Cambodia Raises Human Rights, Humanitarian Issues from Thai Border Dispute at UN

Ambassador Ke Sovann, Cambodia's Permanent Representative to the United Nations in Geneva, has highlighted the ongoing human rights and humanitarian issues arising from the Cambodia-Thailand border dispute. He stated that over 20,000 Cambodian citizens remain displaced, and civilian infrastructure has been destroyed due to the conflict. During his intervention at the 63rd session of the Human Rights Council, under agenda item 2: General Debate on the Annual Report of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Ambassador Ke Sovann expressed grave concern over the continued illegal activities of Thai armed forces within occupied areas on Cambodian territory. He pointed to the establishment of new situations (faits accomplis) through the installation of barbed wire fences, containers, military and civilian infrastructure, and the issuance of land ownership certificates to Thai citizens before the demarcation and installation of joint border markers. The Ambassador also appealed for full respect for international law, including sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the peaceful resolution of disputes, to end the suffering of civilians and achieve lasting peace. This statement was made in Geneva on September 8, 2026, during the general debate on the annual report of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights. By: Ritthy, Source: Permanent Representative of Cambodia to the United Nations in Geneva © All rights reserved by National News Agency of Cambodia 2018