UN Rights Envoy Briefed on Cambodia-Thailand Border Situation

PHNOM PENH, July 22, 2026 (KPT) – Cambodia has briefed the UN Special Rapporteur on human rights in Cambodia on the humanitarian impact of the situation along the Cambodia‑Thailand border, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Wednesday. The meeting took place on July 21 between Under‑Secretary of State In Dara and Thomas Andrews at the ministry in Phnom Penh. Andrews is making his first official visit to Cambodia since his appointment by the UN Human Rights Council, with the mission scheduled from July 20 to 31. Dara outlined humanitarian challenges facing civilians displaced by the border situation and difficulties affecting their safe and dignified return. He welcomed Andrews’ plan to visit affected areas and displacement sites to assess conditions firsthand. The ministry said both sides reaffirmed their commitment to open dialogue and stronger cooperation in promoting and protecting human rights. Dara reiterated Cambodia’s adherence to international obligations, noting the country has ratified eight of nine core UN human rights treaties. He stressed that Cambodia continues to host both the Special Rapporteur’s mandate and a field presence of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, which has operated in the country since 1993. According to the ministry, Andrews thanked Cambodian authorities for facilitating meetings with ministries and institutions during his visit and praised the country’s socio‑economic development. His program is expected to include talks with government officials, civil society representatives and other stakeholders, as well as visits to border areas affected by displacement.