Living Wage – a Matter of Justice and Human Dignity

CNRP leaders welcomed by Cambodian workers in South Korea-24 March,2013

CNRP Vice-president Kem Sokha meets Cambodian workers in South Korea

Cambodian workers in South Korea at reception for CNRP leaders – 24 March, 2013

The Blessing dance performed by Cambodian Workers dance group- South Korea – CNRP reception with Cambodian workers.

Kem Sokha with Cambodian workers in South Korea- March 24, 2013

Proud to be with Cambodia National Rescue Party.

Cambodian workers in South Korea say it all: “we left Cambodia because there is no work and even with employment, the pay is so low”.

Living wage

The recent pay increase authorized by the government-seen as intervention by the prime minister for upcoming elections – is far from living wage which (1)should limit the working hours to eight hours per day; should (2)guarantee adequate housing; (3)provide for healthy diet; (4) include social integration. In addition to their own living, workers should be able to care for their dependents and make savings.

Human Dignity

It is the core issue for workers. Defined by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights: “everyone who works has the right to just and favorable remuneration ensuring for him/heself and his/her family an existence worth of human dignity.

What Cambodian workers in South Korea says?

“We would rather be working back home. But there is no decent work with decent pay”.

Cambodian National Rescue Party(CNRP) solution:

Minimum wage of US$150 for eight hours of work will be set by law by CNRP government with full respect and implementation of the Labour Law. The minimum wage recognizes adjustment with cost of living.

Voice of America interview

http://www.voacambodia.com/content/cambodian-workers-in-south-korea/1631367.html

Tep Vanny on BBC

BBC tell stories of Beung kak and Borei Keila.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-21972387

Tep Vanny Receives Human Rights Golden Award

Tep Vanny among other winners

Tonight Tep Vanny received the Golden Butterfly Award as the Activist portrayed in Even a Bird Needs a Nest film at the Movies That Matter Festival in The Hague.

“I wish to thank the Jury for its choice but I can not be happy when I know that my community continues to struggle for justice. The price I receive tonight gives me more strength to fight for the release of Yorm Bopha, another woman activist who lost her appeal in court today., said Tep Vanny when she received the Award.

For more information:http://www.moviesthatmatter.nl/english_index/nieuws_en/news/485

Europe Campaign – Pushing it farther

At Amnesty International -Holland headquarter- 26 March, 2013

From forced evictions that lead to production of blood sugar produced on land taken by force from the villagers to forced evictions in the urban areas, it comes down to one thing: the EU can do more.

Too many carrots given to the Cambodian government when violations of human rights are rampant and more severe. The EU initiative on Everything But Arms can be and should be used as the stick.

Road map proposed to EU governments, Amnesty International, the EU Parliament, The Netherlands Foreign Ministry( I spoke with the Minister of Trade and Development and the Netherlands Human Rights Ambassador)

By end of April
1/ implementation of the EU recommendations for free and fair elections;
2/ return of leader of the opposition;

Or

1/ sanctions on EBA.

Members of the EU Parliament unanimously adopted the Resolution on EBA last November. More should be done:

Tep Vanny at HQ of Amnesty International , Holland.

Her message for AI, Holland global campaign : Free Yorm Bopha.

Among all points in the Resolution , Mam Sonando got released.

PM Hun Sen needs legitimacy from the EU , the USA as much as he needs financial backing of China. And he wants both things.

Tep Vanny’s Message to other women

My question to Tep Vanny after she receives the recognition from Amnesty International as one of Ten Heroes in movies Matter of Act 2013:

What is your message to other women?

Tep Vanny: I want them to be strong and to use all their energy to fight

In The hague you are recognized as a heroine and in Cambodia you were arrested. What do you think about that?

Our government has no will to protect its own people.

Her own words

Tep Vanny – The Human Rights hero.

Her message to other women