The statement issued by the coalition of brands expressed "serious" concerns over the timing of the Ministry of Interior's investigation into the Center For Alliance Of Labor And Human Rights (CENTRAL) following their report, 'Barriers to Representation: Freedom of Association in Cambodia - an assessment of Better Factories Cambodia’s FOA compliance monitoring.'

The letter states: "It appears that the government's investigation and document requests of CENTRAL is in reaction to their June report. As global brands sourcing from Cambodia, we respectfully urge the Cambodian government in the strongest possible terms to immediately cancel the audit of CENTRAL and refrain from taking any measures that could be perceived as restricting civil society space or freedom of speech."

The coalition also calls for the "immediate dismissal" of the criminal complaint against Khun Tharo, CENTRAL's programme manager, emphasising that Cambodia's appeal as an important sourcing partner is partly due to its "vibrant civil society" and "freedom of speech."

The list of signatories includes:

• adidas
• AEO, Inc.
• AmeriCo Group
• ASICS Corporation
• C&A
• Columbia Sportswear Company
• Cotopaxi
• Gap Inc.
• Gore Wear
• J.Crew Group
• Levi Strauss & Co.
• New Balance
• Oxford Industries, Inc.
• Puma
• PVH Corporation
• Sitka
• Under Armour
• VF Corporation

This follows the letter from the American Apparel and Footwear Association (AAFA) and the Fair Labor Association (FLA), representing hundreds of buyers from the US, Europe and Canada, to the Cambodian government denouncing its planned audit of the CENTRAL as a retaliatory move.

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.