Phnom Penh: On the morning of January 22, 2026, Pav Sina led officials of the Collective Union of Movement of Workers (CUMW) in paying tribute to Chea Vichea, former president of the Free Trade Union of Workers of the Kingdom of Cambodia (FTUWKC), who was assassinated by gunfire on this day 22 years ago.

Chea Vichea was a dedicated trade union leader who actively advocated for Cambodian workers. He was shot dead by an assassin on January 22, 2004, in front of a newspaper stall near the Wat Lanka compound. More than two decades later, the true perpetrator responsible for murdering this union leader has yet to be apprehended and brought to justice.

Chea Vichea remains a powerful symbol of transformation, as captured in one of his well-known statements: “Social justice is the foundation of peace.” We honor and remember his heroism, unwavering dedication, and ultimate sacrifice in the pursuit of social justice, human rights, and labor rights.

As in every previous year, on January 22, 2026, trade unions, activists, workers, and civil society organizations gathered peacefully in front of Chea Vichea’s statue near Wat Lanka in Phnom Penh to light incense and lay floral wreaths in solemn commemoration of the 22nd anniversary of his assassination.