Response to interpellation 2024/25:12 on the struggle for democracy in Cambodia
Translated from Swedish by AI; the translation may contain errors. The Swedish text is the original.
Summary AI, written in advance
The debate concerns the situation for human rights in Cambodia. M argues that the situation is worrying and that Sweden stands behind the EU's criticism and measures 1 2. M argues that the bilateral aid was phased out so that resources can be used where they make the greatest difference 3 2. M believes that Sweden will continue to be a strong voice for human rights and that Sweden's commitment to freedom is unwavering 4. M argues that there are other strategies to support freedom 4. S argues that the government is passive and that the withdrawn aid leaves human rights activists without hope 5. S argues that the bilateral aid was an important counterforce against the regime 5.
Written by AI in advance and may contain errors. The numbers lead to the speech a statement builds on; check against the text below.
Statsrådet Benjamin Dousa (M)
Madam Speaker! Åsa Eriksson has asked me in what way the government intends to support the struggle for democracy in Cambodia and protect the human rights defenders in the country.
The situation for human rights in Cambodia is worrying and has been for a long time. That freedom of expression, freedom of assembly, and freedom of association are being undermined and that the opposition is prevented from standing in elections are clear examples of this. I agree with Åsa Eriksson that it shows a worrying development. I would like to take the opportunity to inform Åsa Eriksson that it was the then social democratic government that decided to close the embassy in Phnom Penh.
Sweden's bilateral strategy for aid to Cambodia concludes at the turn of the year. At the same time, there are continued opportunities to support efforts for precisely democracy, human rights and the principles of the rule of law even in countries with which Sweden does not conduct bilateral development cooperation. This applies, of course, also to Cambodia.
The government continues its commitment to human rights in Cambodia through the EU and other multilateral organizations such as the UN and the development banks. The EU has also increased its funding for local organizations working to strengthen human rights and has also condemned the developments in Cambodia through a number of statements. Sweden stands fully and firmly behind these statements.
Åsa Eriksson (S)
Madam Speaker! I thank the Minister for the answer. I have looked forward to this debate - it is a pity that one has to wait a long time in the Chamber to be able to discuss aid policy, but one simply has to accept the situation.
Madam Speaker! Last year, the youth from Mother Nature Cambodia were here in the Riksdag because they were some of last year's Right Livelihood Award winners. They were at a meeting here in the Riksdag, and we discussed the challenges in Cambodia. We asked what we can do for them, and they asked for only one thing: that Sweden as a nation should stand up for them and their struggle for their and others' human rights and not be silent when the regime silences them.
Now the same young people are imprisoned in Cambodian prisons because they, using peaceful - and in a democracy completely legal - methods, have tried to protect nature and their fellow countrymen against deforestation, pollution, displacement, and exploitation. It pains me intensely, and I am ashamed that as a Swede I am forced to admit that my country does not lift a finger to help them and other human rights activists in their struggle for democracy and human rights in Cambodia.
Madam Speaker! Since the 2018 election, Cambodia has in practice been a one-party state. The largest opposition party, CNRP, was banned the year before, and its successor, the Candlelight Party, was disqualified ahead of last year's parliamentary election. The ruling party, CPP, has therefore in practice been the sole candidate. After the election, Hun Sen, who has served as prime minister for 33 years, handed over the post to his son, General Hun Manet. Cambodia is, in other words, an authoritarian one-party state where the premiership is also hereditary.
The regime has for a series of years violated the UN's conventions on human rights. This is well documented by a number of organizations.
The abuses primarily concern freedom of expression, freedom of association, and freedom of assembly. Independent media no longer exist. Journalists and trade union representatives are imprisoned, and peaceful demonstrations are dispersed with violence.
Madam Speaker! Barely a year ago, in January, I debated this issue with the former Minister for Development Cooperation, Forssell, after the government, without warning and on very short notice, terminated all support to Cambodia now at the turn of the year. Since then, the situation has worsened further. Let me give some examples.
An indictment filed against the MR organization Equitable Cambodia has forced its chairman into exile. The trade union organization Central is suspected of fabricated crimes and is having difficulty conducting its activities. Since July, 60 people, mostly youths, have been deprived of their liberty for protesting against a border regulation. In just the last few days, two journalists have ended up in the notorious Takma prison for having written articles.
I therefore want to ask Minister Dousa what his government has done and intends to do to support the Cambodians who, at risk to their own and others' lives, continue their courageous struggle for basic human rights.
