EU threatens to end Cambodia’s trade perks on rights record

Brussels: The European Union launched proceedings Monday against Cambodia that could see the south-east Asian country lose its preferential trade access to the bloc if it does not improve its record on human rights, democracy and the rule of law. EU has been warning Phnom Penh for months that it risks losing that status due to “serious and systematic violations” of core rights. “There are severe deficiencies when it comes to human rights and labour rights in Cambodia that the govt needs to tackle,” EU Trade Commissioner said. (dpa)