was not consistently guaranteed throughout. However, the right of participation requires that, before a bill is enacted into law, its contents be accessible not only the directly concerned parties but the general public at large. OHCHR regrets that its analysis of the draft law comes at this late stage – the result of its own exclusion from the consultation process until the draft reached the National Assembly. In light of these observations and the fact that this draft law has not been circulated widely prior to its submission to Parliament, OHCHR recommends that the present version of the draft law be given due consideration by Parliament on the basis of an in-depth public consultation. Sufficient time should be allowed for, in order to enable the interested public to thoroughly review and debate the draft law, which Parliament should have at its disposal prior to taking action. Indeed, gathering all views through genuine, meaningful consultations prior to adoption should be routine practice with respect to all draft laws. OHCHR offers its observations and recommendations in the hope of contributing to the adoption of a sound law on trade unions that fully respects human rights. CHAPTER 1 General Provisions Article 1: This law has a purpose to:  Provide for the rights and freedoms of enterprises or establishments, and all persons who fall within the provisions of the labor law as well as personnel serving in the air and maritime transportation; and  Determine the organization and the functioning of the professional organizations of workers and employers in the Kingdom of Cambodia. Article 2: This law has an objective to:  Protect the legitimate rights and interests of all persons who fall within the provisions of the labor law and personnel serving in the air and maritime transportation;  Ensure the rights to collective bargaining between workers and employers;  Promote harmonious industrial relations; and  Contribute to the development of decent work, enhancement of productivity and investment. Article 3: This law covers enterprises or establishments and all persons who fall within the provisions of the labor law. This law also covers personnel serving in the air and maritime transportation. Comments: OHCHR welcomes the explicit purposes set forth in articles 1 and 2 regarding the “rights and freedoms” of those who fall within the provisions of the law. It nevertheless considers that several points would benefit from further clarification. That the draft should aim to “provide for the rights and freedoms of enterprises or establishments” would seem inaccurate and misplaced in a law on trade unions, given that the legal framework for the operation of enterprises and establishments is set out in the Law on Commercial Enterprises and numerous industry-specific laws, such as in construction, mining, 5