Statsrådet Benjamin Dousa (M)
Madam Speaker! Sweden's commitment to and defense of democracy and human rights is strong. It has also constituted a fundamental pillar in Sweden's long-standing bilateral development cooperation with Cambodia.
For many years, Sweden has worked for Cambodia to develop into a more democratic society. Unfortunately, as Åsa Eriksson pointed out, we have not seen the development proceed in the direction we have wanted. On the contrary, the development has continued to go in the wrong direction.
Civil and political rights in Cambodia have been restricted step by step over a long period. Freedom of assembly, freedom of expression, and freedom of association - three cornerstones of a democratic society - have been undermined. Journalists and media organizations have become increasingly restricted. Oppositionists have found it increasingly difficult to exercise their democratic rights as laws and the judiciary have been used against them. Civil society has been forced to navigate a constantly shrinking space for independent action.
In situations where we see that human rights and democratic principles are threatened, we must ask ourselves: How can we work for a change and an improvement? What tools and strategies do we have to promote a development in the direction of democracy and human rights in a country like Cambodia?
Sweden was for a long time one of the largest donors of bilateral aid to Cambodia. Over the years, we have worked with human rights defenders and partner organizations that work for democracy. We have invested in projects aimed at strengthening democratic institutions, promoting human rights, and improving the living conditions for the country's citizens. But despite our long and diligent commitment, the development in Cambodia has not moved in the direction we have strived for.
The Government is of the firm opinion that Swedish bilateral development aid should be used where the interventions have the greatest effect, where the engagement makes the most difference, and where every invested tax krona yields the best return in terms of long-term sustainable development. This means a consolidation of our interventions and that we are reassessing support that we have worked with for a long time.
This is one of the reasons why we took the difficult but carefully considered decision to phase out the bilateral aid to Cambodia. However, it does not mean that we abandon human rights defenders or freedom and democracy fighters in the country. Our support for freedom and human rights in Cambodia continues in other tracks and through other strategies. Through our international collaborations, there is still an opportunity to support efforts to promote democracy, human rights, and the principles of the rule of law in Cambodia.
Our work within the EU and multilateral organizations therefore becomes even more important. Sweden has always been a voice for human rights in international forums. Our work to strengthen democratic freedoms and rights in Cambodia is no exception.
Åsa Eriksson (S)
Madam Speaker! It actually defies my understanding how someone with the mandate to be Minister for Development Aid can be so passive and blasé when fundamental human values are constantly violated.
The Minister's reasoning that the development is going in the wrong direction and that we therefore should not have bilateral aid means that innocent people living under authoritarian rule should be left to their fate. The Social Democrats think exactly the opposite: That is when they need us the most. We should be able to be a ray of hope and be there and help them in the struggle to achieve democracy and human rights. I really do not understand how the Minister reasons.
Madam Speaker! The Minister is absolutely right: Sweden has provided aid to Cambodia since 1979. Until last Christmas, Sweden was a highly respected country among both local and international organizations, but that reputation has been effectively destroyed by this SD-led government.
The aid to civil society, which has primarily gone to UN bodies and organizations working with precisely democracy, human rights, anti-corruption, and free media, has been an important counterforce to the Cambodian regime. The effects of the Swedish aid are visible in society. There is an increased awareness of what rights one should have. People dare to raise their voices despite the oppression; Mother Nature Cambodia is a clear example of this. Against all odds, a democratic culture has actually spread in society. But now, with the government's withdrawn bilateral aid, that budding hope is unfortunately threatened.
Madam Speaker! The Cambodian regime is now planning to introduce a terror list where everyone who protests against the authoritarian rule risks ending up. This will stifle all human rights work, we fear. Has the Swedish government protested against this?
The Minister says that this does not mean that one abandons MR-defenders, but that one works within the EU and other multilateral organizations. How so, I wonder. I have heard nothing about that. Has the Swedish government, for example, questioned why the World Bank has not responded to the Cambodian CSOs' plea for "do no harm" when the World Bank supports companies and authorities that in reality promote violations of labor rights?
Madam Speaker! When Sweden withdraws aid and silently watches while the regime methodically shrinks the already minimal freedom, it also opens even greater opportunities for Chinese influence in Cambodia. This is a piece of the strategy that the authoritarian superpowers Russia and China have to increase their global influence and challenge the West.
Cambodia's economy has grown by approximately 7 percent in recent years, largely depending on Chinese loans and grants. Chinese-owned companies employ approximately 1 million workers, and China has become Cambodia's largest trading partner. Among other things, it is Beijing that has funded the government building in Phnom Penh. China has access to ports and utilizes its influence over Cambodia in various international forums - for example, Cambodia has voted for China and against the Philippines in votes.
