(Phnom Penh): Keo Remy, Senior Minister and President of the Cambodian Human Rights Committee (CHRC), met with Canadian Ambassador Christian Des Roches on Tuesday (Aug. 18) to brief him on Thailand’s serious violations of international law and human rights committed along the Cambodia-Thailand border.

During the meeting, Keo Remy highlighted key concerns, including discrimination and violence against Cambodian migrant workers, the brutal gang rape of a Cambodian female migrant worker by Thai military personnel, and indiscriminate attacks on Cambodian territory involving heavy weaponry and fighter jets.

He said the attacks caused extensive damage to civilian property, structural damage to Preah Vihear Temple, and the displacement of more than 640,000 people from affected border communities.

Keo Remy further noted that nearly 20,000 displaced Cambodians remain unable to return home despite the 27 December 2025 ceasefire agreement. He attributed the situation to the continued presence of Thai military forces, the installation of barbed wire and shipping container barriers, and the destruction of homes in border areas.

Beyond the border situation, the two sides exchanged views on broader human rights issues, including LGBTQ+ rights, prison conditions, and human rights protection mechanisms in Cambodia.

Ambassador Des Roches acknowledged Cambodia's progress in several areas while also raising concerns over online scam operations, freedom of expression, and press freedom.

Both sides concluded the meeting by reaffirming their commitment to continued dialogue and cooperation, while also discussing opportunities to strengthen bilateral ties and attract greater Canadian investment to Cambodia.
=FRESH NEWS