UN Human Rights Envoy Begins 12-Day Mission in Cambodia

GENEVA, July 20, 2026 (KPT) – The United Nations Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Cambodia, Tom Andrews, will begin a 12‑day mission to the country Monday to assess a wide range of rights issues, the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) announced. The visit, running from July 20 to 31, will cover concerns including human trafficking, border disputes, freedom of expression, freedom of association and peaceful assembly, as well as the rights of people in vulnerable situations. According to the OHCHR, Andrews will meet government officials, local authorities, civil society representatives, victims and survivors of alleged abuses, and other stakeholders. His itinerary includes Phnom Penh, Banteay Meanchey province and Siem Reap province.A press conference is scheduled for 14:30 local time on July 31 at the Himawari Hotel Apartment in Phnom Penh, with attendance limited to accredited journalists. The findings of the mission will be presented to the UN Human Rights Council in October 2026. Andrews was appointed Special Rapporteur on Cambodia by the Council on March 31, 2026. The OHCHR said the mission aims to provide an independent assessment of the human rights situation and to engage with all parties concerned. It added that the Special Rapporteur’s recommendations would be intended to strengthen protections and encourage constructive dialogue between the Cambodian government, civil society and international partners.