I believe that the Minister is aware of the large investments that China is making. The question is whether the Minister really thinks it is worth paying the price for the withdrawn Swedish democracy aid, namely that one is, in practice, rolling out the red carpet for China.
Statsrådet Benjamin Dousa (M)
Madam Speaker! Åsa Eriksson asked how the work within the EU circle is progressing to support human rights defenders in Cambodia. The EU has been clear in its criticism of the Cambodian government's restrictions on human rights. Sweden is a strong advocate for the EU's engagement in the issue. Through joint statements, including in the UN Human Rights Council, the EU has signaled its concern regarding the developments in Cambodia and pointed out the importance of a change.
One of the most concrete measures that the EU has taken is the decision to partially withdraw Cambodia's benefits within the framework of Everything but Arms, which allows duty-free exports to the EU from certain developing countries. By temporarily removing trade benefits, the EU is sending a strong signal to the Cambodian government that its restrictions and violations of human rights do not occur without consequences.
Sweden has therefore supported the decision. It is an important tool to put pressure on the government to respect democratic rights.
In addition to putting pressure on the country's governments, the EU has also increased its financial support to local organizations in Cambodia that work to promote human rights and strengthen democratic processes. Sweden has been a participant in the development of this strategy and hopes that the leverage that comes through the EU's scope increases the conditions to most effectively reach the parts of society that are in greatest need of support.
Sweden also conducts a multilateral policy. Through our work in, among others, the UN, various development banks and other international financial institutions and engagement, we use our influence to support human rights. This naturally also applies to Cambodia.
An important forum is the UN's Universal Periodic Review, where every country is reviewed based on its situation regarding human rights. During the latest review of Cambodia, Sweden gave a number of recommendations to the country's government, including those concerning freedom of expression, labor law and trade union rights, as well as the protection of hbtqi+ persons' rights.
By being part of the multilateral organizations, we can work for long-term changes while simultaneously creating international pressure on the government in Cambodia to live up to its commitments according to international human rights conventions.
Åsa Eriksson (S)
Madam Speaker! Thank you, Minister, for the detailed description of what the EU has done! I am fully aware of it; I have myself pushed for EBA to be involved, and it was done under the Social Democratic-led government that pushed for it.
The Minister's response is, however, clinically devoid of what the Swedish Moderate-led government has done to pressure and defend the democracy activists in Cambodia and stand up against the authoritarian regime. I will return with more debates to hear what the Swedish Moderate-led government is doing, for I will not give up. I will always stand up and fight for democracy and human rights in Cambodia, and I expect the person who is Minister for Development Cooperation in Sweden's government to do the same. That is what we owe the youth in Mother Nature Cambodia and all others who are fighting for their fundamental freedoms in Cambodia.
Madam Speaker! During the autumn, representatives from human rights organizations in Cambodia will come to Sweden. I wonder what the Minister thinks I should greet them with. Perhaps it is the case that the Minister himself wants to meet them? I am happy to help arrange a meeting, as I believe they would very much like to convey their views on the government's aid strategy and the withdrawn aid, which means that, for example, the organization LICADHO, which has operated for more than 30 years and only during the last year helped 32,000 human rights defenders in Cambodia with various types of legal aid, now must significantly reduce its activities.
What does the Minister want me to tell them and other MR organizations in Sweden when they wonder what type of support the Swedish government intends to give them and other democracy fighters in Cambodia in the future?
Statsrådet Benjamin Dousa (M)
Madam Speaker! I think a response that Åsa Eriksson can give to human rights activists in Cambodia is that Sweden will continue to be a strong voice for human rights in Cambodia.
Even though the bilateral cooperation is being phased out, there are, as I have pointed out, other strategies both at the regional level and at thematic levels which mean that the government can continue to support the work for freedom and human rights against totalitarian regimes even in Cambodia. Our work for democracy is a long-term effort. Through our engagement within the EU and other organizations, we will continue to contribute to the fight for the fundamental rights for all Cambodian citizens.
In conclusion, I want to once again emphasize that Sweden's commitment to freedom, democracy, and human rights is unwavering. We will continue to stand up for these values even in times of setbacks such as those we see in Cambodia, and we will do so where our efforts make the greatest difference.
Our commitment to Cambodia is part of a broader vision for a world where all people have the right to freedom, justice and respect for their fundamental human rights.
Source: The Swedish Parliament. The speeches come from the open data of the Riksdag, translated into English by AI, which may contain errors.