Cambodia Affirms Commitment to Human Rights to UN Special Rapporteur

A senior Cambodian Ministry of Foreign Affairs official has affirmed the government's continued commitment to protecting and promoting human rights in Cambodia to the United Nations Special Rapporteur, stating that Cambodia is open to close cooperation with the UN human rights mechanisms. During a working meeting with Mr. Thomas Andrews, the UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Cambodia, on July 21, 2026, Mr. In Tary, Under-Secretary of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stated that the Cambodian government remains committed to protecting and promoting human rights by ratifying eight out of nine international human rights treaties and continuing to uphold its international obligations. He also congratulated Mr. Thomas Andrews on his appointment by the UN Human Rights Council as the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Cambodia and welcomed his first official visit to the country. Mr. In Tary expressed hope that this visit would further strengthen the long-standing partnership and constructive dialogue between Cambodia and the mandate of the Special Rapporteur. The Under-Secretary of State emphasized that Cambodia is one of the few countries that has accepted both the mandate of a country-specific Special Rapporteur and the presence of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) since 1993. He stated that this reflects Cambodia's strong commitment to openness, constructive dialogue, and technical cooperation with UN human rights mechanisms. In addition to the human rights situation, the meeting also addressed the issue of border disputes between Cambodia and Thailand. The official informed the Special Rapporteur about the situation along the Cambodia-Thailand border, including humanitarian challenges where Cambodian citizens have been displaced and prevented from returning to their homes. He welcomed the Special Rapporteur's planned visit to the affected border areas and refugee camps to gain firsthand insight into the humanitarian situation there. Mr. Thomas Andrews, the UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Cambodia, is currently on an official visit to Cambodia from July 20 to July 31, 2026. His presence is a continuation of the mandate from Mr. Vitit Muntarbhorn, who resigned as Special Rapporteur in November 2025. The purpose of Mr. Thomas Andrews' visit is to assess the human rights situation in Cambodia, including issues related to human trafficking, border disputes, freedom of expression, freedom of association and peaceful assembly, and the rights of vulnerable groups. According to the plan, the Special Rapporteur will meet with government officials, local authorities, civil society representatives, victims, survivors of abuses, and other relevant stakeholders, while also visiting Phnom Penh, Banteay Meanchey province, and Siem Reap province. Source: Kampuchea Thmey Local