Phnom penh: The Cambodian Human Rights Committee (CHRC) and the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) in Cambodia have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation on human rights following a meeting between CHRC President H.E. Keo Remy and OHCHR Country Representative Ms. Matilda Bogner. The meeting took place on July 7 in Phnom Penh.
According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, H.E. Keo Remy expressed gratitude to OHCHR for its ongoing constructive cooperation. He highlighted Cambodia's co-sponsorship with France of a draft resolution advocating for the universal decriminalisation of homosexuality, which is slated for consideration during the 62nd session of the UN Human Rights Council.
The CHRC president also addressed Cambodia's concerns regarding alleged human rights and international humanitarian law violations related to the Cambodia-Thailand border situation. These concerns include reports of discrimination and violence against Cambodian migrant workers in Thailand, an alleged sexual assault against a Cambodian migrant worker by Thai soldiers, and indiscriminate attacks involving heavy weaponry. The attacks reportedly caused damage to the UNESCO-listed Preah Vihear Temple and displaced over 640,000 people. Additional issues raised included the destruction of civilian homes and the construction of infrastructure in unlawfully occupied areas, theft of property by Thai soldiers, and the ongoing displacement of over 20,000 people despite a ceasefire agreement on December 27, 2025.
Ms. Bogner expressed appreciation for Cambodia's efforts to promote and protect LGBTQ+ rights and its consideration of ratifying the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which seeks to abolish the death penalty. She also noted that OHCHR has been monitoring the border situation closely, conducting field visits to meet displaced Cambodian families and assess their living conditions.
The meeting concluded with both parties reaffirming their commitment to continued cooperation on human rights, with H.E. Keo Remy expressing appreciation for OHCHR's attention to and support of displaced Cambodians affected by the border situation.