DHAKA: The UN human rights agency urged Cambodia to launch an investigation into the ‘disproportionate’ use of force by security forces last week against garment factory workers striking over pay.

Military police opened fire on workers protesting outside a factory in Phnom Penh on January 3 and a spokesman for the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights said five people were killed, with 20 wounded by gunfire and beatings.

‘We are following the situation in Cambodia with serious concern and are deeply alarmed by the disproportionate use of force by law enforcement officials in responding to demonstrations,’ the spokesman, Rupert Colville, said in a statement dated January 7.

‘We urge the Cambodian authorities to launch a prompt and thorough investigation and to ensure full accountability of members of security forces found to have used disproportionate and excessive force,’ Colville added, reports The Straits Times.

BDST: 1601 HRS, JAN 08, 2014
Edited by Robab Rosan, Current Affairs Editor