Phnom penh: Cambodia has called for full respect for international law, including sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the peaceful settlement of disputes, stressing that lasting peace requires more than simply the absence of armed conflict.
According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, the call was made by H.E. Ke Sovann, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Cambodia to the United Nations Office and other international organisations in Geneva. He addressed the 63rd Session of the Human Rights Council on September 8, 2026, during the general debate on the annual report of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights.
H.E. Ke Sovann expressed Cambodia's shared concerns with the High Commissioner regarding the increasing number of armed conflicts, civilian suffering, and the diminishing respect for international human rights and humanitarian law, as well as the UN Charter. He highlighted that for Cambodia, these concerns remain immediate. Despite a ceasefire agreement reached in December 2025 between Cambodia and Thailand, over 20,000 displaced Cambodians have been unable to return home safely and with dignity.
He further noted the destruction of homes and civilian infrastructure, which has severely impacted livelihoods and education, especially affecting women and children. Cambodia is particularly worried about the ongoing unlawful activities by Thai armed forces in occupied areas within Cambodian territory, which include the installation of barbed wire and containers, construction of military and civilian infrastructure, and issuing land titles to Thai citizens before joint border demarcation.
H.E. Ke Sovann acknowledged international support for the ceasefire and humanitarian relief but insisted that peace involves more than the absence of fighting. It must also ensure the protection of civilians and facilitate their safe and dignified return home. He concluded by urging full respect for international law to end civilian suffering and achieve lasting peace.