UN Special Rapporteur Urges Return for Cambodian Displaced Persons Near Thai Border

Tom Andrews, the UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Cambodia, has detailed the plight of Cambodian citizens displaced by border conflicts with Thailand and the destruction caused by Thai troops in his report to the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights. He asserts that these individuals have a right to and deserve to return to their homes. In the nine-page report, released on July 31, Mr. Andrews stated that he visited several sites of armed conflict between Cambodia and Thailand, witnessing numerous human rights violations stemming from the conflict. These included the destruction of homes, debris, bullet marks, and tens of thousands of displaced citizens living in locations arranged by the Cambodian government. He emphasized the utmost necessity for Cambodia and Thailand to collaborate in accelerating the return of civilians, stating, "They need and deserve to return home." He further wrote, "I can begin work and am highly willing to work with the governments of Cambodia and Thailand to resolve the human rights challenges arising from the conflict. I want to emphasize the importance of resolving the conflict swiftly and peacefully so that the people can return to their homes and live happily in a stable and secure environment with economic opportunities along the border." In the report, he also supported the Cambodian government's commitment to resolving the conflict with Thailand peacefully and in accordance with international law. Approximately 650,000 people were displaced when Cambodia and Thailand fought at the end of 2025. Currently, Thailand occupies many areas and prohibits Cambodian citizens from returning to their residences, despite promises in the agreement of December 27, 2025. More than 20,000 people are still unable to return to their homes and continue to live in houses arranged by the government.