Cambodian Senate President Meets UN Human Rights Rapporteur, Emphasizing Dialogue

On July 22, 2026, at the Samdech Techo Peace Palace, Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen received a courtesy call from Mr. Thomas Andrews, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Cambodia. The meeting took place on the morning of Wednesday, the 8th day of the waxing moon of the second month of the lunar year of the Horse, 2570 Buddhist Era, corresponding to July 22, 2026. According to Mr. Chea Thireth, spokesman for Samdech Techo, during the meeting, Samdech Techo congratulated Mr. Thomas Andrews on his appointment as the new UN Special Rapporteur, succeeding Mr. Vitit Muntarbhorn, who resigned from his post. Samdech expressed hope that Mr. Andrews' mission in Cambodia would foster a clearer understanding of human rights progress and democratic processes in Cambodia through the study of the actual situation. In response, Mr. Thomas Andrews expressed his gratitude to Samdech Techo for granting him and his delegation the opportunity to meet. He considered this discussion a positive sign, reflecting openness and value placed on dialogue concerning human rights. He recalled his experience as the UN Special Rapporteur for Myanmar, stating that he had never had the opportunity to meet with top leaders as he had in Cambodia. He also commended Cambodia as a country in the region that has ratified numerous international human rights treaties and has been closely monitoring the situation along the Cambodia-Thailand border. He announced his intention to visit the border area to personally inspect the situation, meet with affected residents, and understand the actual circumstances. Concurrently, he raised several issues related to the human rights situation, particularly concerning the exercise of freedom of expression. In response, Samdech Techo thanked the Special Rapporteur for his recognition of Cambodia's achievements in ratifying international human rights treaties and for accepting many recommendations from the UN human rights mechanisms. Samdech also welcomed Mr. Thomas Andrews' intention to inspect the actual situation of Cambodian refugees in the border area and further explained the history of the Cambodia-Thailand border conflict and the impact that Cambodian citizens are currently suffering. Regarding human rights issues, Samdech Techo stated that the right to life, peace, and stability are the fundamental basis for guaranteeing other rights and freedoms, including freedom of expression. Samdech affirmed that the Cambodian government is open to expression and criticism in a constructive sense, but the exercise of all rights must be within the framework of the Constitution and existing laws. Samdech Techo also emphasized that no country can perfectly implement human rights and democracy, as all countries have shortcomings that require continuous improvement. Samdech expressed hope that the Special Rapporteur would continue to cooperate closely with the Cambodian government to contribute to further enhancing human rights and democratic progress in Cambodia. On this occasion, Samdech Techo also wished Mr. Thomas Andrews success in fulfilling his mission as the UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Cambodia. All rights reserved: Sutthly