UN labour agency expresses 'shock and sadness' at killing of Cambodian union leader

The United Nations labour agency today expressed “shock and sadness” at the death of a Cambodian union leader, calling the killing by unidentified assailants an “irreplaceable loss.”

A letter from the International Labour Organization (ILO) to the union headed by Chea Vichea noted that the agency had worked closely with him "to promote decent work for Cambodian women and men and together with social partners in the country to create the basis for a competitive economy based on fundamental rights of working people."

The letter lauded Mr. Vichea, President of the Free Trade Union of Workers, for making "a major contribution to national recovery and development," adding: "His legacy is one of which your union can be proud…His demise is an irreplaceable loss for Cambodia and for her people and workers."

ILO said Mr. Vichea played a crucial role in the improvement of working conditions, particularly in the garment industry. As a member of the agency's projects advisory committees he was a key player and a vibrant supporter of ILO values of social justice.

The letter expressed its condolences to Mr Vichea's family as well as all workers in Cambodia and to leaders of the country's trade union movement and other social partners.

The ILO said it would contact Cambodia's authorities to "request information concerning the investigation that we trust will be launched to identify the murderers and bring them to justice."

The ILO has been monitoring working conditions in Cambodian garment factories that produce apparel for sale in North America, Europe and other developed countries. A series of reports has found progress in implementing suggestions made by ILO experts under a technical cooperation project established following an agreement by the Governments of Cambodia and the United States.