Geneva: H.E. Ambassador Dara In, Permanent Representative of Cambodia to the United Nations in Geneva, met with H.E. Volker Trk, United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, in Geneva to provide an update on the ongoing Cambodia-Thailand armed conflict along the border.
According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, the Ambassador conveyed that the border situation remains tense, marked by continued Thai incursions, coercive actions against civilians, encircled villages, destruction of civilian property, and the non-repatriation of 18 Cambodian soldiers despite prior assurances.
The Ambassador reaffirmed that Thailand's allegation regarding a recent landmine incident relates to legacy landmines from past conflicts. He emphasized Cambodia's commitment to a mine-free world and suggested that the allegation is being used as a pretext to suspend peace arrangements and resume aggression.
H.E. Dara In briefed the High Commissioner on violations of human rights and humanitarian law by Thai armed forces, including firing on unarmed Cambodian civilians, resulting in a fatality and injuries, as well as the assault of a Cambodian migrant worker by Thai soldiers. He requested that the OHCHR investigate these incidents.
The Ambassador also expressed concern over the inaction of Professor Vitit Muntarbhorn, Special Rapporteur on human rights in Cambodia. He stressed that the Special Rapporteur's mandate includes violations connected to the armed conflict and indicated that Cambodia would take action if there is continued inaction.