(Phnom Penh): Thomas Andrews, United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Situation of Human Rights in Cambodia, praised the Royal Government of Cambodia for its attention and support provided to displaced people affected by the Cambodia-Thailand border conflict.

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet received Thomas Andrews for a courtesy call and working discussion at the Peace Palace on Thursday morning (Jul. 30).

During the meeting, Thomas Andrews expressed his appreciation to the Royal Government and relevant ministries and institutions for providing open and constructive cooperation during his mission.

He informed the prime minister that during his visit to Cambodia, he had held discussions with senior officials, representatives of ministries and institutions, and civil society organisations and had visited camps housing displaced people affected by the Cambodia-Thailand border conflict.

The UN human rights expert highly valued the Royal Government’s efforts in providing assistance, protection, and support to displaced people who have been unable to return to their homes due to the border conflict.

In addition, he commended Cambodia for accepting eight out of nine major international human rights instruments. He also reaffirmed his commitment and readiness to cooperate with Cambodia in a constructive manner based on national and international laws.

For his part, Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet congratulated Thomas Andrews on his appointment as the UN Special Rapporteur on the Situation of Human Rights in Cambodia and emphasised that the Royal Government welcomes cooperation based on a constructive and fair approach.

He highlighted the government’s commitment to promoting human rights and fundamental freedoms in accordance with national laws and international human rights instruments, particularly by improving people’s access to healthcare and education services.

On the occasion, Samdech Thipadei underlined that the exercise of rights and freedoms must be carried out responsibly and within the limits of the law. He further noted that regardless of whether a country is small or large, the implementation of laws and the promotion of human rights must be based on legal principles, while each country has its own unique circumstances and characteristics.

Samdech Thipadei also encouraged the UN Special Rapporteur to continue working closely with relevant ministries and institutions and urged that future reports be prepared based on comprehensive information from all relevant stakeholders, contributing to further improvement in the implementation and promotion of human rights in Cambodia.

In conclusion, the prime minister also briefed the UN Special Rapporteur on latest developments regarding the Cambodia-Thailand border situation and reaffirmed Cambodia’s commitment and position to resolve the issue peacefully, based on international law and in accordance with existing conventions, treaties, and agreements between Cambodia and Thailand.
=FRESH NEWS