Cambodia Expresses Grave Concern Over Thai Armed Forces' Illegal Activities at UN Human Rights Council

GENEVA – Cambodia on September 8 expressed grave concern at the 63rd session of the UN Human Rights Council regarding the continued illegal activities by the Thai armed forces within occupied territories on Cambodian land. Ambassador Kaev Sovann, Cambodia's Permanent Representative to the United Nations in Geneva, intervened during the general debate on the annual report of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights. He highlighted the ongoing impacts of the Cambodia-Thailand border conflict on human rights and humanitarian issues, noting that over 20,000 Cambodian citizens remain displaced and civilian infrastructure has been destroyed. Ambassador Sovann specifically voiced serious concerns that Thai armed forces continue illegal actions in occupied areas within Cambodian territory, creating "faits accomplis" through the installation of barbed wire and containers, military and civilian infrastructure, and the issuance of land titles to Thai citizens prior to joint border demarcation and boundary marking. The ambassador called for full respect for international law, particularly Cambodia's sovereignty and territorial integrity, and for the peaceful resolution of disputes. This, he emphasized, is essential to end the suffering of civilians and achieve lasting peace. Source: CEN Cambodia