Christine Milne (Tasmania, Australian Greens) Share this | Link to 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.

Mitch Fifield (Victoria, Liberal Party, Assistant Minister for Social Services) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I seek leave to make a short statement.

Stephen Parry (Tasmania, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Leave is granted for one minute.

Mitch Fifield (Victoria, Liberal Party, Assistant Minister for Social Services) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The Australian government is concerned about reports of death and injuries at demonstrations in Phnom Penh in early January. The government has urged all parties concerned to exercise restraint and resolve these issues through open dialogue. Our embassy in Phnom Penh has consistently raised these matters with the Cambodian government and we have ongoing engagement on human rights issues. The government has encouraged the Cambodian government and opposition to remain in dialogue on this and other related issues. The government believes that the motion put forward would not be appropriate and could be counterproductive. The Australian government continues to monitor the human rights situation in Cambodia and is committed to working constructively with the Cambodian government for the protection of human rights and democracy.

Question agreed to.