Special Rapporteur on the Situation of Human Rights in Cambodia Pledges Constructive Cooperation with the Royal Government

Special Rapporteur on the Situation of Human Rights in Cambodia Pledges Constructive Cooperation with the Royal Government

On the morning of July 30, 2026, Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei HUN Manet, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia, received a courtesy call from Mr. Thomas Andrews, Special Rapporteur on the Situation of Human Rights in Cambodia, at the Peace Palace.

During the meeting, Mr. Thomas Andrews expressed his sincere appreciation to the Royal Government and its relevant ministries and institutions for their open and mutual cooperation. He informed Samdech Thipadei that during his mission, he held discussions with senior government officials, ministerial representatives, and civil society organisations. He also visited temporary shelters for people displaced by the Cambodia–Thailand border conflict, highly valuing the Royal Government’s strong commitment to rescuing and assisting those who have not yet been able to return home. Furthermore, he commended Cambodia for acceding to eight of the nine core human rights treaties and reaffirmed his commitment to cooperating with the nation in a constructive manner, grounded in national and international law.

In response, Samdech Thipadei congratulated Mr. Thomas Andrews on his appointment as Special Rapporteur and emphasised that the Royal Government values partners who engage in constructive and equitable cooperation. Samdech Thipadei highlighted the government’s steadfast commitment to promoting and protecting human rights and fundamental freedoms in accordance with national laws and relevant international instruments, particularly through expanding access to healthcare and education.
At the same time, Samdech Thipadei underscored that the exercise of rights and freedoms must be carried out responsibly and within the bounds of the law. He stressed that, regardless of whether a country is large or small, law enforcement and the protection of human rights must be carried out in accordance with the law, noting that every nation has its own unique characteristics. Furthermore, Samdech Thipadei encouraged the Special Rapporteur to continue working closely with relevant ministries and urged that future reports be prepared using comprehensive information gathered from all relevant stakeholders, ultimately contributing to the effective promotion and protection of human rights in Cambodia.

Before concluding the meeting, Samdech Thipadei briefed Mr. Thomas Andrews on the development of the border situation, reaffirming Cambodia’s commitment to resolving the issue peacefully in accordance with international law and the existing conventions, treaties, and agreements between Cambodia and Thailand.

SP-STPM Unofficial Translation