UN Special Rapporteur Hopes for Swift Resolution for Safe Return and Livelihoods of Refugees

Phnom Penh, Cambodia – August 3, 2026 – The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation announced on August 3, 2026, the results of a meeting held with Mr. Thomas Andrews, the UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Cambodia. H.E. Ms. Ouk Sophoria, Secretary of State of the Ministry, expressed gratitude for Mr. Andrews' balanced and comprehensive assessment of the human rights situation in Cambodia, particularly his visit to observe the conditions of refugees in border areas. H.E. Ms. Sophoria recalled Cambodia's arduous journey of national recovery following decades of civil war and genocide, and its robust socio-economic development since the restoration of full peace in 1998. She underscored the Cambodian government's commitment to promoting and protecting civil, political, economic, social, and cultural rights, which are mutually reinforcing and inseparable components of sustainable development. Cambodia has a long-standing cooperation with the UN human rights mechanisms, being the only country in Asia with a permanent office of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) since 1993, and having hosted eight successive Special Rapporteurs. This extensive cooperation demonstrates Cambodia's openness to constructive dialogue and engagement with UN human rights bodies. Mr. Thomas Andrews highly commended the Cambodian government for its full cooperation and facilitation of his mission, which took place from July 20 to 31, 2026. During his visit, he met with Cambodian leaders and numerous stakeholders, visited Siem Reap and Banteay Meanchey provinces, and inspected detention centers. He also observed the situation of refugees at the border and expressed hope for a swift resolution that would allow them to return to their homes and resume their livelihoods safely and with dignity, in accordance with international humanitarian law, international human rights law, and the ceasefire agreement between Cambodia and Thailand. While encouraging Cambodia to continue its progress in addressing remaining challenges, Mr. Andrews also acknowledged Cambodia's spirit of cooperation and commitment to promoting and protecting human rights. He noted that Cambodia has ratified seven out of nine core international human rights treaties and has accepted over 84% of the recommendations made under the Universal Periodic Review (UPR). The Human Rights Council stands ready to continue providing technical assistance to Cambodia in support of the implementation of these recommendations. The meeting took place in a warm and constructive atmosphere, with both parties reaffirming their commitment to continue open and constructive dialogue, strengthen technical cooperation, and work together to promote and protect human rights in Cambodia. Source: CEN Cambodia