Cambodia Welcomes UN Special Rapporteur's Plan to Visit Border Area

Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen has welcomed the intention of UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights, Mr. Thomas Andrews, to visit and inspect the situation of Cambodian refugees in border areas. This was reported by AKP (Agencia de Noticias de Camboya) following a meeting between President Hun Sen and Mr. Andrews on July 22, 2026. During the meeting, President Hun Sen congratulated Mr. Andrews on his appointment as the new UN Special Rapporteur and expressed hope that his mission in Cambodia would contribute to a clearer understanding of human rights progress and the democratic process in the country through on-site studies. He also provided further explanation regarding the history of the Cambodia-Thailand border conflict and its impact on Cambodian citizens. Mr. Thomas Andrews expressed his gratitude to President Hun Sen for the opportunity to meet. He considered the discussion a positive sign reflecting openness and value placed on dialogue concerning human rights. Recalling his experience as the UN Special Rapporteur for Myanmar, he noted that he had never had the opportunity to meet with top leaders as he did in Cambodia. Mr. Andrews also praised 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 stated his intention to visit the border areas to directly observe and meet with affected citizens to understand the actual situation. Concurrently, he raised several issues related to the human rights situation, particularly concerning the exercise of freedom of expression. In response, President Hun Sen thanked the Special Rapporteur for acknowledging Cambodia's achievements in ratifying international human rights treaties and accepting many recommendations from UN human rights mechanisms. Regarding human rights issues, President Hun Sen stated that the right to life, peace, and stability are the fundamental basis for guaranteeing other rights and freedoms, including freedom of expression. He further affirmed that the Cambodian government is open to expression and constructive criticism, but all rights must be exercised within the framework of the Constitution and existing laws. On this occasion, President Hun Sen also emphasized that no country can perfectly implement human rights and democracy; all countries have shortcomings that require continuous improvement. He expressed hope that the Special Rapporteur would continue to cooperate closely with the Cambodian government to jointly promote further progress in human rights and democracy in Cambodia.