UN urges Cambodia to strengthen human rights protections

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United Nations Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Cambodia, Thomas Andrews

 

United Nations Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Cambodia, Thomas Andrews, has called on the Cambodian government to strengthen its protection of fundamental freedoms, saying the Kingdom faces a series of human rights challenges linked to the border conflict with Thailand, transnational cyber scams and upcoming national elections.

Speaking at the conclusion of his first official mission to Cambodia at a press conference in Phnom Penh today, Andrews said recent crises also present an opportunity for the government to demonstrate its commitment to human rights through concrete action.

“My first mission to Cambodia has left me with deep concerns: for displaced people along the border with Thailand, for those who have been trafficked, and for those who are behind bars having exercised basic freedoms,” Andrews said in a statement released on July 31.

He said he had received information indicating that more than 100 people may currently be detained in Cambodia for exercising their rights to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly or association.

“No one should be behind bars for exercising their fundamental human rights,” he said, adding that he had raised concerns over the detainees’ cases and conditions with government officials and received assurances that authorities would continue engaging with his office as the cases are reviewed.

Ahead of Cambodia’s 2027 commune elections and 2028 general election, Andrews urged authorities to expand civic space and ensure the rights of political opposition groups are respected.

During his mission, the Special Rapporteur visited four prisons, where he met detained activists, journalists and opposition members.

He also travelled to Cambodia’s border with Thailand, where he visited relocation sites housing civilians displaced by the recent armed conflict. Andrews said many residents remained unable to return to their homes in towns and villages affected by the fighting.

“It is a matter of international law that those displaced by armed conflict have the right to return to their homes,” he said. “It is imperative that Thailand and Cambodia work together to expedite the return of displaced civilians. They need, and deserve, to go home.”

Addressing Cambodia’s ongoing cyber scam crisis, Andrews acknowledged the government’s intensified operations against criminal networks over the past year. However, he expressed concern over what he described as a lack of accountability for senior Cambodian officials allegedly implicated in scam operations, as well as the treatment and protection of trafficking victims rescued from scam compounds.

The UN expert also said he was committed to working with the Cambodian government to implement recommendations accepted during the country’s latest Universal Periodic Review.

Among the areas identified for future cooperation were reforming laws to better align with international human rights standards, establishing a national human rights institution and advancing legal marriage equality.

Despite his concerns, Andrews said his visit also gave him optimism about Cambodia’s future.

“My first mission left me with hope for Cambodia’s future, a hope fuelled by my engagements with human rights defenders, journalists, principled political leaders and Cambodian people who are committed to human rights,” he said.

Andrews thanked Cambodian authorities for granting him unrestricted access to prisons and border areas during his official visit and said he looked forward to continuing cooperation with the government as he carries out his mandate.

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