A/HRC/18/46 inclusive of civil society. The Special Rapporteur encourages the Government and civil society to pursue dialogue with a view to establishing a regular consultation mechanism. D. Draft trade union law 32. The Ministry of Labour is currently drafting a trade unions law and reviewing its compatibility with international standards on labour and human rights. However, the Special Rapporteur is concerned about limitations on the freedom of expression and assembly of trade union members. During the reporting period, trade union leaders had faced reprisals such as threats, charges of incitement of the commission of a crime (charges were subsequently dropped upon the request of the Prime Minister) and suspension from work. The Special Rapporteur encourages the Government to conduct inclusive consultations with the concerned parties on the draft law. E. Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia 33. The Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia made significant achievements during the reporting period. Following the landmark conviction of Kaing Guek Eav, alias “Duch”, in July 2010, the Court has advanced its second case - against Nuon Chea, Ieng Sary, Ieng Thirith and Khieu Samphan (Case 002). The case was sent to trial in January 2011. An initial hearing was held in June 2011, and the trial is slated to begin in the latter half of 2011. At the same time, the Supreme Court Chamber of the tribunal has been considering the appeals in the case of Duch. The Chamber heard submissions from the co-prosecutors and the defence in March 2011. It is anticipated that the Chamber will issue its verdict in the coming months. 34. The Court’s activities in this regard continue to set an important example for the national sector of the administration of justice in accordance with international fair trial standards. In particular, the progress in Case 002 is commendable. In addition, the Court continues to open its doors to the Cambodian public for study tours about its work, and it received 32,000 visitors in 2010 alone. At the same time, the Victims Support Section continues to hold regional public forums throughout Cambodia, with forums being held in Battambang, Kampot and Kampong Chhnang during the reporting period. At the time of writing, Cases 003 and 004 remained uncertain. 35. In December 2010, the Special Rapporteur wrote to the Prime Minister on the importance of the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia setting an example to the international community of the country’s commitment to ensuring accountability for past atrocities, to protecting human rights, and to upholding the independence of the judiciary and the rule of law. He reiterated his hopes that the trials at the Extraordinary Chambers would have a positive impact on strengthening the independence of the judiciary, and serve as a catalyst for the Government to address impunity and accelerate its legal and judicial reforms. IV. A. The role and effectiveness of Parliament in protecting human rights General structure of Parliament 36. Cambodia has a bicameral parliament consisting of the Senate and the National Assembly. There are 123 seats in the National Assembly and 61 in the Senate. The term of 11