Cambodia Reaffirms Rule of Law at UN Rights Dialogue

GENEVA, Sept 15, 2026 (KPT) — Cambodia’s Permanent Mission to United Nations has reaffirmed its commitment to the rule of law and the proper administration of justice during a United Nations human rights dialogue in Geneva, officials said Tuesday. Chhuon Pagna, First Secretary of Cambodia’s Permanent Mission, delivered the country’s statement in an interactive dialogue with the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention under Agenda Item 3 of the Human Rights Council. She said arrests, detentions and prosecutions in Cambodia were carried out in accordance with the Constitution and relevant laws, with safeguards including the presumption of innocence and the right to appeal. Chhuon added that cooperation with other countries on criminal matters was conducted through established legal frameworks, in line with domestic law, international agreements and due process. The Working Group on Arbitrary Detention, created in 1991 by the former UN Commission on Human Rights, is mandated to investigate cases where people may have been deprived of liberty arbitrarily or in ways inconsistent with international standards. Agenda Item 3 covers the promotion and protection of all human rights — civil, political, economic, social and cultural. The interactive dialogue allows Council members and observer states to respond to presentations by UN special‑procedure mandate holders. Cambodia was among the states listed to participate in the 63rd‑session dialogue, with its intervention highlighting the country’s stated commitment to legal safeguards and judicial cooperation. Officials said the statement reflected Cambodia’s broader pledge to uphold international obligations while strengthening domestic legal institutions.