Cambodia Accuses Thai Military of Blocking Citizen Return at ASEAN Human Rights Body

Cambodia has strongly condemned the Thai military's obstruction of over 20,000 Cambodian citizens' return to their homes, describing it as a grave human rights violation during a special meeting with the ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR). The Cambodian delegation reported at the meeting that barbed wire and shipping containers deployed by the Thai military are preventing Cambodian nationals from returning to their residences. This action was characterized as a severe infringement of human rights. The special meeting, the first of its kind in 2026, took place from July 17-21 in Manila, Philippines. The Cambodian delegation was led by H.E. Paonnarada, Deputy Representative of Cambodia to AICHR and member of the Cambodian Human Rights Committee, who acts as a high-level representative of H.E. Keo Remy, Minister attached to the Prime Minister and Chairman of the Cambodian Human Rights Committee. The meeting was chaired by H.E. Georgina Annhernandez Yang, Acting Chairperson of AICHR, with participation from AICHR representatives and the ASEAN Secretariat. During the 1st Special Meeting of AICHR in 2026, discussions focused on continued activities to promote the implementation of the ASEAN Declaration on the Right to a Safe, Clean, Healthy, and Sustainable Environment, as well as the ASEAN Declaration on the Promotion and Protection of the Right to Development and the Right to Peace, towards inclusive and sustainable development. The commission was also discussing a proposal for an ASEAN Declaration on Children's Mental Health in the Digital Era to address the profound and rapid impacts of digital technology on children's mental health. Concurrently, AICHR discussed strengthening cooperation with ASEAN sectoral bodies, external partners, and stakeholders to promote and protect human rights. The meeting also shared updates on human rights situations in each ASEAN member state, including the enactment of laws or legal instruments, the implementation of programs or policies, and various initiatives and measures for the promotion and protection of human rights, as well as challenges and concerns in the human rights sector. On July 20, 2026, during the annual consultation with ASEAN Foreign Ministers, AICHR reported on the progress of implementing its action plan and priority programs and proposed the review and decision on AICHR's priority programs and activities for 2027. ASEAN Foreign Ministers commended AICHR's efforts in promoting and protecting human rights in the region. In parallel, AICHR held its annual consultation with the Secretary-General of ASEAN, focusing on methods for integrating human rights into the three ASEAN pillars, as well as strengthening and expanding cooperation between AICHR and ASEAN sectoral bodies, with the support of the ASEAN Secretariat. Notably, in sharing recent developments in human rights in ASEAN countries, H.E. Paonnarada informed about the dissemination of recommendations from Cambodia's Universal Periodic Review (UPR) 4th cycle to relevant ministries, institutions, and sub-national units, and the ongoing preparation of a mid-term report to assess the progress of implementing those recommendations. Concurrently, he raised the issue of over 20,000 Cambodian citizens being unable to return to their homes due to the Thai military's actions, specifically the deployment of barbed wire and shipping containers. He reiterated that this constitutes a grave human rights violation. H.E. Paonnarada once again affirmed the ceasefire agreement signed on December 27, 2025, particularly Article 4, which clearly states: "Both parties agree to allow civilians residing in affected border areas to return to their homes and resume their normal lives as soon as possible, without obstruction, in safety and dignity." He appealed to all relevant parties to fully respect international humanitarian principles, human rights, and the protection of civilians, ensuring that affected citizens can return home safely, voluntarily, with dignity, and sustainably. The destruction or damage of civilian objects, including homes, schools, health centers, and other infrastructure, must be prevented and protected in accordance with international law. In conclusion, the meeting expressed appreciation to AICHR Philippines and the ASEAN Secretariat for their excellent organization and facilitation, which resulted in satisfactory outcomes. Information Source: CEN Cambodia