Cambodia Assures UN Rights Envoy: Free Speech Protected Within Legal Bounds

PHNOM PENH, July 22, 2026 (KPT) – Cambodian Senate President Samdech Techo Hun Sen told the United Nations’ new human rights envoy Wednesday that freedom of expression is protected in Cambodia but must be exercised within the framework of the Constitution and national laws. Samdech Techo met Thomas Andrews, the newly appointed UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Cambodia, at the Peace Palace in Phnom Penh for their first official talks. The meeting covered human rights, freedom of expression and the humanitarian situation along the Cambodia–Thailand border. Senate spokesperson Chea Thyrith said Samdech Techo Hun Sen congratulated Andrews on his appointment and expressed hope the envoy’s visit would provide an objective assessment of Cambodia’s human rights and democratic development based on conditions on the ground. Andrews thanked Samdech Techo Hun Sen for receiving him, describing the meeting as a sign of Cambodia’s willingness to engage with the United Nations. He noted that during his previous role as UN Special Rapporteur on Myanmar, he had not been granted access to senior leadership. The envoy praised Cambodia for ratifying international human rights treaties and said he intended to visit communities affected by border tensions to gain firsthand understanding of the humanitarian impact. Samdech Techo responded that rights to life, peace and stability form the foundation of all other freedoms. He said Cambodia welcomed constructive criticism but insisted all rights must be exercised within the law. He added that no country has a flawless human rights record and every nation faces challenges requiring improvement. Samdech Techo Hun Sen welcomed Andrews’ planned border visit, saying it would allow him to witness the impact on displaced civilians, and expressed hope for continued cooperation with the UN to promote human rights and democratic development.