(Phnom Penh): Thomas Andrews, United Nations Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Cambodia, acknowledged Cambodia’s cooperation and commitment to the promotion and protection of human rights following his first official mission to the country, according to a press release seen by Fresh News on Tuesday (Jul. 4).

The remarks came during his meeting with Eat Sophea, Permanent Secretary of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, on 31 July 2026.

During the meeting, Andrews expressed his sincere appreciation to the Royal Government of Cambodia for its full cooperation and facilitation of his mission from 20 to 31 July 2026, which enabled him to meet with Cambodian leaders and a wide range of stakeholders, undertook field visits to Siem Reap and Banteay Meanchey provinces, and visited detention centres.

He also observed the situation of the displaced border communities and expressed hope for a swift resolution that would enable their safe and dignified return to their homes and livelihoods, in accordance with international humanitarian law, international human rights law, and the ceasefire agreement between Cambodia and Thailand.

While encouraging continued progress in addressing remaining challenges, the special rapporteur acknowledged Cambodia’s cooperation and commitment to the promotion and protection of human rights. He noted that Cambodia has ratified eight of the nine core international human rights treaties and has accepted approximately 84 per cent of the recommendations made under the Universal Periodic Review (UPR).

Andrews also reaffirmed the readiness of the Human Rights Council to continue providing technical assistance in support of Cambodia’s implementation of these recommendations.

For her part, Eat Sophea expressed appreciation for the comprehensive and balanced approach adopted by the special rapporteur in assessing the human rights situation in Cambodia, including through his visit to the displaced border communities.

Both sides reaffirmed their shared commitment to maintaining an open and constructive dialogue, strengthening technical cooperation, and continuing to work together to advance the promotion and protection of human rights in Cambodia.
=FRESH NEWS