Education International has stepped up its efforts to secure the release of two jailed Cambodian union leaders.
Education International strongly condemns the Cambodian government’s attempts to clamp down on freedom of association and expression. The government is seeking to silence trade unionists and labour protests expressing workers’ resistance to the economic downturn and repression.
Active unionists
Chhun is one of the most outspoken unionists in Cambodia and the former President of the Cambodian Independent Teachers’ Association (CITA). Prior to his arrest, he was actively working on securing the release of four CITA members detained for commenting on public health issues during school closures.
The President of the Cambodian Informal Labourers’ Association (CILA), Sor Saknika, joined protests demanding Chhun’s release. She was arrested for incitement on 7 August.
International solidarity
Education International and ITUC also denounce the fact that Ouk Chayavy, President of CITA, was assaulted by unknown thugs on the way home after visiting Chhun in prison on 10 August.
They demand that the unjustly arrested and imprisoned trade union leaders, Rong Chhun and Sor Saknika, be released from prison.