CHRC condemns Thai border aggression, rights violations

CHRC condemns Thai border aggression, rights violations

The Phnom Penh Post | The Cambodian Human Rights Committee (CHRC) has issued a strong condemnation of what it described as “acts of aggression” and “serious human rights violations” by the Thai military.

In an official statement released today, July 25, it referred to the current actions of the Thais as a direct threat to Cambodia’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and fundamental human rights.

The CHRC accused Thailand of launching airstrikes using F-16 fighter jets that caused the destruction of parts of the UNESCO-listed Preah Vihear Temple, as well as Cambodian pagodas.

The committee called these attacks “a blatant breach of international and regional laws and universally accepted human rights standards”.

“These unlawful and hostile actions have severely undermined Cambodia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as the fundamental rights of the Cambodian people,” said the statement.

It added that thousands of civilians along the border have been displaced and had their livelihoods destroyed.

The statement further criticised Thailand’s treatment of Cambodian migrant workers residing and working in Thailand, citing reports of racial discrimination, physical assaults, threats and other forms of violence.

Such actions, it said, violate the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (ICERD), to which Thailand is a state party.

“These acts create a climate of fear and violate the right to life and security under the Universal Declaration of Human Rights,” the CHRC warned.

The Committee also reiterated the words of Prime Minister Hun Manet, noting that he has “called for Cambodian citizens to uphold morality, dignity and discipline, and to refrain from any acts of discrimination or actions that may affect the Thai Embassy in Cambodia, Thai companies or Thai nationals residing in the Kingdom of Cambodia”.

While reiterating Cambodia’s commitment to resolving disputes peacefully, the CHRC urged the Thai government to “immediately cease all actions that infringe upon Cambodia’s sovereignty” and adhere to its obligations under international law.

The Committee concluded by calling for diplomatic dialogue and legal mechanisms to resolve the crisis “in accordance with the rule of law and mutual respect”.