Cambodia Human Rights Envoy Pledges 'Constructive Cooperation' with Government

On the morning of July 30, 2026, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia, Samdech Mahabaworapideth Hun Manet, granted an audience to Mr. Thomas Andrews, the UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Cambodia, at the Peace Palace. During the meeting, Mr. Thomas Andrews expressed his deep gratitude to the Royal Government of Cambodia and relevant ministries and institutions for their open and understanding cooperation. Mr. Andrews informed the Prime Minister that during his mission, he had discussions with senior officials, representatives of ministries and institutions, and civil society organizations, and visited refugee camps due to the Cambodia-Thailand border conflict. Mr. Thomas Andrews highly commended the Royal Government's significant attention to the rescue and support of refugees affected by the Cambodia-Thailand border conflict who have not yet been able to return to their homes. He also praised Cambodia for accepting 8 out of 9 human rights instruments and affirmed his commitment and readiness to cooperate with Cambodia in a constructive spirit, based on national and international law. In response, Samdech Prime Minister congratulated Mr. Thomas Andrews on his appointment as Special Rapporteur and emphasized that the Royal Government of Cambodia truly needs partners for constructive and equitable cooperation. The Prime Minister highlighted the government's focus on promoting human rights and fundamental freedoms based on national law and various international instruments, particularly in enhancing the right to access healthcare and education services. Concurrently, the Prime Minister stressed that the exercise of rights and freedoms must be done responsibly and within the limits of the law. Samdech Prime Minister further stated that regardless of a country's size, the implementation of law and the promotion of human rights must be under the law, and each country has its own unique characteristics. In this regard, the Prime Minister encouraged the Special Rapporteur to continue working closely with relevant ministries and institutions and to base his reporting on comprehensive information from all relevant parties, thereby contributing to the further implementation and promotion of human rights in Cambodia. Before concluding, the Prime Minister briefed Mr. Thomas Andrews on the developments of the Cambodia-Thailand border situation and reaffirmed Cambodia's commitment and stance to resolve this border issue peacefully, based on international law and in accordance with existing conventions, treaties, and agreements between Cambodia and Thailand.