Border Conflict
• 2 hours ago• Lim_Rothanaksambath
UN Special Rapporteur Agrees With Samdech Hun Sen on Using International Law to Resolve Border Dispute
PHNOM PENH, July 31, 2026 — United Nations Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Cambodia Thomas Andrews said he agrees with Senate President Hun Sen that international law should serve as the foundation for resolving the Cambodia–Thailand border dispute.
In his end-of-mission statement following a two-week visit to Cambodia, Andrews said he traveled to the border to assess the humanitarian impact of the conflict, where he met displaced families, visited relocation sites, and observed damage caused by the fighting.
Referring to his discussions with Cambodian leaders, Andrews said: "Senate President Hun Sen and many other officials emphasized to me the importance of relying on international law to resolve the crisis. I agree."
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The UN expert noted that international law guarantees civilians displaced by armed conflict the right to return to their homes. He also pointed to the December 27, 2025 ceasefire agreement between Cambodia and Thailand, which provides for the safe and unhindered return of displaced civilians.
Andrews called on both countries to work together to expedite the return of displaced communities and to resolve the border dispute peacefully in accordance with international law.
While endorsing the use of international law in addressing the border conflict, Andrews also said the same principle should apply to domestic human rights issues. He urged Cambodia to continue aligning its laws and practices with international human rights standards as part of ongoing cooperation with the United Nations.
Reported by The Khmer Daily Network
In his end-of-mission statement following a two-week visit to Cambodia, Andrews said he traveled to the border to assess the humanitarian impact of the conflict, where he met displaced families, visited relocation sites, and observed damage caused by the fighting.
Referring to his discussions with Cambodian leaders, Andrews said: "Senate President Hun Sen and many other officials emphasized to me the importance of relying on international law to resolve the crisis. I agree."
Images-Content-0982The UN expert noted that international law guarantees civilians displaced by armed conflict the right to return to their homes. He also pointed to the December 27, 2025 ceasefire agreement between Cambodia and Thailand, which provides for the safe and unhindered return of displaced civilians.
Andrews called on both countries to work together to expedite the return of displaced communities and to resolve the border dispute peacefully in accordance with international law.
While endorsing the use of international law in addressing the border conflict, Andrews also said the same principle should apply to domestic human rights issues. He urged Cambodia to continue aligning its laws and practices with international human rights standards as part of ongoing cooperation with the United Nations.
Reported by The Khmer Daily Network