UN Rights Envoy, Cambodia Pledge Continued Dialogue Post-Mission

PHNOM PENH, 4 August 2026 (KPT) – Cambodia and the United Nations Special Rapporteur on human rights pledged to maintain cooperation and dialogue after the expert’s first official mission to the country. UN Special Rapporteur Thomas Andrews met senior officials including Foreign Ministry Permanent Secretary of State Eat Sophea on 31 July, following a 10‑day visit that included talks with government leaders, civil society and inspections of provinces and detention facilities. Eat Sophea underlined Cambodia’s progress since peace was restored in 1998 and said the government remained committed to advancing civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights. She cited the country’s long‑standing engagement with UN human rights mechanisms, noting the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights has operated in Cambodia since 1993. Andrews thanked authorities for facilitating his mission, saying cooperation allowed him to meet a broad range of stakeholders and observe rights‑related issues nationwide. He flagged areas needing continued attention, including freedom of expression, access to justice, prison conditions, economic inclusion and gender equality. The envoy also raised the plight of communities affected by the Cambodia‑Thailand border dispute, voicing hope for a peaceful resolution enabling displaced residents to return safely. He noted Cambodia’s progress in engaging with international frameworks, having ratified eight of nine core UN rights treaties and accepted most recommendations under the Universal Periodic Review. Both sides agreed to sustain open dialogue and technical cooperation to support Cambodia’s efforts in promoting and protecting human rights.