The AAFA and FLA, representing hundreds of buyers from the US, Europe and Canada, have written to the Cambodian government denouncing its planned audit of the Center For Alliance Of Labor And Human Rights (CENTRAL) as a retaliatory move. This audit follows CENTRAL's June report highlighting barriers to freedom of association in Cambodia.

They called on the government to "immediately cancel" the audit and refrain from taking any measures that could be perceived as "intimidation and harassment" of CENTRAL or any other NGO, expressing concerns about the negative impact of these actions and how they will impact AAFA and FLA member brands' value, reputation and legal obligations.

The duo explained in the letter that often government and global buyers are challenged by what they perceive as "misleading" or "inaccurate" allegations made by NGOs. They advised that the appropriate response in such cases is to counter these claims with evidence rather than silencing those with differing views.

They associations emphasised: "Our members value the strong, and growing, relationship with your country, which has risen to become the #3 supplier of travel goods, the #4 supplier of footwear, and the #6 supplier of garments to the U.S. market as well as a major supplier of garments, shoes, and travel goods to Europe and Canada. One of the key reasons this relationship is so valuable is the Cambodian government’s respect for civil society, freedom of speech, and freedom of association, which is called into question by this audit.

"Robust discourse, especially with diverse perspectives, even if critical, is the foundation of a thriving and successful society. As such, it is especially important for governments to foster a climate that promotes civil society and free speech to avoid a broader chilling effect not only on civil society and society overall but also a society’s perceived viability as a responsible sourcing destination."