StreetNet, being a global alliance of street vendors and informal economy workers, urges the charges against comrade Chea Chantha to be dismissed and for the Cambodian government to stop criminalisation of independent trade unionists and labor activists.

StreetNet International expresses its profound concern with the recent decision of the Svay Rieng Provincial Court in Cambodia, which led to the unjust charging and detention of Mr. Chea Chantha on July 19, 2024. Comrade Chea Chantha, a dedicated Regional Leader of the Association of Independent Democratic of Informal Economy (IDEA), has been accused allegedly of fraud and acts of misconduct, according to the penal law of the country. He is now facing up to three years in prison. This act risks hindering the efforts of independent unions leaders and activists in the country and represents an attack on freedom of expression and association, which is in violation of the core international labor standards.

Comrade Chea’s commitment to improving the lives of informal economy workers through the promotion of social protection programs is well known and appreciated among his comrades in the country and beyond. Together with his fellow activists, he has organized critical forums to explain the benefits of the National Social Security Fund (NSSF) to street vendors, and home based-workers. These forums, conducted with the support of the NSSF, have been vital in educating and encouraging informal economy workers to voluntarily register and benefit from the health care system established under the Royal Government’s Sub-Decree No. 280, dated August 28, 2023.

The work carried out by Mr. Chea Chantha and IDEA has always been in alignment with the directives of the Royal Government, aimed at integrating informal economy workers into the formal social protection system, in a spirit of collaboration, solidarity and promotion of social dialogue.

This initiative is crucial for enhancing access to health care and ensuring economic security for these workers, often among the poorest and most vulnerable in the majority of the countries.

StreetNet International stands firmly with Mr. Chea Chantha and calls the related governmental institutions for the immediate dismissal of all charges against him. The dissemination of information regarding the National Social Security Fund should not be criminalized, as it serves the national interest by promoting economic stability and improving the livelihoods of many.

His efforts contribute significantly to the Royal Government’s strategic vision of achieving higher incomes for the population by 2030, in alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals.

We strongly encourage the Cambodian government to consider our requests to release Mr. Chea Chantha and to stay in compliance and respect the international labor standards.

Download the PDF version of the statement here.