To the Government of the Kingdom of Cambodia, and Relevant Authorities:

Endangered long-tailed macaques, uplisted by the IUCN in 2022 and reaffirmed in 2025, face severe threats from the international primate trade.

Charles River Laboratories (CRL), a major U.S. research contractor, is investing significantly in expanding primate testing infrastructure globally, including through its 510 million acquisition of Cambodia−based monkey suppliers and similar moves in Mauritius(e.g.,200M for Noveprim).

Investigations and reports from organizations like PETA , Action for Primates ,Monkey Massacre in Mauritius and One Voice expose deeply troubling operational patterns by CRL in Mauritius that pose high risks for replication in Cambodia:

Extreme Secrecy: Replacement of local staff with foreign personnel, armed U.S. security personnel, "Red Zones" inaccessible to locals, prohibition of personal devices, random security screenings.

Questionable Labor Practices: Mass layoffs of local workers, replaced with minimal local staff performing basic tasks while key lab work is done exclusively by foreigners.

Alleged Evasion of Scrutiny: Claims of setting traps on public/state land  to deter monitoring and opposition.

CRL's expansion strategy into countries like Cambodia and Mauritius coincides with global efforts to phase out primate testing, suggesting an intent to operate in jurisdictions with weaker oversight.

Allowing CRL to establish and expand its operations in Cambodia risks complicity in:

Perpetuating the illegal capture and laundering of endangered wild macaques.

Undermining conservation efforts for a critically threatened species.

Damaging Cambodia's international reputation regarding animal welfare and environmental protection.

Potentially exploiting local labor and circumventing national regulations for foreign corporate gain.

Therefore, we, the undersigned, citizens, residents, and concerned global citizens, call upon the Royal Government of Cambodia to:
Immediately Initiate a Full and Transparent Investigation: Launch a thorough, independent investigation into Charles River Laboratories' current and proposed investments in Cambodia, specifically focusing on:

The legality and ethics of its primate sourcing operations.

The authenticity and traceability of all permits (including CITES) used by CRL and its partners.

Alleged violations of labor laws, environmental regulations, and wildlife protection statutes.

Claims of political interference and undue influence over Cambodian officials.

The secretive operational models reported elsewhere (e.g., restricted zones, staffing practices).

Cease and Desist All Cooperation with Charles River Laboratories: Immediately halt all ongoing negotiations, permits, and approvals related to Charles River Laboratories' investment projects and primate testing facilities within Cambodia. Do not grant any new licenses or concessions that would facilitate CRL's operations.

Enforce the Precautionary Principle: Prioritize Cambodia's environmental integrity, national interests, and international obligations concerning endangered species. Refuse to allow operations demonstrably linked to illegal wildlife trafficking, species endangerment, or exploitative practices, as evidenced by global investigations into CRL's conduct.

Revoke Existing Permits (If Found Non-Compliant): If the investigation reveals permits for CRL or its Cambodian partners were obtained fraudulently, through laundering of wild animals, or under conditions of undue political pressure, revoke these permits immediately and shut down the facilities.

Protect Cambodia's Biodiversity and Reputation: Uphold Cambodia's commitment to protecting its unique wildlife and international standing by rejecting corporations with documented histories of ethical violations, wildlife trafficking cover-ups, and exploitative operational secrecy.

We furthermore demand that:

Financial Institutions and Investors: Divest from Charles River Laboratories and refuse financing for its Cambodia projects.

International Partners: Impose scrutiny on imports of any materials (including drugs tested on CRL primates) from facilities linked to Cambodia until rigorous independent verification of ethical and legal compliance is provided.

The Public: Boycott goods and services associated with Charles River Laboratories and raise awareness about its alleged detrimental impact on Cambodia's environment, biodiversity, and sovereignty.

EXPOSE THE LITANY OF CRIMES AND UNETHICAL PRACTICES OF CHARLES RIVER LABORATORIES!
BOYCOTT THE COMPANY'S INVESTMENT PROJECTS IN CAMBODIA!
DEMAND THAT THE CAMBODIAN GOVERNMENT CEASE ITS COOPERATION WITH CHARLES RIVER LABORATORIES!

Please add your signature to this petition to call for immediate change.