Synopsis: Officials at the Human Rights Council ask for a fair and evidence-based assessment of Cambodia’s human rights record while calling for stronger UN engagement and practical support to address the displacement caused by the Cambodia–Thailand territorial conflict.

Cambodia has called for a fair, balanced and objective assessment of its human rights situation, urging the international community to consider verified information and national circumstances, at the 63rd session of the Human Rights Council.

Speaking in Geneva on the role and achievements of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights in assisting Cambodia, Abdoul Aziz Thioye, deputy director of the OHCHR Global Operations Division, said the organisation welcomes continued cooperation with the government of Cambodia.

He stated that the country report highlights practical support and technical assistance provided by the OHCHR Country Office in Cambodia.

“OHCHR provided legal advice and analysis, technical assistance, training and support for the implementation of recommendations from the UN Human Rights mechanism,” he said. “It also promoted consultations and dialogue between government institutions and civil society on the implementation of human rights standards through law, policies and practices.”

Technical assistance by OHCHR led to key achievements, including support for Cambodia’s First State report submitted to the Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in January, Thioye said.

The latest report, however, identifies challenges and concerns relating to the enjoyment of the right to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly.

“The report highlights arrests, detention, or legal proceedings against journalists, human rights defenders, environmental activists, trade unionists and political actors for the exercise of fundamental rights, as well as fair trial concerns, overcrowding in prison and legislation that is not fully aligned with Cambodia’s international human rights obligation,” Thioye said.

He noted that the Cambodia–Thailand border conflict resulted in large-scale displacement on both sides, adding that more than 8,000 Cambodian civilians reportedly remain displaced as of September.

Thioye urged the government to protect civic space by addressing concerns over detention for the peaceful exercise of human rights, reduce prison overcrowding through alternative measures, and continue legislative reforms aligned with international human rights law.

“Our office will continue to work with the government to support progressive realisation of economic, social and cultural rights through increased gender-sensitive investment in social protection, healthcare and education, transparency, and public participation in budget processes, and the inclusion of workers in the informal economy,” he said.

In reply, Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the UN Office at Geneva Ke Sovann said Cambodia’s approach to human rights was shaped by decades of war and division.

“For Cambodia, peace and development are closely linked to human dignity and the enjoyment of human rights,” he said, adding that preserving peace, promoting development, strengthening the rule of law and improving well-being remain national priorities.

Sovann said Cambodia is party to eight of the nine core international human rights treaties and accepted about 84% of recommendations during the latest Universal Periodic Review.

He highlighted ongoing judicial reforms, including reviews of the Criminal Code and Code of Criminal Procedure, alongside measures to strengthen legal aid and improve access to justice.

Cambodia also reaffirmed its cooperation with the UN human rights system, noting it was the first country in Asia to host an OHCHR country office.

“For more than three decades, we have maintained dialogue with the Office and welcomed its technical assistance and capacity-building,” Sovann said.

Addressing concerns raised in the report, the ambassador called for assessments based on verified information that account for national context.

On civic space, he said freedom of expression, association and peaceful assembly are protected by the Constitution, while media outlets and civil society organisations continue to operate.

He added that legal proceedings should be assessed on a case-by-case basis under due process, rather than deemed arbitrary simply because those involved are political actors, activists or journalists.

Turning to the border conflict, Sovann said some recommendations placed sole responsibility on Cambodia for outcomes requiring bilateral cooperation.

“Cambodia supports the safe, voluntary and dignified return of more than 20,000 persons displaced by the Cambodia–Thailand border conflict,” he said. “However, their return depends on conditions on the ground and the cooperation of all parties concerned.”

He called on the UN to play a more proactive role and engage with all parties to address displacement in accordance with international law.

The ambassador stressed that human trafficking and online scams are transnational crimes requiring regional action, outlining domestic enforcement efforts and victim protection measures.

Sovann requested practical assistance for judicial reforms, capacity-building and humanitarian support for affected communities, including shelter, health and education.

“Cambodia remains committed to constructive cooperation with OHCHR,” he said, calling for a partnership based on mutual respect, verified information and recognition of progress.

Farina So, principal director of the Documentation Center of Cambodia, said reports by UN experts reflect their responsibilities, but urged international bodies to move beyond assigning single-party blame.

“Instead, there is an urgent need to accelerate efforts to address pressing humanitarian concerns – especially for displaced persons, including Khmer Rouge genocide survivors and their children, who continue to reside in temporary villages following actions by the Thai military,” Farina said.

She noted that the Thai government previously pledged to resolve the Joint Boundary Commission issue following cabinet formation in the first quarter, but later altered its stance, delaying a settlement and preventing displaced residents from returning home.

“To achieve meaningful progress, it will be essential to renew attention to humanitarian assistance and encourage all parties to honour their diplomatic commitments,” she added.