(Geneva): Cambodia called for stronger protection of migrant workers, citing reports of xenophobia, hate speech, discrimination, and violence against Cambodian nationals amid recent border tensions with Thailand.

Addressing the 62nd Session of the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC), Cambodia’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations Office in Geneva, Ke Sovann, underscored that states must uphold their human rights obligations toward all migrants.

“Cambodia supports the Special Rapporteur’s call for States to uphold their human rights obligations towards all migrants and prevent discrimination, violence, and other abuses,” Ambassador Sovann said.

He noted that the Special Rapporteur’s findings were particularly relevant given recent Cambodia–Thailand border tensions, during which Cambodian migrant workers reportedly faced xenophobia, hate speech, discriminatory treatment, and violence.

“Migrant workers play a vital role in advancing the social and economic development of both countries of origin and host countries through their labour, skills, and remittances, underscoring the importance of ensuring their protection, dignity, and well-being, and access to essential services, including healthcare, at all times,” he underlined.

“Migrant workers should never be targeted, threatened, or discriminated against on the basis of their nationality, nor become victims of political tensions or interstate conflicts,” he said.

Cambodia called upon host countries to take all necessary measures to protect migrant workers and to uphold their obligations under international human rights law, including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and other relevant international instruments, particularly during periods of tension and conflict.

Concluding his remarks, Ambassador Sovann asked the Special Rapporteur what additional measures could be recommended to better protect migrant workers affected by cross-border tensions and interstate conflicts.
=FRESH NEWS