AKP Phnom Penh, October 9, 2026 --

Cambodia has called for the safe and dignified return of more than 20,000 displaced Cambodian citizens to their homes without obstruction, in accordance with international law, while reaffirming its commitment to human rights and international cooperation at the 63rd session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (HRC) in Geneva.

According to a press release issued by the Permanent Mission of Cambodia to the United Nations and other International Organisations in Geneva on Oct. 8, Cambodia actively participated in the HRC session, held from Sept. 7 to Oct. 7, delivering 20 statements covering a wide range of human rights issues.

During an interactive dialogue with Mr. Thomas Andrews, Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Cambodia, on Oct. 2, Cambodia reaffirmed its commitment to constructive engagement and continued cooperation with the mandate, while underscoring the importance of a fair and balanced assessment of the country's human rights progress and challenges.

Cambodia particularly welcomed the Special Rapporteur's attention to the urgent humanitarian and human rights consequences of the Cambodia-Thailand border conflict. It called for the full and good-faith implementation of the Dec. 27, 2025 Joint Statement in its entirety and expressed support for the Special Rapporteur's appeal for both countries to facilitate the return of displaced civilians.

Cambodia also called on the United Nations to play a more proactive and constructive role in engaging all parties concerned to address the issue and ensure displaced Cambodians can return home safely and with dignity in accordance with international law.

On combating online scams, Cambodia emphasised the need for collective action and close international cooperation, highlighting strengthened law enforcement efforts and the Phnom Penh Declaration, adopted at the International Conference on Combating Online Scams held in Cambodia on Sept. 23-24. The declaration commits participating parties to disrupting transnational criminal networks, protecting victims and strengthening international cooperation.

During the presentation of the UN Secretary-General's report on the role and achievements of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) in assisting Cambodia on Oct. 2, Cambodia reaffirmed its longstanding cooperation with the office. It stressed that the country's approach to human rights is shaped by its experience of war and division, with peace, stability, development, the rule of law and improved economic well-being remaining national priorities.

Cambodia also highlighted its engagement with the international human rights system, including adherence to eight of the nine core international human rights treaties, participation in all four cycles of the Universal Periodic Review, ongoing legal and judicial reforms, and more than three decades of cooperation with OHCHR through technical assistance and capacity-building.

On civic space and the rule of law, Cambodia stressed that fundamental freedoms are constitutionally protected and that individual cases should be assessed based on specific facts, applicable law and due process. It also called for human rights assessments to be grounded in verified information, objectivity and national circumstances.

Throughout the session, Cambodia joined ASEAN Member States and other regional and international partners in promoting multilateral cooperation on issues including technical assistance and capacity-building, racial discrimination, access to safe drinking water, equal pay, terrorism and human rights, climate-related impacts, and the right to the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health.

The Permanent Mission said Cambodia's participation in the 63rd HRC session reflected its continued commitment to constructive dialogue, multilateral cooperation and engagement with UN human rights mechanisms. Cambodia reaffirmed its readiness to work with the Human Rights Council, OHCHR, Special Rapporteurs and international partners to advance peace, sustainable development, and the promotion and protection of human rights for all.

By C. Nika