Geneva, 2 October 2026 — During the 63rd session of the Human Rights Council

Geneva, 2 October 2026 — During the 63rd session of the Human Rights Council, His Excellency Ke Sovann, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of the Kingdom of Cambodia to the United Nations Office at Geneva, delivered Cambodia’s statement under Agenda Item 10: Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Cambodia.

In his statement, Ambassador Ke Sovann took note of the Special Rapporteur’s report and appreciated his constructive engagement during his first official visit to Cambodia. He also reaffirmed Cambodia’s commitment to open dialogue, continued cooperation and a balanced assessment of human-rights challenges and progress.

Cambodia is particularly thankful for the Special Rapporteur’s attention towards the human-rights consequences of the Cambodia–Thailand border conflict. More than 20,000 Cambodians remain unable to return to their homes in Cambodian territory due to the continued presence of Thai armed forces.

Cambodia supported the Special Rapporteur’s call for the safe and dignified return of displaced civilians under international law and called for the full and good-faith implementation of the 27 December 2025 Joint Statement.

On online scams, Cambodia stressed that this transnational crime requires collective action and international cooperation. Cambodia highlighted its strengthened law-enforcement measures and the International Conference on Combating Online Scams, hosted in Phnom Penh on 23–24 September 2026, which adopted the Phnom Penh Declaration to strengthen international cooperation, disrupt transnational criminal networks and protect victims.

Cambodia also reaffirmed its commitment to civil society, political participation, pluralism and liberal multi-party democracy, as well as to strengthening the protection and inclusion of women, children, persons with disabilities, LGBTQ+ persons and indigenous communities.

Responding to Thailand’s statement, Cambodia rejected what it described as false and misleading information. Cambodia reiterated that the currently displaced Cambodians were forced to flee their homes in Cambodian territory due to attacks by Thai armed forces in 2025 and maintained that current Thai armed forces’ activities in areas of Cambodian territory violate the UN Charter, international law and bilateral agreements. 

The entire statement of Ambassador KE Sovann is attached.