What is needed is the fair implementation and improved access to these rights for the victims. Cambodia, but also all the other countries at the start of international supply chains, must systematically combat corruption and underdeveloped structures. Because only if the conditions for a transparent and humane system prevail, these countries can develop sustainably.
PDFPDFStay tuned for news on sustainable development, environment and climate change, international trade and human rights, Chinese issues and much more!
