On 10th July this year, the Cambodian parliament will pass laws which will grossly stifle the rights of ngos and trade unions.As attached are the critical analysis of both the laws;
1. Law on Associations and Non-governmental Organizations (to be passed on 10 July 2015)
2. Trade Union Law (the final draft has not been revealed since last year)
Since 2011, Myanmar has been one of the main countries to draw international attention. Before that year, international news coverage on the country was mostly related to oppression and political turmoil caused by military dictatorship. However, after 2011, the reasons were quite different. Several political and legal reforms brought by the civilian-led government, although backed by the military group, have made a drastic shift of international climate towards the country.
Labour movements in Asia employ a wide range of means to defend workers from the control of capital, and make gains in their ability to control their work conditions and participate in decision-making about their welfares as workers and citizens.
The harmony and stability of labour relations are basic components in constructing a harmonious society. Legislation on labour dispute resolution is an urgent political task for China toward this end.
The Thais have risen twice in recent memory against military dictatorships, in 1973 and 1992. The labour movement was at the centre of both uprisings, and has been integrally involved in the movement to democratise Thailand. However, the movement has failed to translate this prominence into union density and collective bargaining gains. It has scant influence on wage levels and wage patterns in the burgeoning economy.
Law is not a neutral instrument of governance. I hold this to be true in a society with strong democratic institutions or in an authoritarian regime. Furthermore, the statutory rights of working people are not bestowed on us through benevolence or even in the name of good governance. They are won via collective action on our part and a fear of wider social unrest on the part of our rulers.