UN Envoy Praises Cambodia’s Human Rights Commitments, Pledges Constructive Engagement

PHNOM PENH, July 30, 2026 (KPT) — United Nations Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Cambodia Thomas Andrews has praised the country for ratifying eight of the nine core international human rights treaties and commended the government for its open and constructive engagement during his official mission. Speaking at the Peace Palace on Thursday, Andrews thanked Prime Minister Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet, ministries and institutions for what he described as their cooperation and openness throughout his visit. He said he had met senior officials, representatives of state bodies and civil society organisations, and visited camps sheltering people displaced by recent clashes along the Cambodia–Thailand border. The UN envoy lauded Cambodia’s efforts to provide relief and assistance to displaced families who have not yet been able to return home. He also highlighted the country’s ratification of key human rights instruments and reaffirmed his commitment to working with the government “in a constructive spirit” based on national and international law. Samdech Thipadei welcomed Andrews on his appointment and said Cambodia remained open to working with partners that engage in a balanced and constructive manner. He stressed the government’s commitment to promoting and protecting human rights and fundamental freedoms in line with the Constitution, domestic legislation and international obligations. Rights, he added, must be exercised responsibly and within the framework of the law. The prime minister encouraged Andrews to continue cooperating closely with ministries and institutions and to prepare future reports based on comprehensive information from all stakeholders. He also briefed the envoy on recent border developments, reiterating Cambodia’s position that disputes with Thailand should be resolved peacefully under international law and existing bilateral agreements.